Brief comment on this morning's General Audience and the Holy Father's thanking us for our prayers.in previous difficult times.

His thanks were indeed heartfelt and very moving, but I sense they enshrined a warning that another difficult time will shortly be upon him, and therefore on us. I do not think an announcement about the SPPX is far in the distance. It may come before the next Audience. He has warned us and we must be ready to pray for him and defend him with every means at our disposal.

Anyway they'll all show their true colours or keep quiet when the announcement comes. I'll be keeping quiet and lovingly obedient to 'Peter's' request, will continue to pray intensely and incessantly for him

God bless our Pope.

The Mass that opened my eyes and blinded them with tears: 1979. (Life under 6 Popes continued)

By 1979 I had become accustomed to the new Mass in English. That is not to say that I liked it or was comfortable with it. But I was obedient. I remember wondering why  'they' had to waste all that money on a new translation when they could have just used the translation of the Latin Mass as it appeared in every Missal.
The answer is of course that 'they' wanted not only to change the Language, but as far as possible its very meaning by other subtle omissions and adjustments..

In the Spring of that year I was following a correspondence course with Our Lady's Catechists (do they still exist?) Before I sent in any of my work I submitted it to Fr Foley in Bovey Tracey. He found no fault with my answers. More importantly he found no fault with the questions or with the course itself. In the summer I decided to go on a week's catechetical course I had seen advertised in one of the Catholic papers, thinking that it would reflect the OLC syllabus that I was already following and that it would give me the support of like minded fellow students.

So off I went at the end of the secular school year to Marie Assumpta Centre in Kensington.
I did not know that the place was not at all the same as it had been when I myself had been trained as a teacher in Winchester.. One still relied on stability in those days. As I walked down from High St. Ken.  to the first 'meet and greet' session, I had absolutely no idea that this kind of certainty was about to be plucked from my heart and soul.. .

In this first session I encountered a group of young women surrounding a personable youngish man, I'd guess he was late thirties. It turned out he was an American priest and that he would be conducting the course. He insisted on being called Father Jim..

After a while, we moved to the place where the opening Mass would be celebrated. There was I believe a perfectly respectable chapel which would have been large enough for the gathered assembly, but the organisiers had chosen to have the Mass in what I assumed was the original College assembly hall, but not from the stage  but 'in the round' on the floor of the auditorium.

The Mass began (Fr Jim celebrating)

We reached the Gospel safely enough. But then as the priest read it, a pair of religious sisters took the floor in front of him and presented a dance drama to illustrate the building of a house upon the sand..That was bad enough but then came the 'homily'.

It consisted of Fr Jim's telling us about the conversion of the Belgian Cardinal Mercier. Apparently as a fairly disreputable youth Mercier was passing a church with a 'buddy', who challenged him to go into the chuch, kneel before the altar and say, 'You are Christ, and I don't give a damn.' Mercier took up the challenge but when he came to the point in front of the tabernacle, he just could not utter the words he had promised in the 'dare'. He was converted.

.Now, you may say what you like about the unsuitability of this tale for a homily  on the particular Gospel text, or about the language used by Fr Jim. Worse was to come. Just before the Communion of the faithful when he should have held up the host and said the prescribed words in the missal, this priest held up Our Lord and said to Him, 'You are Christ and WE do give a damn.'

The shock was so great that I stopped thinking. It was as if I'd been knocked into semi-conscioussness.
Communion was then distributed but not by the priest. He handed the full ciborium to the first person to his left and to the second, the chalice containing the Precious.Blood, gesturing that both should be passed from hand to hand round the entire circle.  I was on the far side, facing the priest. I could not possibly get out without drawing attention to myself by breaking the circle and walking round it and behind the priest to the exit. Truly I have no memory of what happened next but I must have got out of it. I remember walking back to High St. Ken. tube station and that was all until I reached Sloane Square and found myself in The Fox and Hounds pub (our local). Shortly afterward Michael  came in, that is the Choir Master mentioned in previous post and with whom I was staying.  It was early and the pub wasn't busy. Had it been heaving with people I don't thin it would have made any difference. When I saw him I burst into incontrollable sobs of delayed shock...It was some time before I could explain at all coherently what had happened and why I was in such a state. (I had never behaved in such a way in public before, either in in his presence or out of it.

At the end of the week I went back to Devon a changed woman.

To be continued

........

Two more plugs for the Gardening booklet

At top of right hand sidebar, Mac has placed a pic of the cover and organised things so that by clicking it you can get directly to order it at CTS site. (Thanks a lot Mac!) And in left hand sidebar at CTS Catholic Compass they have published a short piece they asked me to write about the booklet.

A Life under 6 Popes: Protected from knowledge of what was going on 1968-79

In 1966  I met the choirmaster of the local Catholic church, that was the parish next to my own in Chelsea.. He persuaded me to join the group. It was a world on its own although I didn't realise how atypical it was at the time. The main Sunday Mass was celebrated according to the new Rite in Latin (even before this was officially introduced).. This meant that all or most of the traditional repertoire could be retained. The church had an unbroken tradition of Gregorian Chant and Polyphony going back to the year dot. The choir managed to survive because there were enough dedicated  and experienced singers. I left in 1971 when I married for the first time. (I was sorry to leave. Little did I know that I would return in 1980 and spend 13 years helping to save the chor and cement its future.)  

During the intervening period two things happened which should have alerted me to the state of the Church at large. The first was the obvious storm created by the promulgation of Pope Paul VI's Encyclical 'Humanae Vitae'. In spite of this I didn't realise that the dissenters would go underground and actually  be encouraged by some priests (possibly for the sake of a quiet life, rather than conviction,) having decided they were free to conduct their lives as they pleased regardless of what the Pope had said. The second thing, which affected me personally took place during the preparation for marriage  at he church described above. We had one meeting with the priest, a curate, not the PP.  Having elicited the promise that any children of our union would be brought up as catholics, and having established that the paperwork was in order, he indicated that the meeting was concluded. I panicked because I did not think that everything had been covered.  Divorce for instance. Shouldn't the rules about that be explained.  The priest replied, 'What do you want to discuss that for. You are not even married yet.' Well I had tried. but I felt that my intended spouse was less than properly prepared. As it turned out, and unknown to me, he had no intention of having children, leave alone bringing them up as catholics. But that's another story. ( See posts about the eventual annulment. Consult blog archive.)  I don't know how many other couples were so poorly prepared by this priest but it's nightmarish to think about it now.

After the wedding, off I went to the depths of remotest Devon, Here again I was spoiled. The nearest priest was at Bovey Tracey, where he had refused to reorder his church for Mass facing the people, claiming rightly that there wasn't the space. I remember many conversations with him but one sticks in my mind particularly. I had said to him how distressing I found the growing habit of communion in the hand. He said 'Don't worry. You will live to see that abuse reversed. Probably I will not.' He was nearly 80 then and ended his days with the Dominicans at St Mary Church Torquay, where thank God he was allowed to offer his daily TLM.

Thus I came through the worst post-conciliar years without really knowing what was going on.
Came the 'year of three Popes' and we had a guest while the funeral of Pope Paul VI unfolded and then the election and coronation of Pope John Paul I... The guest was the choir master mentioned at the opening of this post. It was a turning point in many ways. Not the least because they were the first Papal ceremonies I had ever seen on TV.

The following year I was finally to grow up, and flee in tears from of a most abusive Mass at the Marie Assumpta Centre in Kensington, London. I had gone there for a Catechetics course. When I describe this Mass next time, I think you'll understand the tears, and above all the reason why I could not get out of there fast enough.

It did not occur to me at any point to blame any of the Popes for the blasphemy I was forced to witness,. and it  still does not.

Emergency: One of my neighbour's cats is giving birth to her kittens outside my Study door.

Normal posting will resume as soon as posssible!

A 'holy old boy' and 'a hornet's nest' (A life under 6 Popes continued)

'This holy old boy doesn't realise what a hornet's nest he is stirring up.'

If Pope Paul indeed made this remark to a friend when his predecessor called the Second Vatican Council, he obviously thought he knew far more about the current factions in the Church than did 'good Pope John'.  By the time he found himself presiding over the continuing Council the nest of hornets was abuzz. But that is to run ahead..............

***********************************

For four years my father's opposition prevented my being received into the Church.. Originally he had sworn to make me wait until the age of majority at 21. To this day I do not know why he gave in when I was 19. I was finally received  in July 1962. Three months later the Vatican Council began. I was half way through Teacher Training at an Anglican college. That was because in 1960 no Catholic College could accept me, and in any case my father would definitely not have allowed it. Ironically, for the rest of my student days I was protected as a Catholic by my former Anglicanism. At a Catholic Institution I would have been exposed to 'the changes' and their 'justification'. I did not have to cope with that challenge. At parish level there was little change to start with, either at home or at the church nearest to college in Winchester... I am grateful that these early years enabled me to settle in, without distraction, to the Faith I had embraced.

The first changes were not liturgical as I remember them.. In 1963 I attended the Easter Vigil at my home parish with the gift that Sister Agnes had given me for my Reception - The Saint Andrew Daily Missal.. The vigil was followed according to that Missal of 1962. It rained when we were outside around the brazier. The relevant pages are permanently crinkled with the effects of that Easter rain..

In the autumn of 1964 I took up my first teaching post in a Catholic primary school run by the Daughters of Charity. During the first term came the day when the world was to see the white 'cornette' for the last time. Staff were warned that the next day the Sisters would appear in their new garb. I can't remember whether the children were similarly warned. I do remember we were asked for our charity and discretion..

As it happened all went off without incident. Nobody, child, sister or lay staff member threw a wobbly and the matter was not discussed in the staff room.  It was done. The erstwhile and elegant distinctive habit  of St Vincent's daughters had passed into history. I knew why the new habit was thought sensible. I could not argue with any of the reasons for getting rid of the cornette. But all the same  I still mourn its loss, particularly when I see many DCs do not now wear a habit at all.

By 1966 Pope John was dead and buried; Pope Paul was in charge; the Council concluded . .
Then came the 1970s.........................

To be continued.

My CTS booklet: a few more particulars as promised

Table of Contents

Scriptural background: from Genesis to Revelation
Gardening in the history of European Christendom
Medieval Monastic Gardens
Modern Prayer Gardens
Basic Garden tasks and Prayer
Intercessions
The Divine Office
My Garden and the Liturgy
How to choose plants
Note on Houseplants
An Epilogue of Roses

My new CTS booklet now available for pre-order at their Catholic Compass site.

A happy and holy month of the Blessed Virgin Mary to all of you.

Link to CTS blog 'Catholic Compass' further down the left hand sidebar here. The booklet is entitled 'Gardening for God' and is included in their latest booklet list.  Follow the 'view here' link at the top of their current post. More details later.

Series on the six Popes of my lifetime will continue on Thursday..

Happy Feast Day of St Joseph the Worker to our dear Holy Father

Lefebvrians: One step closer to Rome ...and to a division?

Lefebvrians: One step closer to Rome ...and to a division?

'Rome Reports' is very useful, but I am infuriated with this presentation, particularly from the French journalist de Mounier of 'La Croix'.. Same old stuff and I'm afraid an unforgiveable misrepresentation of the truth. Apart from anything else, you would think from what he says, that the SSPX only exists in France, that it is some kind of minute monarchist movement.. But then La Croix is run by the French bishops Conference, but am I wrong? As Claude Rains famously said, 'Round up the usual suspects.'.

A Life through 6 Papacies 2: Pope John XXIII: Updated with comment

I chose this video clip because the Byrds hit song perfectly evokes for me the atmosphere of the 1960s. It was all about peace and justice, CND and 'If I had a hammer'.. I don't like the text that accompanies the clip because it seems to hijack Pope John for its own agenda and to characterise him in a narrow way.. To say that the Council he initiated has 'guided', the Church to the present day, is to me a misuse of that verb, unless you take guidance  as leading to confusion and conflict, which the Church herself is still struggling to heal.

Of course the trouble with a series like this is that one has to separate what one felt and believed at the time, from what one KNOWS now. In all conscience one has to admit that pre-conciliar Catholics were not well informed. They had no reason not to trust the Church. Most of us had to rely on the 'Universe'; the 'Catholic Herald' was not widely read and in the 60s the 'Tablet' was generally regarded as the priest's preserve. The result was that in England at any rate Catholics to whom 'obedience' was second nature, could do nothing but go along with the changes. All I can say is that there must have been many modernists lurking in sacrisities and side-chapels who merely kept quiet until they saw their opportunity. They must have been very clever because I can honestly say that in the pre-council days I saw no hint in my parish that priests or people were longing for the changes that came inexorably and quite brutally as the decade neared its close.

To me it seemed that the minute I was received, the Church began to dismantle herself. She seemed to have taken leave of her sense of psychology which I had always admired in her.. It certainly didn't feel like 'remewal' to me. It just felt as if things were going badly wrong. And Blessed John XXIII notwithstanding., I'm afraid that they did.

At least now, thanks to the internet, and as long as it serves us, no pressure group within the Church will be able to 'pull the wool'  unchallenged ever again.

Apparently Blessed John XXIII is quoted as saying that he didn't want collaborators; he wanted executors. Well, he was granted his wish in probably the most agonised Pope of the six under discussion here, namely Papa Montini...

Spiritual Mothers of Priests CR News 13 : Vocations Day'

ZENIT - This Sunday Is 'Pray for Vocations Day'
Item includes The Holy Father's message to mark the occasion. Tomorrow morning he will ordain new priests for the Diocese of Rome. Watch on EWTN or KTO.

A life in the context of 6 papacies: I: The last years of Pius XII (Eugenio Pacelli 1951-58)

1958 and I am 15, already converted to the Faith but not yet received because of paternal opposition. I know Pope Pius only from the huge portrait that hangs in the main parlour of the Howard Hill house of the Daughters of Charity in Sheffield, where I received Instruction. It is good to be able to see this footage now. At the time of course, it was not available.

Spiritual Mothers of Priests: CR News 12

Congregation for Clergy addresses priests before World Prayer day.

Benedict XVI. Inauguration (Intronizzazione) 24.04.2005 + full version

Habemus papam. Treasured moments.

As Dr Robert Moynihan  (ITV magazine) recently prayed, 'Please God another seven years!'

In Christo pro Papa.

Silverstream Priory Alert

Please don't miss Father Mark's latest posts and photos. Link to 'Vultus Christi' in sidebar here.

More Media tosh re the LCWR

The MSM. in the States at least, is determined to characterise our Pope as Benedict the bully, who has unleashed his pack of baying CDF hounds onto those poor little American 'nunnybuns' who make up the LCWR.  It's absolute rubbish of course and I cannot recommend highly enough Diane's closer look at the CDF's Doctrinal Assessment and their hopes that the group will renew itself. Please go there! And then after imbibing some great common sense and accurate reporting, have a decent night's sleep.

April 19, 2005

It was a Wednesday, if memory serves and I was at school until late. The GCSE folders/ modearation pot was coming to the boil.and we were about to enter the written exam season. I had not seen the funeral of Pope John Paul II, having been travelling back from Easter holidays in France on that day.  I did not find the news of the election until I staggered exhausted into the flat at well gone 7pm.. I still don't know how I found the news on the computer. At that point I wasn't an internet user and up until then had only used the word processing function on the computer in connection with my books, the third of which had just been published.. But somehow, feverish fingers notwithstanding, find it I did. I think it may have been the BBC because the commentator had an English accent, and I was immediately irritated by his sneering tone and his obvious ignorance or the procedure as it unfolded... Judging from the time, I think I must have seen a recording. and not the live event. But then Cardinal Medina took over. And it was quite obvious from his mien that whoever he was going to announce met with his full approval. He hardly smiled once, and yet the aides around him appeared not to be able to keep themselves from grinning. It was as if they were bursting with a big juicy secret.that was about to be shared with the whole world. When H.E. Cardinal Medina pronouced the word 'Josephum' and then left  a 'coach and horses' pause before continuing,, my heart missed a beat. Like many people I had been 'prepared' by the media, and I'm afraid, the Church at home, to think this was impossible. And yer here it was, happening in front of my very eyes and ears.. And then when our beloved new Pope Benedict came out and addressed the universal Church for the first time in terms of such humility, I thought ,he's going to have an uphill battle, but he IS God's choice. He looked happy even though we later knew that he did not want this to happen to him and had begged God when he felt the conclave moving in an inexorable direction, not to ask its of him. It is seven years ago. Dear Pope Benedict, thank God He did ask you and that you, our beloved Holy Father, did accept His will..

But it was not until the inaugural Mass that I saw what kind of Papacy this would be and that it would definitely not be one of biding time, or of waiting for someone more effective or any of that nonsense.

April 19 2005 was the best day in my Christian life. Deo Gratiss.

FULL IN THE PANTING HEART OF ROME !!! GOD BLESS OUR POPE !!! SCOTTISH CA...

God bless our Pope!. May he have a peaceful anniversary and continue in strength and courage as our chief shepherd. Pray for him without ceasing.

Thanks for comments so far on your memories of Pope Benedict's election

I hope for more later and will put my own up before the end of today's glorious anniversary.

What are your memories of April 19, 2005? Please share in the com box

My own memories will follow. I will send the whole package to the Holy Father

Nervous of premature celebration

It seems from Fr. Lombardi's statement this morning that Bishop Fellay has indeed signed the 'Preamble', but according to earlier 'Vatican Insider' speculations certain additions were inserted in that said response. We know neither the contents of the 'Preamble' nor the specifics of the recent additions. Now we must wait at least a couple of weeks for the CDF to chew it all over and then the matter will again go before the Pope. This battle is not over yet and I feel it is unwise to express an outburst of unconfined joy at the present juncture. Rather, let our prayers be increased and intensified, for Pope Benedict, Bishop Fellay, and for the Unity of Holy Mother Church.

Benedict XVI: the Resurrection helps us forge ahead

Today in the Pauline Chapel.

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART - TE DEUM LAUDAMUS

For our beloved Holy Father on his 85th birthday. Ad multos annos!

An uncomfortable papal birthday ahead

That is if the SSPX keeps to the expected deadline on Sunday and if the pundits are right that this is the last call.

I simply do not see the Society being willing to regularise via a Prelature. 'Liberal' bishops would have so much influence over its future as to make thatt a suicidal option for the Society. And what would be the point of allowing them back simply to kill them, unless of course you are a liberal bishop! OTOH an Ordinariate would assure them of much greater and directly papal protection. We have seen how essential this has been with the UK Ordiariate. I will continue to pray that an Ordinariate is being pursued as a solution. As so many commenters have pointed out, it is ludicrous that the Society is having to go through this trial and remain officially outside the Church whilst brazenly self declared dissenters who have no regard for the magisterium, or the person and/or authority of the Holy Father remain in 'good standing. Whatever happens, it won't be easy and  I'm afraid that the trouble will be fomented by the so called 'liberal' wing if the Society comes back into the Church. Orthodox catholics of most stripes will welcome them back as allies, believing that the Church desperately needs their help. I believe it has been Pope Benedict's dream all along to bring them back. As Cardinal Ratzinger, he is reported to have wept when Archbishop Lefebvre did his last minute volte face one Roman morning all those years ago. If at this late hour he still can't heal this rift and he can't get these dissenters into line, his papacy, as I suggested last night, will be regarded as a waste of time. However it the Church continues down its present road......well it doesn't bear thinking about.

No time for more today.

With my prayers that our Holy Father may have the best of possible birthdays in these difficult circumstances.

'The Church will not be renewed by dissent': Pope Benedict Maundy Thursday 2012

But she continues to be damaged by it. Longer post tomorrow covering the recent actions and statements of Cardinals Wuerl and Schonborn, plus the unhelpful article , to say the least ,in the Japan Times by the editor of 'The Universe', positing that the Pope has lost his way in his guidance of the Church..  He has not lost HIS way. The faithful are in grave danger of losing theirs unless they wake up and follow their Shepherd.

Added to all that we have the prospect in the next couple of days of movement concerning the SPPX.

I think we have reached a turning point and that history will record that the papacy of Benedict XVI, although it may appear to be a failure in its time, in future years will be seen in quite another light..

Now is Christ arisen!

"Had Christ that once was slain
Ne'er burst His three day prison
Our faith had been in vain."

But now is Christ arisen! He is risen indeed!

A happy and holy Eastertide everybody. Deo gratias!

Tomas Luis de Victoria - Tenebrae Responsories

Snatch of conversation from a near perfect marriage

Tonight in St Romain:
 Me to my husband: ' Why do I still love you? I must be mad!'

Response from husband: ' Stay with me. I married you because I was sick of sane people.'

(It sounded to me as if he intended 'sane' to be in inverted commas. It made me very happy.  I can  do with any amount of this madness.)

Adapting to changes at Blogger

Yesterday was a bit of a shock and I realised it would take me some time to get used to the new format of the old blogger dashboard. I suppose that by the end of Holy Week I'll feel a bit more confident with it.

In the morning I went to Mass in Chalais. The church was packed and there were many men in the congregation. Why then, was the Passion according to St Mark read entirely by women, apart from the words of Our Lord which were read by the priest? At the very least I was affronted by the unnecessary lack of equity and balance in this. I am considering an email to the priest asking him why and how this exclusion of male readers was allowed to happen.

Time I retired! Perhaps more tomorrow. perhaps not.

It's been a Mexican/Cuban switchback

But these were the most comforting and blessed words I have read today: "Pope Benedict returned SAFELY to Rome on Thursday morning...."  (See Vatican Radio)

Deo gratias.

Ecce Virgo concipiet (Byrd) Stile Antico

From Second Vespers of the Annunciation. Sorry no time for Lopez. Things are hotting up in the 'proofs' department. I must say the Holy Father looks good in a sombrero.

Father Mark names his new monastery: Silverstream Priory

At first sight that might seem poetically beautiful and indeed it is. It is a great deal more than that though. Father explains at
http://vultus.stblogs.org/2012/03/silverstream-priory.html

Westminster Cathedral Choir - Magnificat Quarti Toni(Capillas)

A Lopez Magnificat taster.

The Aspersion and Mass of the Holy Innocents, as they might have been conducted in Mexico City Cathedral 28.12.1656

Radio 3 broadcast a reconstruction of this liturgy as part of a ten part series over the Christmas Octave in 1984.
I have it on tape somewhere and am looking for it. Also in my library is the 72 page background booklet that the BBC published at the time. As I remember, apart from Plainchant the music used was by Lopez (1612-c.1674)
I will revisit this whole topic during the Holy Father's imminent visit to Mexico and post the results. I am afraid that he is highly unlikely to hear music of this ilk, the best efforts of Mons. Guido Marini notwithstanding. Of course one would be overjoyed to be proved wrong. In the meantime I see that there is an article in the booklet entitled 'A Constant Liturgy as a Force against Dissolution and Decay'.

Hymn to St. Joseph, for every day but especially for tomorrow

Happy Feast Day Holy Father. With the love and prayers of your faithful people as you prepare for the visit to Mexico and Cuba.

Discantus - Laetare Jerusalem

Time for bed. Happy Laetare Sunday!

The Wolfe Tones- Hail Glorious St. Patrick

Posted last year but could not resist it again!

Fr Mark's new monastery at Stamullen, Co. Meath Ireland

Important note before I post the promised music for Laetare Sunday. There is a letter at Vultus Christi today  from David Craig which explains the monastery's special needs and, perhaps more germane to the issue, David's personal experience of Fr Mark's spirituality and the special charism of the new Stamullen Priory.The link given above leads to a post by Fr Mark, which in its turn contains a link to David's letter.

Happy Saint Patrick's day everyone, but particularly to my dear Fr Mark

Next post: Some 'Laetare' music on Sunday.

Meanwhile, snowed under with housework neglected whilst I was writing, and several other unexpected domestic pressures. Publisher has asked for blurb details and other PR assistance which I've promised them on Monday next. Fell over a draught excluder last week and cracked a rib. A 'relais' Mass here at St Romain tomorrow evening, at which I'll pray for you all, and a 'Penitential Service' (which includes individual Confessions) at Maumont Abbey on Saturday afternoon.
Have been told that Mons. Marini was on a prelim. visit to Mexico over the weekend which explained his absence from Saturday's Papal Vespers at SanGregorio.. (h/t to my commenter Mary) Fr Mark and Br. Benedict are still staying with Fr Hogan but will 'shortly' move into Stamullen Priory which from Father's account needs a lot of work doing to it. I know you will continue to pray for them..

God bless all here

In Christo pro Papa
J

I still have not calmed down

This afternoon I decided to view again P.M. Cameron's farewell speech to the Pope of more than a year ago. At the time I wanted to believe that he really meant what he was saying. One couldn't tell from his facial expression what the Holy Father really felt, but seeing the footage again, I suppose that 'guarded' best describes his reaction. He knew he was listening to a politician. Now, all those months down the line, having told the Pope that he had challenged the whole country to sit up and think, one is at an utter loss as to what thinking means to our Prime Minister. Just a cheap word considered as impressively persuasive at the time? Within a year this same fellow has hailed the UK as a Christian country, and 'one that cherishes faith' and then weeks after that spoke destructively against it in the name of his so-called government. And now seems to be pursuing legislation that will prevent Christians from wearing a cross or crucifix in the workplace. Fiche-moi as the French say. I am not a political creature, but even if I were, I'd know that both Blair and Cameron have always been more interested in 'being Prime Minister',  like adolescents vying to be head boy or house captain.
We have elected an immature 'sixth form' to 'govern'  us for far too long and to our obvious detriment.

I really will try to calm down by tomorrow!


.

2012: Meanwhile back in 'Blighty' the Dragon's teeth spring up

Perhaps it is just media selectivity but so far reaction to the pastoral letter written by Archbishops Nichols and Smith does not make for happy reading - priests openly stating their disagreement with the letter having read it to their congregations, or having refused to read it at all; a shameful intervention at Mass in Teignmouth; and probably the worst and most damaging declaration of dissent from the supposed neophyte Blair who has shown himself not to have a catholic corpuscle in his bloodstream. How did he get in so easily? I sympathise with the Archbishops' dilemma, but I do think that in fairness to all of us, and to themselves, they should consider whether  the present situation is not the result of hierarchical abuse of collegiality over at least four decades. As I said a long time ago, collegiality is a great principle, but only if bishops are in collegiality with the Pope, and not against him. Otherwise it kills the authority of the Pope and makes his task more difficult if not impossible.

Yammering on about catholic identity doesn't make much sense when you have presided over its loss for so long.

More in next post when I've calmed down a bit. My prayers for the 'cautioning' Bishop Conry. God bless Cardinal O'Brien.
(h/t to Fr Blake)

July 25th 1968

On this day Pope Paul VI finally issued the encyclical 'Humane Vitae' I was 25 and not married , but knew from conversations with female friends at church that the general hope was that he would condone 'artificial' birth control. I was looked at very strangely when I said that I would oppose it even were I not Catholic. To me its chemical interference with the female reproductive system was morally wrong and potentially medically dangerous. I was not leading a particularly holy life at the time, but that was my instinctive reaction. Of course the subsequent spate of thrombosis among women who were taking the 'pill' was to prove the validity of the latter objection. It was rushed onto the market with insufficient testing. That is well known now.

I also knew that before the encyclical, my friends were being advised in the confessional that the practice would be approved.. No worries. Shock horror when we were finally told that it was definitely not.all right. At that point a division crept into and hardened within  the Church - women either kept quiet relying on what their priests had told them, or they changed their ways and obeyed the Pope's  reasoning..I think we know what happened then.

And I think we also know why the US bishops have an extremely difficult task on their hands. As Pope Benedict told them the other day: 'Certainly we must acknowledge the deficiencies in the catechesis of recent decades.' But his audience knew the dissidence of many of their flock, and so does POTUS (as Fr Z calls him), and for that reason his probably deliberate strategy could be lethal. Easy to rule the divided, no? One does not know how many of the bishops who listened to Pope Benedict this week are of the 60s, or of  later generations,  but if they are honest they must have all felt very uncomfortable, if not frightened.. Or worse, maybe there may have been one or two who thought he was talking hogwash. For all of which possible reasons I prayed for them last night.. And every night.

Who Killed Cock Robin?

Promise, this is my last 'memory' song for now. There's a theory that it' s about Robert Walpole. Don't know, but it bears thinking about in any case. Sure as birds' eggs it isn't just a nursery rhyme.. Back tomorrow evening DV and facing the battle that has been joined whilst I was otherwise occupied. God bless and strengthen our biships of the US, UK and Ireland...

'If I should plant a tiny seed of love'

I've finished my text and will send it off  to the publishers tomorrow after final check. This is for all my blogging friends who have been so supportive during the last month. I learned it at my father's knee; later it was the signature tune of a of a music hall act I did in the 80s. I think of it differently now. It could be Pope Benedict's song,  Unfortunately, a large part of the world refuses to listen to him. Nary mind , he plods on deteriminedly and we follow him, our beloved shepherd.

God bless all here,
In Christo pro Papa
J

GRACIE FIELDS - 'The Biggest Aspidistra In The World' - 1938 78rpm

Sorry about the wartime 'gloss' at the end ,but that's the way it was in those days.

After all this deep thinking about gardens and plants, time to take myself down a peg or two

And back to my 'roots'/

KENNETH MCKELLAR SINGS -SILENT WORSHIP - HANDEL.wmv

Writing update: Finishing tape in sight

Back to normal, whaterver that is, by the end of the coming week. In the meantime something beautiful in the next post. I know Handel wrote it as a human love song, but it always  makes me think of Our Lady..

Update on Fr Mark's arrival in Ireland

Thanks to Fr John Hogan. Go to today's post 'In Brief' at his blog for the news
Father and Brother Benedict have arrived safely, Deo Gratias, and Hilda is expected tomorrow..

Fr Mark Kirby O.S.B. makes a courageous move today. Your prayers please!

After a long period of prayer, discennment, negotiation and subsequent practical organisation, our dear Hon, Spiritual director of the Oasis, flies out of Tulsa today, en route for County Meath, Ireland where he hopes to make a permanent home for the Monastery of Our Lady of the Cenacle at the invitation of the local ordinary Bishop Smith, and to whom he is being 'lent' by his own good Bishop Edward Slattery of Tulsa Oklahoma. Father's novice, Brother Benedict, and Hilda the monastery dog are going with him.. I know they can rely on the prayers of all who have followed 'Vultus Christi' blog over the years, and also of the swelling group of Oblates in the US. Fr Mark will be much missed there, but I imagine that he intends to conduct the ministry of Oblate Master via the blog and the private Priory Facebook page.  Please pray for Irish and other European vocations to the monastic community as well as to the Oblateship. (As most of you know, Father runs a solidly traditional monastery with daily Mass and Office according to the pre-Vatican II liturgical books. He also speaks Italian and French.).

As for me, I'll be on edge until I know of his safe arrival and installation!

May God protect and strengthen you my dear father in Christ.    

Fr George writes to Fr Gordon: Spiritual Mothers CR News 10

Go to today's post at Holy Souls Hermitage. Link in left sidebar here.

'Doing things' for Lent

I didn't choose them. They were sent. I accept them and offer them up. At the moment it is the least and the most that I can do.

Sub-zero temperatures from the beginning of the month until a couple of days ago; the need to keep warm whilst I sit still writing at my desk; the increased heating costs that we can ill afford; when the thaw came, burst pipes  in the kitchen and outside wash house; washing machine now completely out of action and not used during the freeze in any case for obvious reasons; plumber came midweek and mended four pipes with resultant bill that we've just about managed to pay; further severe  frosts on the next two days - still no washing done; thought it safe to try today but the machine flooded the outhouse floor and a further leak appears to have sprung from another joint in the plumbing. Monsieur le Plombier, will have to return and will then need to be paid for his ministrations, despite the fact that he is very kind and does  not overcharge.

Both Colin and I are pushing 70 now, and as some of you know, neither of us is any longer in the pink of health.. Nevertheless, as my father always used to say, 'There is always someone worse off than yourself'. Indeed how true that always was, and particularly so now, with Christians being martyred and persecuted all over the world. And since the winter set in I've been daily concerned about how Fr George is managing at Holy Souls Hermitage.  Not to mention the Holy Father's crushing burden. In all conscience, plenty to pray about, and to be glad to have a little something to 'offer up'.

Spiritual Mothers CR News 9: Lenten Activity at North American College, Rome

ZENIT - Station Churches of Rome and Their Lenten Significance

Ash Wednesday 2012: Monsignor Guido gets a ride in the Pope's new buggie!

This video is several years old, dating from the time when our Holy Father was physically stronger and could walk in the Ash Wednesday procession from St Anselm's to St Sabina's. Sad to relate, today saw the introduction of a new papal vehicle, somewhat reminiscent of those devices you see being propelled about the streets by aged or disabled people . It was driven by a Vatican aide and afforded sufficient room on the back to accommodate His Holiness and his two Masters of Ceremony.  Its hand bars painted white, it is a fraction of the size of the Popemobile and  so discreet that no one appears to have noticed its debut, possibly because the MSN isn't particularly interested in Christian penitential liturgy and wasn't paying attention. .Tomorrow they may catch up, and we shall have more irritating stuff about our 85 year old Pope 'slowing down'. If I read that phrase once more I shall scream! Tonight however, Pope Benedict appears to have stolen a few hours march, albeit riding and not walking!.
I'm told that Mons. Guido Marini is not a good traveller, and I must admit he looked nervous and as if  he would have preferred to pad alongside his master on terra firma,  as heretofore. ..Nevertheless whatever is necessary, he will do. I shouldn't be surprised if it wasn't his idea anyway. The whole spectacle reminded me of a Hardyesque overloaded hay-cart. But the  liturgy, and the Holy Father's homily,  were beautiful and salutary beginnings to Lent..

Benedict XVI will celebrate Ash Wednesday in the Basilica of Santa Sabina

Writing update and other more seasonal difficulties

At the thaw about ten days ago, we had a burst pipe and that put the washing machine out of action, horror of horrors! How do two people make so much washing in such a short space of time?! The leak has meant we've had to turn the water off at the mains each day, except for short periods  to allow for essential activities. Our trusty plumber came this evening and mended four separate leaks that he discovered in the washing machine pipes. Fortunately he's an electrician too,  and saw to it before leaving that everything was restored on that front as well. The whole job took him about 2 hours, much of it in the dark, with the aid of inspection lamp. During that time I managed to make the batter for Shrove Tuesday Pancakes, which we  consumed about half an hour ago.

With the help of my saints and those of you who spare prayers for me, I've kept writing over these last days, and am now only about 1,300 words short of the target for March 9. Will report again then. In the meantime tomorrow is washing morning (thank God) whilst I listen to the Papal Audience. Then the usual detested shopping trip followed by the Holy Father's Ash Wednesday Mass from Santa Sabina.

With my prayers that all of you may have a holy and fruitful Lent.

In Christo pro Papa
J
 

Is there now even more hope for Fr Gordon MacRea?

See http://holysoulshermitage.com

Thanks to Fr George Byers for his indefatigable work  in rooting out the latest information about this case.
God bless you Father, and of course Fr Gordon, for whom I've been praying since I first found his blog. See 'These Stone Walls'', link at top of RIGHT HAND sidebar here.

ZENIT - New York Archbishop Gives Cardinals a 7-Point Evangelization Plan

ZENIT - New York Archbishop Gives Cardinals a 7-Point Evangelization Plan

Thank you Your Eminence! Congratulations, felicitations, jubilations, and of course most importamtly, PRAYERS.
Ad multos Annos!

'Oh my prophetic soul!', sorry prophetic Pope!

h/t to The Anchoress, oka Elizabeth Scalia, at her blog Patheos. Tonight she has recommended a book written in 1971 by then Archbishop Ratzinger, entitled 'Faith and the Future' and recently republished by Ignatius Press. (And Mac, it's also available on Kindle) Its 160 pages,  seem from the Patheos  selected quotes, to be pure, and as time has proved, accurate Ratzingerian prophecy. Order in hardcopy from  amazon.com

Some time ago I tried to pinpoint the occasion on which Pope Benedict had first mentioned the probability of a smaller, poorer and leaner Church. It was quite a shock to discover that he had written about this even before the election of John Paul II. I plan to acquire a used copy to add to my Lenten reading list..

"Macushla", John McCormack

Another one for the bedtime hour  Memories of my Grandmothers, and many of yours I hope.
( Up to over 10,000 words today.)

Hope for Fr Gordon Macrae?

Link at Holy Souls Hermitage in my sidebar here.' I hope they make him a bishop after he gets out.'

"Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf?" (Henry Hall, 1933)

Sheep or pig, cheer up, and God bless you!

The Big Bad Wolf?.

Who is it? Is it Cardinal Bertone or Cardinal Sodano, or someone quite other? Whatever the case, our Holy Father Benedict XVI is still our supreme earthly Shepherd and he has not fled yet. Cling to him, and above all pray for him.

May God protect and defend him, and all of us, his sheep.

J

little man you've had a busy day - Henry Hall

Goodnight, God bless and sleep well everyone!

Mac's Meme

If you're tagged for a Meme ( as I have been by Mac, here are the rules:
1. You post these rules on your blog.
2. You link back to the person who tagged you, in my case Mulier Fortis, and me for anyone tagged on this post
3. You tag five people and tell them they've been tagged on their own blog
4. The subject of this meme is Mac's wants to have your choice of three essential books to have on her new Kindle. So you post the names of three books. (She has said that they have to be reading books, no reference books or prayer books)

Here are my five 'tagees'
Fr Bede Rowe at a Chaplain Abroad
Fr John Hogan at St Genesius blog
Dylan Parry at 'A Reluctant Sinne
Fr Michael Gollup at 'Let Nothing You Dismay
and Sandy at 'A Catholic Comes Home' Sorry I can't give a direct link because her URL won't work on my system for some reason, ie. http://acatholiccomeshom49.blogspot.com

My three recommended books are (sorry have no time to check whether they are available on Kidle but I recommend them anyway

1. 'One Lord, One Faith' by Mgr Vernon Johnson , originally published in the 1930s I think. (too dark and cold upstairs in the library to go searching for my copy!) Still in print as a classic of Apologetics and of a Conversion story. Ignatius Press has it I think. Essential reading for anyone still teeteering on the brink of swimming the Tiber, and salutary reading for Catholics who have forgotten why the authority of Peter is essential and insurmountable, in this volume scripturally argued and proved. Essential reading too, for all those who have come into the Church over recent decades with faulty of insufficient catechesis.

2. 'In this House of Brede'. This novel is Rumer Godden's masterpiece in my opinion. A critique tomorrow if I have time. First published in 1969, it's about an English monastery of Benedictine nuns circa 50s-70s and based on Stanbrook Abbey.  I still read it once a year!

3.'Liturgical Reflections of a Papal Master of Ceremonies' by Msgr Guido Marini (published in English by Newman House Press) . Indispensable round-up of where we are now liturgically, and how far we have come during the present pontificate, Deo gratias..

Hope I've done everything properly Mac! Sorry about any typos. Tired and can hardly see the screen. Am now up to just over 8,000 words of my contracted assignment. - 6,000 to go!

God bless all here,
J

Update on Writing Project and what I've found most helpful on the Blogosphere during the last week: Vultus Christi and the Muniment Room

Since the beginning of the current month I've written over 6,000 words. The target is 14,000 words to be completed by the deadline date of March 9th, so as long as I write at least 600 a day I should make it with no insurmountable problem. The results will be published in May and you should be able to purchase them for less than £2. (If that's not a hint, at least to UK readers, then I don't know what would be.) I'll publish further details once my text is accepted by the publisher.

During the evenings, I've been catching up on the orthodox Catholic internet and aside from absorbing all the brouhaha resulting from President Obama's recent Healthcare Mandate have found two series to be most valuable. On 'Vultus Christi', (link in sidebar) Father Mark Kirby OSB, has been writing a series of letters to incipient Benedictine Oblates.. I cannot recommend them highly enough. More about this at a later date.
..
And then 'The Muniment Room' (a UK blog, also linked in sidebar) has been explaining the history of the Church in the UK over the last half century with particular quoted references to the National  Pastoral Congress, and to the largely hidden activities, and the now more apparent agenda, of Cardinal Hume and Archbishop Warlock. I think the author, tTony, and I must be about the same age, because during this series he has described things that I remember living through, and which I could not understand at the time. The difference is that even though I was working for the Tablet during the 1980s, I was too busy earning my daily crust bumping up the subscription figures and did not pay proper attention to the documentation to which tTony had access.

I left the Tablet in 1985 but continued to index it and its sister journal , the Clergy Review (later Priests and People) until 1993 . For many years now, whilst it still has the occasional excellent article,  I have deplored the stance of its editorial. Reading tTony's series has explained so much, and I am most grateful to him. This series too, I recommend that you read.

Now to bed so as to be ready  and fit to produce tomorrow's word allocation!
Please, of your charity, spare a Hail Mary for me.

All of you remain always in my prayers.
J..    . .

John Cooney: Enda acting like Scrooge as embassy row becomes a holy show - Analysis, Opinion - Independent.ie

John Cooney: Enda acting like Scrooge as embassy row becomes a holy show - Analysis, Opinion - Independent.ie Another one for the record. this time a help to understanding modern Ireland and what's going on there. h/t Fr. Gabriel Burke

BishopSlattery_HHS_Statement.mov

A bishop feeding his sheep.
God bless you Bishop Slattery
(h/t to Father Z).

Nunc Dimittis - Sheppard (1515 - 1559)

           A holy and peaceful feast of Candlemas everybody.

Twelve Lights of Candlemas

1.The light of the candle which you will carry before Mass if you are fortunate enough to have a procession tonight according to the 1962 Missal. (If not, please consider lighting a candle before Mass at Our Lady's altar and if you are unable to attend Mass you can always light one at home. Symbolically we each carry Christ in the candle we hold.)

2. The light of example in the submission of Mary and Joseph to the ritual of Purification, even though it was entirely inappropriate to Mary and her Child

3. The light of our realisation that Christ Himself willed that it should be so. He submitted to the Law in order to purify it. He willed to become like us  He entered the Temple in demonstration that He had come to rebuild it.

4. The light of His glorious kingship over Israel and over all the kingdoms of the earth.

5. The light of His sacred priesthood over all priests.

6 The light of the Spirit that brought Simeon into the Temple to receive the Child that day.

7 The light that spoke through Simeon of suffering, not only for Mary but for all Israel in the near and far distant future, and for all of us who would either accept or reject that light.

8 The light that enabled Simeon to recognize the Child as the glory of his people, and enabled Anna to acclaim that Child as Messiah and Redeemer.

9. The light that completed the cycle of prophecy immediately surrounding the birth of the Saviour.

10. The light of personal fulfilment and peace brought to Simeon and Anna by His presence.

11. The light of life He is to us.

12. The Light of Christ Himself.

A reminder for the feast of St John Bosco: Pope Benedict XVI at the Helm

Pope Benedict XVI at the Helm: The Prophetic Vision of St Don Bosco - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online

Also, Many Happy returns to Mons. Guido Marini whose birthday is today

Spiritual Mothers CR News:8 - Pope Tells What's Most Important on Path to Priesthood

ZENIT - Pope Tells What's Most Important on Path to Priesthood

How wonderful to hear our Holy Father laugh! Angelus 29/01/2012.

This is the third year running that I have seen the doves reluctance to leave the presence of the Pope. However this year he commented in benign amusement, 'They want to stay in the house of il Papa!'
Metaphorically, don't we all!

Neocatechumenal Way welcomes Vatican approval for prayers :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Neocatechumenal Way welcomes Vatican approval for prayers :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Just posting this so I have it on record.

Saint Francis de Sales (updated eveningTues. Jan 24th

In the summer of 2002 I began to make a moist pot-pourri with the long term plan that it would come to maturity in time for the feast of St. Francis de Sales the following January. Its plant ingredients were: Roses (hybrid tea 'Crimson Glory') pinks, summer jasmine, mock orange, rosemary, thyme, and dried orange peel. Later I wrote in 'Gardening with God' about the several reasons for my going to such trouble in his honour....................

"As the mentor of my patron, Jane Frances de Chantal, he has had considerable influence on me. His idea for a daily place of spiritual retreat is probably the best way I know of staying in god's presence, whatever the distractions of life and work, and I cannot recommend it too highly. Through his writings he has led countless laywomen along the narrow path, with kindness, understanding and love but above all with sanity. He wrote for specific individuals, and this is probably why the reader feels he is addressing her personally. He is patron of writers and journalists, and, I believe, has watched over all I have done for many years. During those years I have been drawn ever more deeply into the mystery of the Visitation, after which Saint Francis named the Order that he founded with Saint Jane. All the saints command admiration, gratitude and respect, but there are a few whom one can dare to love as well. For me, St Francis is such a one.

St Francis is also dear to me because of his frequent use of plant imagery to underline points about the spiritual life. He once said that meditation is like sniffing separately all the flowers and herbs in my planned pot-pourri (ideed the fact that he listed them was my reason for their choice); contemplation is being able to appreciate them all at the same time. This may seem whimsical, but it is supported by the mechanics of making a successful moist pot-pourri and by its eventual attributes. If it is stoppered while you are not there to appreciate it, it will keep its perfume for years. It takes longer to prepare than a dry pot-pourri and is not visually so attractive, but the perfume is deeper and more mellow. Similarly we retain the insights and privileges given us during patient, concentrated prayer and meditation. Their beauty and value cannot be seen or touched but remain hidden in the soul for future reflection and enrichment. The analogy continues with the packing-down of layers of petals and spices; with the subsequent fermentation; with the fact that at this stage the scent is not striking; and with the eventual breaking up of the 'wodge' that has formed. Later, for beginners, an essential oil of only one of the ingredient flowers must be added. Blending is for the more experienced and unless you have a particularly keen sense of smell the result will be a blur of fragrance. Lastly a 'fixing' agent is added to hold the perfume. When St Francis' pot-pourri is finished it will be stored in sealed jars and not opened until his feast day."
Copyright 2005 'Gardening with God: Light in Darkness' jane Mossendew Burns & Oates/Continuum Imprint 

To be completed later this evening

Update evening Tues Jan 24th:

The Contribution of St Francis to the Counter Reformation
Francis de Sales was ordained in 1593, and before being mad Bishop of Geneva in 1602 he brought back to the Faith over 70,000 Haute-Savoie Catholics who had gone over to Calvinism. He survived this dangerous enterprise and achieved his goal through preaching characterised by patience, gentleness, discretion and love. These were to mark all his writings, but let noone be deceived: the glove may have been velvet, but the hand within it was one of firm orthodoxy and discipline. St Francis was canonised only 43 years after his death and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1877.

The Church honours St Francis as one of her greatest spiritual directors and concentrates on him as a champion of the devout life for lay people. T'he second Office reading today is from Part I, Chapter 3 of his
'Introduction to the Devout Life'. Here he explains that true devotion can be practised in any state of life. Using the analogy of a bee sucking nectar leaving the flower undamaged, he explains that if our devotion is true it will not conflict with the duties of our state. Rather, it will improve our performance of them and enhance our lives and those of people around us. I have found this an invaluable yardstick against which to measure every aspect of my own life, and I apply it at least annually on St Francis' day. It is a salutary fail-safe and I don't mind admitting that it sometimes brings me up with a round turn! The office extract concludes with his firm conviction that although a purely contemplative life cannot be achieved in the world, there are other ways in which lay people can pursue perfection. Depending on one's spiritual state and need at any given time, it is easy to select passages from St Francis for meditation because he presents his material under clear headings within his chapters.

Place of Spiritual Retreat for today (as indicated in 'Gardening with God', quoted above).
"Resting with Christ in His words from Matthew 5:14-16 'You are the light of the world'
and Matthew 11:29 'Take my yoke and learn from me. I am humble and gentle of heart.'

BEFORE SIGNING OFF UNTIL NEXT WEEK, A HEARTFELT THANKYOU TO MARY AND OTSOTA FOR THEIR KIND AND ENCOURAGING COMMENTS ON MY LAST POST. AND PERFECTLY TIMED THEY WERE.TOO. IT'S BEEN A TOUGH WEEK FOR ALL SORTS OF REASONS!
God bless all here.
St Francis de Sales and St Jane Frances de Chantal, pray for us.

Immediate future of the 'Oasis'

Within two or three days I will sign a contract with a publisher that will commit me to have a text ready for them within the next 6 weeks. This means that from now until mid-Lent blogging must definitely take a back seat. The projected text must take priority. That said, I do not know at this stage whether the writing will be difficult, or easy, or somewhere in between. But  I do know from past experience that when I'm writing, I find it difficult to concentrate on anything else. Be assured though that I'll keep you posted on my  progress. I have no intention of closing 'The Oasis'  but at this stage must say that I can't promise more than one post a week between now and early March.. I will of course let you know details of the publication and where you can buy it later on. It should be available in May. (Next post here will probably be  in about a week.)

God bless you , and please pray for me, as  I do for all of you.

In Christo pro Papa

J.

ZENIT - Putting Words in the Pope's Mouth

ZENIT - Putting Words in the Pope's Mouth

Reuters at it again? This Zenit piece is a thorough comment on something I had noticed with irritation, as I'm sure my readers had as well.

Comment on John Allen's 5 Considerations: Pt 2

John Allen is a highly responsible master of  his journalistic craft and a 'vaticanista' of long experience and deservedly high repute. I may not always agree with the angles he takes but I have great respect for him  and thought I'd bettter say so before going on with this post.  Allen's book 'The Rise of Benedict XVI' was published very soon after the conclave that elected our present Holy Father. I was impressed by it on first reading and decided to revisit it today, particularly its last four chapters in which the author answers the self-imposed challenge of predicting   the nature and possible events of the new pontificate.  Unfortunately for my blogging schedule I became re-engrossed in this second reading, and so apologise that the present post comes later in the day than intended.

In relation to my  yesterday's statement regarding Mr Allen's puzzlement that ++ Fisichella had been omitted from the list of new Cardinals, I was interested to find THIS in the section of Allen's book that offers predictions as to how Benedict might go about the matter of curial reform: (from Ch 7)
"..he (Pope Benedict) will expect those (curial) aides to be prudent in choosing the time and place for those expressions (of private views), and to avoid provocative comments that will create confusion about what the Holy See is trying to express, especially on matters of faith and morals. The expectation, in other words, is that there will be greater discipline within the Roman Curia, with fewer impressions of disarray or working at cross-purposes."

Well John, I think your own prediction might answer your perplexity about ++Fisichella.

The snub to Africa?
I contest, not.
Yet again, Pope Benedict knows as well as John Allen about the inexorable demographic shift of Catholicism from the northern to southern hemisphere. But for NOW, and that is what matters, the Pope must prioritise, given that this holy man has to judge every consistory as maybe his last. It is possible that within two years we will have another Pope who could elevate as many African Cardinals as he likes. It is even possible that if our dear Holy Father survives to another Consistory, that he too will elevate at least one African prelate. Africa surely knows how much Benedict loves it and concerns himself about it., but that the Pope is fighting for the Catholic soul of Europe. He will not give up that fight as long as he has breath in his body. (I don't think John Allen, as an American, understands in his heart and blood what is at work here.) In any case of the two African bishops mentioned by Allen as having been passed over, one is of Lusaka in Zambia. - a place of a dreadfully unsettled history from the catholic episcopal point of view, what with Milingo having been in charge there for so long., it has not been exactly stable. Pope Benedict may well have judged that it was better to leave that diocese with a fairly secure pastor and not to upset the apple cart by any suggestion that Archbishop Mpundu might be moved to Rome.

Dolan and Nichols
I don't think one would win any prizes for itemising the vast difference between these two men. Let me just say that while it is easy to agree with Allen about the rise of the former and the obvious favour he has deservedly found in the eyes of the Pope, I suggest that the biggest weakness in John Allen's article is that he seems satisfied to fall back on acceptance of the fact that the only reason for the non-elevation of the latter this time, is the custom of not giving the red hat to Archbishops of Sees where an emeritus Cardinal survives.. I find it difficult to believe that a man, normally as well informed as Allen, is ignorant of other and glaringly obvious reasons.

I am bound to think of other points after I sign off, but sufficient unto the day and all that.................

Complexion and Size of any new conclave: Comment on John Allen's 5 'considerations' : 1

One of the problems with Mr Allen's analysis is that it is based on today's situation, that is one which is fluid and will start changing before this month is out. During 2012, 12 cardinals will turn 80 and the number of eligible electors will reduce to 114. So given uncertainty as to how long our present Holy Father will live, he can hardly be accused of extravagance in appointing 18 new electors, as opposed to the 15 suggested by Rome Reports. China will lose a Cardinal during this very month so Pope Benedict has made sure that she will have a Cardinal elector should he himself die any time soon. Cardinal Egan reaches 80  in April and that may explain/support the elevation of Archbishop Dolan. During 2013 a further 9 will become non-eligible to vote in conclave and the number will become less than that which elected Pope Benedict. That being the case, the longer he survives the more likely we are to see another consistory in a couple of years. I can't help feeling that this aspect was in his mind when drawing up the list he announced on Friday. Even a fully 'Benedictine' Pope, of a much younger age would probably have presented a different list.

All but the most intransigent opponents of Pope Benedict must surely acknowledge the deep thought and prayer he devotes to this type of decision and it is based on long personal experience and knowledge of many of the key personnel with whom he must deal. He has done the best he can. Quite clearly he is just as aware as Mr Allen, as to how the list of new cardinals would affect the complexion of a new conclave, should one have to be held soon.. Basically there is a 3% increase in Italian Cardinals and a 4% increase in curial ones. In his first point about the 'Italianising' of the College, Mr Allen suggests that this reflects the Pope's 'comfort level', as if it were simply self-indulgence' on his part, (croneyism in other words) rather than that seven of the 18 new cardinals happen to be Italian and have proved their worth. In his second point he refers to 10 out of 18 new cardinals  as making it 'top-heavy' with men of curial background. It seems to me that one will only be disturbed by these percentage increases if one tends to a paranoid fear of Vatican centralisation, or even of a restoration of Papal authority, (in my view the latter having been badly damaged over past decades, and in definite need of tlc)!. Such a fear could of course explain why this present piece may appeal to the NCR readership.

Mr Allen also remarks on the exclusion of ++Fisichella as being odd because he leads the relatively new dicastery for New Evangelisation which is famously dear to the Pope's heart and it is customary to have a Cardinal in charge of matters of particular papal concern.  Well, Fisichella is both Italian and Curial, but he didn't make the list. Mr Allen is I fear being slightly disingenuous in not giving any clue as the possible reason for his exclusion. After this prelate had spoken out against the excommunication of someone involved in abortion, I think many were surprised when he was given the task of organising the New Evengelisation. It was a difficult case and I must admit to having thought that he would have been better off keeping his mouth shut. I regarded the move as a sideways one, which had the intention of keeping him quiet and giving him a great deal more to do and to think about. He seems to have performed quite well since then, but imho his lack of prudence (at least) about when to speak out on this or that issue,  was noted and did not inspire confidence.

Snub to Africa? Dolan and Nichols in Part 2 tomorrow.

Calm returns to the Oasis after excitement over yesterday's Consistory announcement.

So much so that in the evening I was able to go in search of comment on the Internet. Sure enough John Allen had been quick off the mark with his piece for the NCR. See here  I have been kept busy today in trying to answer the questions raised by Allen's observations. Hope to post results of reflection tomorrow afternoon, that is after the Holy Father's morning Mass in the Sistine Chapel..

Congratulations and Felicitations to Cardinal elect............

Dolan!

More later.

Consistory announcement predicted for tomorrow

Rorate Caeli, quoting  Andrea Tornielli, gives more details and makes no secret of its feeling that the elevation of Archbishop Fisichella is not something that should be welcomed. I have my own opinions about the way he was moved to 'New Evangelisation', but suffice it to say here and now, that if it is indeed to be a February Consistory my major feeling is one of relief. Anyone who has been following me on this matter will not need the mind of a Hercule Poirot to understand why I am glad we will not have to wait until after August!

Spiritual Mothers of Priests CR News 6: Priests resolve to love the laity

h/t to Catholicism Pure and Simple for drawing attention to this important article in Crisis Magazine.

Pope could name 15 new Cardinals on February 18th

Consistory again: Rome Reports makes some suggestions

Obviously the word in Rome is that Archbishop Dolan is in with a strong chance.

Why I think it is still a possibility that the Holy Father will visit Ireland next June and why I am praying that it will happen

There is no doubt that last year, with his hot-headed and ill-considered s(cr)peech in response to the Cloyne Report, that Enda Kenny did himself and his country no favours. Even after it was shown that the letter he quoted as being written by Pope Benedict was not in fact applicable to the case he was raging about, he has not had the grace to apologise. Whilst the fat was still in the fire the Irish Government closed its embassy to the Holy See in Rome for reasons that were difficult to take seriously. Next, Gilmore announced that an invitation to Pope Benedict to visit Ireland for the the forthcoming Eucharistic Congress in June was definitely not under consideration. Even the mainstream media, and that is saying something made little attempt to justify the Irish governmentt's behaviour.

But then, over the past week or so the tune has been changing. Last week Gilmore did a u-turn and reversed his statement saying that the Pope would be welcome, without of course any reference to the original announcement. Today the Mayo news reports that Kenny has welcomed the Holy Father's message for the 45th World day of Peace, with its main theme of the importance of training the young in Justice and Peace. I'm sorry, but this looks very much like a desperate attempt at damage limitation. Someone must have drawn their attention to all those Euros that accrued to the Madrid coffers in the wake of last year's WYD. There is the feeling that they are kicking themselves at having almost missed a golden opportunity. Hence they are secretly desperate to get the Pope to the Dublin Congress, whatever happens. It would serve them right of course if Pope Benedict refused to have any truck with the idea. But is that how our dear and truly holy Pope will see things? I think not.

Eucharistic Adoration is key to his pontificate. The Vigils in Hyde Park and at WYD were the high points of his visits to both UK and Spain and he mentioned both during recent seasonal homilies. I think his deep desire to encourage the Irish faithful will weigh most favourably in his decision whether to come or not. His shepherd's heart will put the welfare of his beleaguered sheep before any offence that was given him by their politicians. It is not a long journey and he knows that Ireland is in desperate need of a considerable financial injection. If he is at all able I think he will do it. I shall be praying for it in any case.

Our Lady of Knock, pray for Ireland and for Pope Benedict.

Angelus

The Angelus rings again in Saint Romain

This was my best intangible and lasting Christmas present of 2011. The bell had been silent for more years than I care to remember. For some reason the commune chose this year to authorise the repair of the automatic mechanism and so since Christmas Eve the Angelus has been ringing out, as it always used to, three times a day -at 7am, noon and 7pm.  I cannot think of a bettter way to be woken up each morning! Deo gratias.

Happy New Year everyone!

A Consistory in February? Sandro Magister seems fairly sure.......... ( updated Friday 30th Dec)

He goes through the usual stuff about not giving the red hat to Archbishops  who have an emeritus Cardinal in their Dioceses. He hints that an exception could be made for Archbishop Timothy Dolan, but consigns Westminster to having to wait until next time, as if that is already a fait accompli. One would love to know what is behind his apparent certainties. However, on va voir.

LINK TO MAGISRER'S SITE HERE

Update: A February Consistory is looking ever more likely. Vatican Insider reports that Goldsmiths, Savi Brothers have received an order from the Vatican of rings for new cardinals.

♫ The Coventry Carol (Collegium Vocale Gent) ♪

Saint Silcaire de Brantome pray for us.

Holy Innocents day...

....or Childermas as it was once called. It also used to be the practice to remember the slaughter of the Innocents every week during the twelve months that precede December 28th on the day of the week in which the feast will fall in any given year. I will try to remember that each Friday during the coming year by making some special act of reparation..
"My eyes are spent with weeping; my soul is in tumult; my heart is poured out in grief...because infants and babes faint in the streets of the city." (Lam.2:11) And now they are being massacred in their millions even before birth.One is rendered dumb by the heinous wilful enormity of it.

As promised a lullaby for Jesus: The Virgin's Cradle Hymn - Edmund Rubbra

'Dormi Jesu'

A Holy and Happy Christmas to all my readers - Dominus dixit ad me

Sixth century Old Roman chant for tonight's Introit. Now that's tradition for you!
The Vatican begins broadcasting in 15 minutes. When the Mass is over, and before bed, I'll post a lullaby for the new born King.

To be considered in the New Year.

The futile wrong-headedness of comparing this pontificate with the previous one.

Pope lists five lessons from World Youth Day 2011 for the New Evangeliza...

Benedict XVI: A 'Part-time Pope' of feeble governance.

So Marco Politi ('veteran vaticanista') judges our present Holy Father. What arrant nonsense. Clearly the man is living on another planet. Unfortunately that planet is possibly a satellite of the Vatican. Ay, there's the rub.

 Rome Reports has an interesting snapshot of today's papal address to the Curia. see next post.

Fourth Sunday in Advent: Rorate Caeli - Francisco Guerrero

Woodland Sketches - To a Wild Rose (Edward McDowell 1860-1908)

Saint John of the Cross, pray for us.