Vatican denies rumours of 'Reform of the Reform'

See today's Zenit for more detail.



Mmmm.........................................

The cast on the Pope's wrist has been removed. Deo gratias

Fr Z reports this fact tonight and speculates about subsequent therapy. I have already said that the Pope has been told that playing the piano would be a most helpful form of rehabilitation. I can't wait to hear the roar of joy when he appears for the Angelus on Sunday. Dear Pope Benedict I mean, not Fr Z, although thanks for the welcome news Father!

Seven things I love.

Mulier Fotis has tagged me. http://mulier-fortis.blogspot.com/2009/08/tagged-for-meme.html

I'm going to try to tag Annie of the LMS Arundel & Brighton blog

http://arundelbrightonlatinmasssociety.blogspot.com/



Annie, if this works put up 7 of your favourite things on your blog and then tag some other lesser known blogs.

Here are my 7 things:

1. The traditional liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church in Latin (includes Divine Office).
2. The traditional music that should accompany it.
3. The preaching and teaching of Pope Benedict XVI
4. My Prayer Garden
5. My Library
6. My Computer (I'd be so cut off without it. What would life be like without my blogging friends and without kto and EWTN?!)
7. "......laughter and the love of friends."(If anyone objects to this last because in fact it's two things, well substitute this line from Belloc's 'Dedicatory Ode')


I haven't included cats because they are not 'things'! Guess that's why Silvester wasn't mentioned in Mac's list .

I've been tagged for a Meme by Mulier Fortis: thanks Mac

It was very good and fortuitous of Mac to have tagged me on the post immediately preceding this one. If anyone picks it up they'll know about the Spiritual Mother blog (link in sidebar left)as well as this one.
I've thanked her and promised her liquid recompense the next time we meet, hopefully in the Autumn!. I had to confess to her that I didn't know how to tag and she immediately commented back with instructions.

I promised to try and do it and will confront the new learning curve after finishing a post in composition for the other blog.

Thanks again Mac.

My new Spiritual Motherhood of Priests blog

This has met with such a great comment and email response that it has taken over my life during the last week. (see link in sidebar)

However, I do not forget my Oasis and will return to posting on it as soon as I can.

God bless all here.

In Christo pro Papa

J

St. John Vianney's Pastoral Plan by Fr. John Cihak, S.T.L.

I recommend a reading or re-reading of this article which originally appeared in the Homiletic & Pastoral Review. (September 05 I think). Have tried to put a link in sidebar but it's not working. However, it's easily found by googling St. John Vianney's Pastoral Plan.

Litany in Honour of St. John Vianney

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.


Saint John Vianney, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, endowed with grace from your infancy, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, model of filial piety, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, devoted servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, spotless lily of purity, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, faithful imitator of the sufferings of Christ, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, abyss of humility, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, seraph of prayer, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, faithful adorer of the Most Blessed Sacrament, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, ardent lover of holy poverty, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, true son of St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us.
St. John vianney, exemplary Franciscan tertiary, pray for us.

Saint John Vianney, tender friend of the poor, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, penetrated with the fear of God's judgment, pray for us.
St. John vianney, fortified by divine visions, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, who was tormented by the evil spirit, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, perfect model of sacerdotal virtue, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, firm and prudent pastor, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, inflamed with zeal, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, faithful attendant on the sick, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, indefatigable catechist, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, who did preach in words of fire, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, wise director of souls, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, specially gifted with the spirit of counsel, pray for us.

Saint John Vianney, enlightened by light from Heaven, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, formidable to Satan, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, compassionate with every misery, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, providence of the orphans, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, favoured with the gift of miracles, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, who did reconcile so many sinners to God, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, who did confirm so many of the just in the way of virtue, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, who did taste the sweetness of death, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, who now rejoices in the glory of Heaven, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, who gives joy to those who invoke you, pray for us.
St. John Vianney, heavenly patron of parish priests, pray for us.
St. John vianney, model and patron of directors of souls, pray for us.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

v. Pray for us, Saint John Vianney,
r. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us Pray

Almighty and merciful God, Who did bestow upon blessed John Vianney wonderful pastoral zeal and a great fervour for prayer and penance, grant, we beseech You, that by his example and intercession we may be able to gain the souls of our brethren for Christ, and with them attain to everlasting glory, through the same Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

'A Cure of Ars Prayer Book'

Thanks to a heads up from Fr Tim (Hermeneutic of Continuity) I was able to order this little prayer book from Family Publications on line. It is beautiful both in content and presentation. It will be of great use during the Year of the Priest and beyond, and certainly during the upcoming Tulsa Triduum. The sterling price is £4.50 so I suppose about $9. Worth every penny or cent whichever way you look at it.

It contains the St. John Vianney Litany but since that is in the public domain I'll post it here during the next few days.

Year of the Priesthood Triduum in Tulsa: Make a Spiritual Journey

Many times during the last year I have devoutly wished I lived in Tulsa, no less so now. The Tulsa Triduum will take place on three successive evenings (Sun. August 2-Tuesday August 4th) in Tulsa Holy Family Cathedral. There will be prayers for priests; supplication and Litany to St. John Mary Vianney and Veneration of his relic; and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. There is nothing to stop any of us from joining the Tulsa congregation spiritually. I'll be doing so and I'm hoping the Fr Mark will post his homily on Vultus Christi. I will be able to venerate my own relic of St. John. As regular readers know, I'm isolated here and will be unable to be in church physically. What about you?!.......Some brave souls among you may even feel inclined to ask your PP to do something similar, if not on the same date, then at some point during the year.

If you fear that such a suggestion would fall on deaf ears then please make that spiritual journey in my company. It would be wonderful if we could send Father a list of our names, actual or blognames. Please spread this among your internet and personal contacts and let's see what we can do.

Pope Benedict on the Year of the Priest: 'Get the word out!'

Please see the new addition at top of sidebar. This will take you to the Vatican's up to date links list of all the Holy Father's output on the Year of the Priest. There will be much more as the months progress since he has promised to concentrate on the life and teaching of St. Jean Marie Vianney in his General Audience Catechesis during the coming year.

In his post 'What Can I do For the Year of the Priest?' (Vultus Christi June 25th 09) Fr. Mark Kirby said: 'So much of what the Holy Father writes never reaches ordinary Catholics! Get the word out!' Father, you are so right, and one could add, 'so much of what Pope Benedict does and says never reaches ordinary Catholics'. It's certainly time for each one of us to do our little bit towards changing this.

Pope Benedict has fractured his wrist

h/t to Pelerin for alerting me to this. She'd heard about it on French news. The Vatican says it happened when he fell in his room last night. He went to the local hospital this morning after offering Mass and having breakfast. It is not a serious fracture, according to the report and he is expected to return to the chalet at Les Combes later today.

Cardinal Newman Beatification: Birmingham UK May 2, 2010?

From all accounts: CNS Simon Caldwell; Clerical Whispers; Fr. Blake (St. Mary Magdalene), it's looking very probable. Odd that nobody seems to connect this event with another one, the logistics of which we were told some months ago, are being discussed between the Vatican and the British Government. Yes, I'm thinking of the proposed State visit of Benedict XVI to the UK next year. I will, DV, make sure to be in Birmingham on the appointed date, not just to see Cardinal Newman beatified, but, as is my fervent prayer, to see Pope Benedict officiate at the ceremony.

Oh well, on prie et on va voir.

Pope Benedict has finished the second volume of 'Jesus of Nazareth'; Italian and German publishers in 'auction' battle

Well he has, and they are, according to the French magazine Le Point (18th June 09). Here's a translation of the relevant item.

"Saintes Ecritures (this could translate as 'Sacred Writings' or 'Holy Writ'!)


Benedict XVI is a very saleable author. His last book, 'Jesus of Nazareth' published by Rizzoli sold more than 3,000,000 copies. and the Vatican had negotiated his author's rights at an exorbitant 20% of each copy sold. (Translation warning: 'exorbitant' is the word used and it could mean exactly the same as in English, but also, either 'extraordinary' or 'outrageous'. IMHO none of these applies. The Vatican let them off lightly!)

A battle is in progress for the second volume consecrated to the the life of Christ, of which the manuscript is finished. The German publisher Herder, who had published all the books of Cardinal Ratzinger before his election as Pope is ready to outbid other publishers to get him back."

btw I haven't forgotten about St. Peter's eyes.

The look in the eyes of Saint Peter: What did Michelangelo mean it to mean?

Doctor Robert Moynihan again from the newflash quoted in an earlier post:

"Inside the Pauline chapel are two enormous frescoes which Michelangelo did just after he finished the Sistine Chapel. One depicts the crucifixion of Saint Peter. The other depicts the conversion of Saint Paul. And these two frescoes are among the most powerful works Michelangelo ever executed. (Many artists would have depicted the death of Saint Paul alongside the death of Saint Peter; or the conversion of St. Paul alongside the the calling of St. Peter; but Michelangelo chose to depict the Conversion of Paul and the Crucifixion of Peter - the beginning of faith, and its end in persecution and martyrdom).

The striking thing is that Michelangelo painted the face of Peter in such a way as to have Peter's eyes look directly towards the doorway. When a Pope comes into that chapel, he has to look into Peter's eyes. And what does he see there? Well that is the question.

The director of the Vatican Museums, Antonio Paolucci, in this morning's press conference, spoke about the look in Peter's eyes. He said the look was angry. And he said Peter's expression contained doubt about the meaningfulness of his sacrifice, his willingness to be executed for Christ.

I don't see any doubt in Peter's eyes. I do see a challenge. The challenge is to those walking into the chapel, including every Pope. The challenge is: 'Be ready to be as strong as I am, as I have to be, to die for the faith. Don't even think about holding back. Give everything, as I am doing.' "

As soon as I read these two responses to the look in St. Peter's eyes, I knew they said more about the faith of Paolucci and Moynihan than anything else, except perhaps the genius of Michelangelo, that his work stimulates such widely differing reactions. Everyone who goes into that chapel, Pope or not, has to face what his or her faith really means. Michelangelo has to have faced it himself as he painted the fresco. His work has spared no Christian from the same challenge since his brushes were dry.

I dread and long at the same time, to see a detail of St Peter's eyes from this fresco. Frankly the prospect terrifies me.
I continue to ponder it.

More about the altar later I hope.

Cardinal Newman: Great news from Rome today!

The Congregation for the Causes of Saints announced its acceptance today of a miracle attributed to the Servant of God, John Henry Newman. Deo gratias!

The Restored Pauline Chapel in the Vatican: What's this about the Altar?

Doctor Robert Moynihan, editor of 'Inside the Vatican Magazine' is currently publishing from Rome, an extremely interesting series of news flashes for his subscibers. Each one has dealt with several subjects. Today he is particularly interesting, amongst other things, on the restoration of the Altar in the title of this post.

Quote: "The altar...has been restored. Benedict made the decision in February this year. Paul VI had selected a new, modern altar, and moved it away from the back wall of the chapel. Benedict, when he came in to look at the nearly-finished restoration work in February, ordered that the old altar be put back closer to the wall, but leaving a small space so that the tabernacle could be reached (the tabernacle is directly behind the altar, and it would be too far for the priest to lean across the altar and open the tabernacle, so the Pope, instead of moving the tabernacle from the very center of the chapel wall, had the altar moved just about a yard away from the wall). Mass will no longer be celebrated in this chapel with the priest facing toward the people, but with both priest and people facing the tabernacle, the cross above it, and the East."


Now, uncharacteristically Dr Moynihan does not give his source for this information, which in my reading is not totally free of ambiguity. as I'm sure readers will ascertain for themselves!

Apparently the chapel has been under restoration for eight years and Pope Benedict will conduct a 'service of inauguration' on Saturday evening. It is not clear what form this service will take.


It is time for supper. I hope to post again on this matter asap.

As always, may God bless all here and protect and guide our Holy Father.

Pope Benedict and Cardinal Levada (CDF) in private Audience this evening

....that is if everything went according to schedulte as stated by the VIS this afternoon.

No, you can't be 'a fly on the wall'. Enjoy your guesswork. Personally, I would be surprised if the most immediately pressing work re. the PCED has not already been done and that they were able to relax after dotting 'i's and crossing 't's. Of course there is the reverse scenario where recalcitrants are still making trouble...........All we can and must do is watch and pray.

God bless our Pope

Spiritual Motherhood and the Year of the Priest

According to Zenit, the Internet is awash with suggested initiatives for the Year of the Priest, inaugurated by the Holy Father last Friday on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This may be true but as yet it is not as easy to find reports of individual, group or Diocesan responses in action.


The most frequently made suggestion so far seems to be that of 'adopting' a priest for whom you will pray throughout the year. Three examples on individual blogs are 'Bevansinc' (specifically for priests of the English Diocese of Arundel and Brighton (although you don't have to live in the diocese to take part); Jane Teresa's blog 'My Heart was Restless'; and Anna Arco's blog at the Catholic Herald. Meanwhile last week's 'Joan Knows' on Vatican Radio mentioned the idea in passing, rather as if she had just thought of it!. Mulier Fortis posted that she felt that praying for priests was somehow part of her vocation.

However, I am especially concerned in this post with Spiritual Motherhood, a more permanent commitment and contribution that women can make to the Sanctification of Priests and the renewal of the Priesthood, which are central to our Holy Father's intentions in calling for this Sacerdotal Year. It's not my purpose to describe my own experience as a spiritual mother but I will attest most forcefully that it is indeed a specific vocation, that it is profoundly spiritually demanding, rewarding, and usually hidden, often from the priest or priests whom the Lord sends to the mother as spiritual sons.

This post is published as a gentle exhortation to my female readers who feel attracted to the idea or simply want to find out more. Here are two essential places on my bloglist sidebar where you will find sound spiritual advice and information.

http://www.clerus.org/ This is the website of the Congregation for Clergy headed by Cardinal Hummes. Here, by clicking on the 'stained glass window' you will find several relevant documents, but of specific interest is Document 05 'Eucharistic Adoration for the Sanctification of Priests and Spiritual Motherhood'. This is a 40 page pdf explanatory booklet which begins with the letter the Cardinal wrote to bishops in December 2007.

Vultus Christi, the wonderful and spititually indispensable blog of Fr Mark Kirby has many important posts in its archives. Search them! Typing in 'Bishop Slattery' will enable you to read all about this good and dear bishop's response to Cardinal Hummes' letter and document. Thanks to his Excellency, Tulsa Diocese now has a group of some 30 spiritual mothers. Preparatory to the eventual signing of their individual oblations at a special ceremony of consecration in April this year, they underwent a period of discernment and formation, (see link to report at top of sidebar here) which rightly and properly underlines the seriousness of their promise and commitment. Following from the example of the Tulsa model I would humbly advocate that anyone interested in spiritual motherhood, should consult her Parish Priest or Spiritual Director if she has one. I pray that the reading recommended above will inspire others to consider doing this.

As far as other US dioceses are concerned I can only find Providence and 'Adoro Te' mentioned the other day that a group may be starting up in Minnesota. I have as yet been unable to find any diocese in England and Wales, or in France where the Cardinal's suggestion and wish have been taken up. I wonder how much positive feedback he has had. (If any reader knows differently I'd be most grateful for the information.) As readers know, I'm isolated here and do not have a parish priest to whom I can appeal. My next task is therefore to write to Archbishop Nichols , (who has a most encouraging message about the Year of the Priest on the Westminster website) and to Bishop Dagens of Angouleme.

In the meantime, as I'm sure you'll agree, there is one uniquely special priest for whom we should all pray, namely Pope Benedict himself. Thank you Holy Father for the treasury of spiritual opportunities and graces you have offered to priests and laity in the institution of this sacerdotal year. May God protect and strengthen you and keep you well. Ad multos annos!

With my prayers for all here,
In Christo pro Papa
J

Mayor of San Giovanni Rotondo to Pope Benedict, this morning...

Welcoming Pope Benedict to San Giovanni Rotondo at the start of his day's pilgrimage, the Mayor announced to him that the town is now twinned with Marktl am Inn. Now, isn't that a lovely present to give to our Holy Father and the place of his birth and baptism.

Spiritual Motherhood; Roses for Pope Benedict; Fr. Z's question

Spiritual Motherhood:

I'm in the process of composing a post on this subject and hope to publish after the Holy Father's pilgrimage to San Giovanni Rotondo tomorrow.

Roses for Pope Benedict:

There are over fifty roses in my garden and they have not bloomed according to their usual pattern this year. This may be something to do with the weather or the moon or whatever you like. Suffice to say that my climbing 'Pilgrim' which does not normally flower until later in the season, showed forth masses of pale yellow blooms from the day our 'Pilgrim of Peace' left Rome for the Holy Land until his safe return.

As far as I know, there is no rose yet in the catalogue for Benedict XVI. I gather you have to ask a rose breeder to create a Rose for a given person. Well, I'm going to ask David Austin. 'Pilgrim' is one of his and so it shouldn't be too difficult for him to breed what we call a 'sport' from it for our dear Holy Father. Searching in my French catalogue for a rose to plant for him this year, I found 'Mozart', the only one which seemed appropriate. This rose arrived and was planted in a pot in my courtyard garden. It turns out, appropriately, to be a patio rose. At the beginning of this last week it was in bud, and yesterday for the Sacred Heart and the inauguration of the Year of the Priest, came into full display of delicate sprays of the palest pink.

Fr Z's question:

This was posted on WDTPRS earlier and asked what we had to report about initiatives for the Year of the Priest in our parishes and dioceses. For the answer, I turned instinctively to the Archdiocese of Westminster where I lived for 40 years. Joy: I found a special web page and message from our new Archbishop Vincent Nichols. He calls for the Rosary in each parish; for at least an hour's Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament per week in each one; and even expresses the hope that 'a rhythm of Forty Hours devotion can be established around the deaneries'. My old parish, St. Mary's Cadogan St., just up the road from the Cathedral, directs me to this message but their website doesn't yet indicate that they are about to implement the Archbishop's hopes.

So what is going on in the Diocese of Angouleme, here in France, as far as the Year of the Priest is concerned? I checked the website. All you get there is an invitation to receive a news letter by email. I would love to be wrong, but in St. Romain it's unlikely that there were others who knew what Pope Benedict was doing yesterday evening, and if they did, like me they would have kept it quiet. Perhaps it's time to be bold and put a notice in the window.

There was a 'profession of faith' ceremony for the youngsters last weekend. When I was told that this was imminent I asked one of the parents whether this was to be 'Confirmation' . 'Oh no,' she said, 'They don't do that now.'
A demain,

In Christo pro Papa