My last post makes reference to the providential meeting that took place over 20years ago in the bookstore of the Abbey of Saint-Cecile of Solesmes. Yesterday I was led to revisit Fr. Mark's article in which he describes the incident. It is clear that although Mother Elisabeth was indeed a member of the St. Cecile Community, she was not the Abbess. However, on Fr Mark's explicit recommendation, her books are certainly a huge and relatively recent example of the riches contributed to the Church by Benedictine monastic scholars. Mother de Solms appears to have done for the Bible and the Fathers, what her great Benedictine predecessor, Prosper Gueranger, did for the Liturgy.
I wonder if the two works mentioned by Father have ever been translated into English. Now, that would be a job for someone wouldn't it?! Any 'Dom or Dame L. Shepherds' around?!
Returning to Fr Mark's article, here are the exact words of Mother's prophecy as regarded the man who is now our Holy Father:
"Read him. You will see. God will make of him a great gift to his Church."
It is that 'will make of him' which sent shivers down my spine when I first read Mother's prediction. The phrase chimed with a notion, upon which I have reflected almost everyday since the election of Pope Benedict. More accurately it is my near-conviction that ever since the conception of Joseph Ratzinger, Christ has been preparing him to become His Vicar on earth at this particular point in human history.
It was a long training based on an astonishing array of God-given talents, but also rooted in a profoundly Catholic home and upbringing. More than this and during it, as Father Mark points out:
"In Pope Benedict XVI God has given the Church a shepherd who has contemplated the pierced Heart of the Crucified and already written of it....." (as early as 1986 in the case of 'Behold the Pierced One'. Was that the book which alerted Mother Elisabeth?)
Father continues: "Cardinal Ratzinger's writings on the Sacred Heart are warm and luminous. Fire and light are characteristic of a theology forged in experience.....
"The true theologian at once warms the heart and illumines the mind................
"Recall the words of Jesus concerning John the Baptist: 'He was a burning and shining lamp and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light (Jn 5:35). In our...Holy Father, God has given the Church a 'burning and shining lamp' Those alredy familiar with his writings and liturgical preaching know what I mean."
This motif of Pope Benedict as a precious gift whose accession to the Throne of Peter is proof of Divine intent, is frequently found in writings and speeches about his person and Pontificate. There seems to be a growing awarenesss of just how precious he is, and because of his age and previous health problems we can be anxious that his time with us will be all too short. In this, as in everything else, we must try to follow our Holy Father's own example, particularly those of us who are in the latter part of life expectancy. He is in profound peace and serenity which shows in his every word and deed, and in his very mien. The Source is clear as I have written elsewhere. Here, I share 3 images that came from kto during the Eucharistic Adoration in Lourdes last month. (Unfortunatly they are not in the edited video version.)The camera was on the Pope's face as he knelt in contemplation. It then moved to Our Lord in the Monstrance but Benedict's face was still there superimposed on the Host, and then gradually the face of His Holiness faded into the camera image of the Host, as if he was being absorbed into the Heart of Jesus. An inspired televisual metaphor. Yes, I believe Pope Benedict has offered himself completely to Christ his Lord, the Master of the future, and has been accepted.
None of this prevents us from praying for the Holy Father. The stroke he suffered in the early 1990s is supposed to have weakened his heart and his vision. There seems little physical, and certainly no metaphorical sign of it. Lord, may this long be the case.
(With my deepest gratitude to Mother Elisabeth de Solms and Father Mark Kirby)
In Christo pro Papa
J
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Pope Benedict XVI: A mixed week but the gates of Hell shall not prevail against him..
Today, Father Mark (Vultus Christi) has yet again posted most beautifully, valuably and appositely. In giving us the translation of our Holy Father's address at Pompeii last evening, he has drawn us back to the only Thing which will help us in 'a sea of troubles'. Yes, last week was remarkable. But although, during it we had the Sistine Chapel Vespers with Benedict and Bartholomew, the Beatification of Louis and Zelie Martin and everything else mentioned by Father Mark, we also had the dark side, and I commend these aspects to your prayers, just as they inform my own:
1 In spite of earlier promises about their being able to practice the Faith, thousands of Christians have had to flee Iraq.
2 Benedict's speaking out against the brutal persecution of Christians in India is condemned in that country.
3 Certain groups of Jews are making problems for our Holy Father in connection with the possible beatification of Pope Pius XII
4 Meanwhile at home there has been the 'Youth Sunday' Liturgy Resources Pack Row. The pack contains suggestions, apparently sanctioned by the Bishop's Conference of England and Wales, as to how Holy Mass can be celebrated on the Feast of Christ the King (November 23rd) Many of the suggestions would appear to exceed and /or ignore, the norms laid down by the Vatican for the Novus Ordo, that is the vernacular Mass celebrated almost exclusively in England and Wales for at least 30 years.
5 The intervention, on Damian Thompson's Daily Telegraph blog, by an anonymous 'eminence grise' warning Catholics not to be too vociferous or public in their objections to 4 above because it might derail Pope Benedict's long term plan for a 'reform of the reform'. (Most regular commenters on Holy Smoke including the present writer have heeded the advice.)
6 The HUMAN EMBRYO BILL GOES BEFORE THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT ON OCTOBER 22ND AND MOST RIGHT THINKING CATHOLICS ARE LENDING THEIR SUPPORT TO DEFEAT IT, EITHER BY PRAYER OR ACTIVE WORK TOWARDS THE SAME.
7 In the USA Catholics are being asked to fast for three days during the Presidential elections.
Clearly several posts could be written about all the above issues and more that I have not mentioned. In the face of them, as Catholics our first (and not our last) resort should be to Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar where we will find his love for us ever streaming and where we will find strength and courage to endure until the end.
An incident occurred many years ago. I am sure Father Mark will not mind my citing it, since he has described it in an article published on the Internet, (The Sacred Heart in the Theology of Benedict XVI)Father was in the bookshop of one of the Abbeys in Solemnes (yes there are two, one male and one female). He was approached by a nun who turned out to be the Abbess of the female Monastery and very well respected for her own scholarship and publications. She asked Father if he had read any of the works of one Cardinal Ratzinger. Father indicated that he had read some, not all. The Abbess then said a remarkable thing, to the effect that Father should watch this Ratzinger because he would eventually be a great gift to the Church. (Sorry Father can't find the exact quote now, but the point is made I think. You received a prophecy and so it has proved.)
A gift beyond all expectations and imaginings. Give thanks for him and pray for him, and for Father Mark.
In Christo pro Papa
If anyone requires links to things in the above please ask.
J
1 In spite of earlier promises about their being able to practice the Faith, thousands of Christians have had to flee Iraq.
2 Benedict's speaking out against the brutal persecution of Christians in India is condemned in that country.
3 Certain groups of Jews are making problems for our Holy Father in connection with the possible beatification of Pope Pius XII
4 Meanwhile at home there has been the 'Youth Sunday' Liturgy Resources Pack Row. The pack contains suggestions, apparently sanctioned by the Bishop's Conference of England and Wales, as to how Holy Mass can be celebrated on the Feast of Christ the King (November 23rd) Many of the suggestions would appear to exceed and /or ignore, the norms laid down by the Vatican for the Novus Ordo, that is the vernacular Mass celebrated almost exclusively in England and Wales for at least 30 years.
5 The intervention, on Damian Thompson's Daily Telegraph blog, by an anonymous 'eminence grise' warning Catholics not to be too vociferous or public in their objections to 4 above because it might derail Pope Benedict's long term plan for a 'reform of the reform'. (Most regular commenters on Holy Smoke including the present writer have heeded the advice.)
6 The HUMAN EMBRYO BILL GOES BEFORE THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT ON OCTOBER 22ND AND MOST RIGHT THINKING CATHOLICS ARE LENDING THEIR SUPPORT TO DEFEAT IT, EITHER BY PRAYER OR ACTIVE WORK TOWARDS THE SAME.
7 In the USA Catholics are being asked to fast for three days during the Presidential elections.
Clearly several posts could be written about all the above issues and more that I have not mentioned. In the face of them, as Catholics our first (and not our last) resort should be to Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar where we will find his love for us ever streaming and where we will find strength and courage to endure until the end.
An incident occurred many years ago. I am sure Father Mark will not mind my citing it, since he has described it in an article published on the Internet, (The Sacred Heart in the Theology of Benedict XVI)Father was in the bookshop of one of the Abbeys in Solemnes (yes there are two, one male and one female). He was approached by a nun who turned out to be the Abbess of the female Monastery and very well respected for her own scholarship and publications. She asked Father if he had read any of the works of one Cardinal Ratzinger. Father indicated that he had read some, not all. The Abbess then said a remarkable thing, to the effect that Father should watch this Ratzinger because he would eventually be a great gift to the Church. (Sorry Father can't find the exact quote now, but the point is made I think. You received a prophecy and so it has proved.)
A gift beyond all expectations and imaginings. Give thanks for him and pray for him, and for Father Mark.
In Christo pro Papa
If anyone requires links to things in the above please ask.
J
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Blog?
My last night's flight into the realms of the possible, if not probable, seems to have met with the approval of my regular readers. I loved doing it and am grateful for your expressed enjoyment. Although I love a good joke, (most Catholics do) I'm not by nature a frivolous person. However, I've decided there will be future sketches in the same vein should the news warrant or provoke.
I must point out that behind the humour, three serious projects are in preparation. One is totally private and you will only ever know of it on here by its fruits and never by its name. The other two should come to notice before mid-November (not long to wait). There is a tremendous amount of work going on behind the scenes towards these. But all three of the contributors know that their effort will be included in our third Spiritual Bouquet for our Holy Father - that is, the League's Christmas present to him. (Within the next few days I will be posting a reminder about the second, i.e. the All Saints bouquet.)
Other respected blogs are dealing with the matters that have concerned the Pro Papa League this week. You know who they are. No need for me to re-invent the wheel. There are however several impressions of this week which will remain forever in my memory, not the least of which was the sight, yesterday evening, of Benedict XVI and Bartholomew I recessing side by side from Vespers in the Sistine Chapel. The rest I will share with you tomorrow.
In Christo pro Papa
I must point out that behind the humour, three serious projects are in preparation. One is totally private and you will only ever know of it on here by its fruits and never by its name. The other two should come to notice before mid-November (not long to wait). There is a tremendous amount of work going on behind the scenes towards these. But all three of the contributors know that their effort will be included in our third Spiritual Bouquet for our Holy Father - that is, the League's Christmas present to him. (Within the next few days I will be posting a reminder about the second, i.e. the All Saints bouquet.)
Other respected blogs are dealing with the matters that have concerned the Pro Papa League this week. You know who they are. No need for me to re-invent the wheel. There are however several impressions of this week which will remain forever in my memory, not the least of which was the sight, yesterday evening, of Benedict XVI and Bartholomew I recessing side by side from Vespers in the Sistine Chapel. The rest I will share with you tomorrow.
In Christo pro Papa
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Pope Benedict XVI: Will he be the first Pope to blogificate?
With acknowledgemts to Zenit; Agnes Kan Leng Lam, Fr Tim Finigan and Curt Jester.
It's been a switchback of a week for us here on the Pro Papa League, and anyone else loyal to our Holy Father. I mentioned earlier that the atmosphere at the Synod in Rome has apparently been good humoured and that jokes in Latin had been exchanged. But not until this evening was I led by Fr Finigan's blog to discover that Agnes K L L Lan, had delivered to the Synod and directly to the Holy Father, the suggestion that he should blog. It seems that the bishops divided themselves by their reaction to this: i.e. those who know what a blog is and those who do not. Apparently there was laughter from those in the know. Already a great deal of fun is being had on the blogosphere about this, but you can bet that the Holy Father certainly knows what a blog is. Of course he made no response to Agnes, but you can also bet, he'll consider her suggestion, particularly in view of things I said in an earlier post about next year's World Communications day. He won't know I said those things of course, or will he? In view of certain indications this week that the Vatican reads our blogs, perhaps he may.
I will now allow myself a little flight of fancy before composing my next post on the historic Vespers that took place in the Sistine Chapel earlier this evening, and on Fr. Mark's (Vultus Christi) most recent contributions to our spiritual health.
*****************************************************************************
SCENE: Pope Benedict's study: discovered, Pope at desk, prayerfully thinking (does he ever stop? No. Deo gratias)
Enter Sec. MGR GEORG, apprehensive, probably suspecting what he is about to hear.
B16: Ah dear Georg. (Blesses him) Guten morgen. (translation follows) I've been thinking....
MGR G. (smiles in his usual beautiful way) Yes Holy Father...
Pause
BXVI: The Lady Lan's idea that I should blog. What do you think? Not a bad idea. But complex to effect. What, in your estimation, would it involve?
MGR G: Very complex. A new dicastary or at least a special section of an existing one.
BXVI: If a new dicastary how will we name it?
MGR G (becoming enthused and clearly having already thought of his answer, blurts out) Er, 'Congregation for Divine Blogging', or 'Congregation for the Doctrine of the Blog'.
BXVI: I like the second, brings back salutary memories. Anything else?
MGR G. Well yes. Would your Holiness consider a special section in the Congregation for Clergy: 'Congblogging.clergy.org'? Particularly for the English speaking ones. Your Holiness has remarked their excellence to me several times.
BXVI: Absolutely. I know and you know and Dario knows where they live. It's time they had a bit of a lift.
MGR G: (slightly nervous) And your blog name Holiness?
BXVI: (smiling seraphically) B-LOGOS
MGR: (after an appreciative pause) Your orders Holiness?
BXVI: To start with, for the English-speaking section, get Finigan, Blake and Zuhlsdorf....
MGR G: Holiness, their parishes?
BXVI: As to the first two, God will provide. As to the third, he has made the world his parish and he knows the technology and the way to control....shall we just say the over-enthusiasic. He is indispensible if we are to make this work. In any case he's only just down the road and doesn't have a parish. What's more he was at E.D. for a while. Need him.
MGR G: Anything else Holiness?
BXVI: Yes, please invite that English journalist we're always talking about, for a private audience. I want to offer him a job.
MGR G: A job?
BXVI: Press supremo, C.D.B. Now, call Tarcicio!
MGR G: (kneels to be blessed and then,searching the recesses of his cassock for mobile phone, moves towards the door. As he is pressing the automatic for Cardinal Bertone, Benedict speaks again).
BXVI: Keep an eye on that quaint little outfit, the Pro Papa League. They represent my little sheep. They love Christ and his Church.....and they love me.
MGR G: (bows his head in assent and exits).
********************************************************
I did say it was a flight of fancy!
In Christo pro Papa
It's been a switchback of a week for us here on the Pro Papa League, and anyone else loyal to our Holy Father. I mentioned earlier that the atmosphere at the Synod in Rome has apparently been good humoured and that jokes in Latin had been exchanged. But not until this evening was I led by Fr Finigan's blog to discover that Agnes K L L Lan, had delivered to the Synod and directly to the Holy Father, the suggestion that he should blog. It seems that the bishops divided themselves by their reaction to this: i.e. those who know what a blog is and those who do not. Apparently there was laughter from those in the know. Already a great deal of fun is being had on the blogosphere about this, but you can bet that the Holy Father certainly knows what a blog is. Of course he made no response to Agnes, but you can also bet, he'll consider her suggestion, particularly in view of things I said in an earlier post about next year's World Communications day. He won't know I said those things of course, or will he? In view of certain indications this week that the Vatican reads our blogs, perhaps he may.
I will now allow myself a little flight of fancy before composing my next post on the historic Vespers that took place in the Sistine Chapel earlier this evening, and on Fr. Mark's (Vultus Christi) most recent contributions to our spiritual health.
*****************************************************************************
SCENE: Pope Benedict's study: discovered, Pope at desk, prayerfully thinking (does he ever stop? No. Deo gratias)
Enter Sec. MGR GEORG, apprehensive, probably suspecting what he is about to hear.
B16: Ah dear Georg. (Blesses him) Guten morgen. (translation follows) I've been thinking....
MGR G. (smiles in his usual beautiful way) Yes Holy Father...
Pause
BXVI: The Lady Lan's idea that I should blog. What do you think? Not a bad idea. But complex to effect. What, in your estimation, would it involve?
MGR G: Very complex. A new dicastary or at least a special section of an existing one.
BXVI: If a new dicastary how will we name it?
MGR G (becoming enthused and clearly having already thought of his answer, blurts out) Er, 'Congregation for Divine Blogging', or 'Congregation for the Doctrine of the Blog'.
BXVI: I like the second, brings back salutary memories. Anything else?
MGR G. Well yes. Would your Holiness consider a special section in the Congregation for Clergy: 'Congblogging.clergy.org'? Particularly for the English speaking ones. Your Holiness has remarked their excellence to me several times.
BXVI: Absolutely. I know and you know and Dario knows where they live. It's time they had a bit of a lift.
MGR G: (slightly nervous) And your blog name Holiness?
BXVI: (smiling seraphically) B-LOGOS
MGR: (after an appreciative pause) Your orders Holiness?
BXVI: To start with, for the English-speaking section, get Finigan, Blake and Zuhlsdorf....
MGR G: Holiness, their parishes?
BXVI: As to the first two, God will provide. As to the third, he has made the world his parish and he knows the technology and the way to control....shall we just say the over-enthusiasic. He is indispensible if we are to make this work. In any case he's only just down the road and doesn't have a parish. What's more he was at E.D. for a while. Need him.
MGR G: Anything else Holiness?
BXVI: Yes, please invite that English journalist we're always talking about, for a private audience. I want to offer him a job.
MGR G: A job?
BXVI: Press supremo, C.D.B. Now, call Tarcicio!
MGR G: (kneels to be blessed and then,searching the recesses of his cassock for mobile phone, moves towards the door. As he is pressing the automatic for Cardinal Bertone, Benedict speaks again).
BXVI: Keep an eye on that quaint little outfit, the Pro Papa League. They represent my little sheep. They love Christ and his Church.....and they love me.
MGR G: (bows his head in assent and exits).
********************************************************
I did say it was a flight of fancy!
In Christo pro Papa
Friday, October 17, 2008
"Pope Benedict XVI preaches like a monk!" Father Mark Kirby on Vultus Christi today.
PLEASE READ FATHER MARK'S POST 'THE WORD HAS A FACE' ON VULTUS CHRISTI, BEFORE YOU GO TO BED TONIGHT.
A Cistercian monk himself, Father is not exaclty in the first years of his holy Profession, and therefore folks I promise you great benefit from what he has to say.
The Pro Papa Leauge is blessed in having Fr. Mark as its honorary Chaplain. Not a day goes by when he does not keep our hands, hearts and minds steady and focussed on the things that truly matter. In respect of his post today, I cannot recommend it highly enough. In the midst of all this pother about possible 'Green Sundays' in England and Wales on the Feast of Christ the King, and what we will have to do tomorrow to fight that particular battle, Father's post will give you true calm and send you to bed in peace and with a fervent prayer of thanksgiving to the Most Holy Trinity for having given us Pope Benedict XVI, as our earthly spiritual father, now gloriously and spiritually reigning.
Please, I beg you, go there and read Fr. Mark's explication and the text of our Holy Father's homily/meditation delivered on the morning of October 6th just passed.
Father introduces His Holiness' text thus:
"....readers of Vultus Christi will rejoice to discover Pope Benedict XVI's allusions to the Face and Heart of the Word."
Please go to Vultus Christi now and you won't need to read the comment I made on Fr. Mark's post. I reproduce it here only for the sake of my own records. One can never quite catch these moments accurately after the heat of battle which must resume on the morrow. And yet they are without price and give us courage and strength to go on:
"Dear Fr. Mark,
Thank you once again for drawing attention to the Centrality in our beloved Holy Father's faith, teaching and preaching and how it comes to be... I suspected something of the sort when he announced he would be Benedict. Oh how rich has been the almost daily proof since then.
Like many others, I had been alienated from him by the false picture that had been persistently peddled by the media before he was elected. But as a 'Benedictine soul', from day one I began to read his earlier works, began to watch and listen to him. Truly the revelation began just before the Election, but a great flame of hope began to enkindle in my heart during those days in spring 2005. Within months, I had fully recognised him for what he is, and that is the person you have described in this post.
There is also the remark on the commentary of 'The Papacy of Reason' that this monk-theologian quality, upon which you here elaborate, is what impresses the Orthodox and which could by implication lead to a healing of the Great Schism.
Thank you for publishing this homily of his, one which I have not seen before and which I will use in Meditation tomorrow."
In Christo pro Papa
A Cistercian monk himself, Father is not exaclty in the first years of his holy Profession, and therefore folks I promise you great benefit from what he has to say.
The Pro Papa Leauge is blessed in having Fr. Mark as its honorary Chaplain. Not a day goes by when he does not keep our hands, hearts and minds steady and focussed on the things that truly matter. In respect of his post today, I cannot recommend it highly enough. In the midst of all this pother about possible 'Green Sundays' in England and Wales on the Feast of Christ the King, and what we will have to do tomorrow to fight that particular battle, Father's post will give you true calm and send you to bed in peace and with a fervent prayer of thanksgiving to the Most Holy Trinity for having given us Pope Benedict XVI, as our earthly spiritual father, now gloriously and spiritually reigning.
Please, I beg you, go there and read Fr. Mark's explication and the text of our Holy Father's homily/meditation delivered on the morning of October 6th just passed.
Father introduces His Holiness' text thus:
"....readers of Vultus Christi will rejoice to discover Pope Benedict XVI's allusions to the Face and Heart of the Word."
Please go to Vultus Christi now and you won't need to read the comment I made on Fr. Mark's post. I reproduce it here only for the sake of my own records. One can never quite catch these moments accurately after the heat of battle which must resume on the morrow. And yet they are without price and give us courage and strength to go on:
"Dear Fr. Mark,
Thank you once again for drawing attention to the Centrality in our beloved Holy Father's faith, teaching and preaching and how it comes to be... I suspected something of the sort when he announced he would be Benedict. Oh how rich has been the almost daily proof since then.
Like many others, I had been alienated from him by the false picture that had been persistently peddled by the media before he was elected. But as a 'Benedictine soul', from day one I began to read his earlier works, began to watch and listen to him. Truly the revelation began just before the Election, but a great flame of hope began to enkindle in my heart during those days in spring 2005. Within months, I had fully recognised him for what he is, and that is the person you have described in this post.
There is also the remark on the commentary of 'The Papacy of Reason' that this monk-theologian quality, upon which you here elaborate, is what impresses the Orthodox and which could by implication lead to a healing of the Great Schism.
Thank you for publishing this homily of his, one which I have not seen before and which I will use in Meditation tomorrow."
In Christo pro Papa
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Holy Smoke receives an Anonymous Guest.
Just go there everyone and read and read him. There's just something very familiar about the tone - also my comment as DNP on page 1. I have agonised for 36 hours about the potential desecration of the Feast of Christ the King in England and Wales. I was about to atttempt a distillation here, of the experience, and then I read this. On attend.
In Christo pro Papa
Jane
In Christo pro Papa
Jane
Pope Benedict XVI's Latin Rosary (4CD boxed set): Two ways to buy it
This valuable aid to prayer is not, easy to purchase in UK. The London CTS does not appear to have it, nor does St. Michael's Farnborough Abbey. Neither St Paul's Bookshop next to Wesminster Cathedral, nor the Pauline Books & Media in Kensington, has an online bookshop. If anyone knows of an easy outlet in UK, or indeed USA, please comment on this post.
However, there are two ways to buy it and both involve contacting Vatican Radio where the set has been on promotion for over a month (17 euros including postage.)
The following information is correct as of today's date.
First contact Elvira Ortmann at promo@vatiradio.va
and in the subject box put "re: il rosario in latino del Santo Padre Benedetto XVI".
Apart from the foregoing, it's perfectly OK to write your email in English. (Not surprisingly there's a good team of linguists at Vatirad!)
You should receive a prompt response in which you'll be asked to email again, repeating your email address in the text and confirming the number of copies you want. They will then tell you that when your parcel arrives, it will contain Vatican Radio's International banking Code. You take this to your bank and send VR an international transfer using the code. This is the best way for people outside the Euro Zone.
THERE IS HOWEVER AN EASIER WAY. IF, LIKE ME YOU HAVE A EURO BANK ACCOUNT WITH A MAINLAND EUROPEAN BANK (NOT UK OF COURSe)YOU CAN SIMPLY POST VR A CHEQUE WHEN THE CDs ARRIVE ON YOUR DOORSTEP.
AS FELLOW PPL MEMBERS AND READERS OF THIS BLOG WELL KNOW, I WILL BE IN LONDON FOR THE LMS REQUIEM ON NOVEMBER 22nd. IF ANY OF YOU WOULD LIKE ME TO ORDER THE CDs FOR YOU I WILL PAY BY CHEQUE AND BRING YOUR SET WITH ME TO HAND TO YOU BEFORE THE REQUEIM. I WILL ACCEPT PAYMENT BY(STERLING OR EURO CASH/OR STERLING CHEQUE. NO CREDIT CARDS I'M AFRAID.
IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BE AT THE REQUIEM, I CAN STILL HELP YOU BY ORDERING AND PAYING FROM HERE AND THEN FORWARDING TO YOUR ADDRESS. IN THIS CASE I WOULD INFORM YOU OF THE CDs' ARRIVAL HERE AND THEN POST IMMEDIATELY ON RECEIPT OF STERLING CHEQUE AT MY FRENCH ADDRESS (TO BE NOTIFIED AS NECESSARY)
IF YOU WISH TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MY OFFER AS IN ABOVE TWO PARAGRAPHS, PLEASE PUT YOUR ORDER IN THE COMMENTS FOR THIS POST OR EMAIL ME AT probenoit16@live.com
Please note, the closing date for orders via me is 4pm (GMT)October 30th. If the promo. is still on, I may reopen the offer on November 26th.
Unfortunately the set does not have sleeve notes. It would have been useful to have the Latin and English Rosary Prayers printed out for those who want to learn the Rosary in Latin. However the Latin version is easliy found on the Internet.
Some people asked on WDTPRS how Vatirad had managed to fill 4CDs. The answer is that each one contains a different cycle of Mysteries and at the end of each he goes into the Litany of Our Lady (so you'll need to pull that off the Internet too if necessary) In my view it's sheer poetry in Latin. Each disc closes with the Holy Father's blessing. There is also a small adult choir of men and women who punctuate the decades with Marian chant and hymns.
It's an intimate recording, not at all grand and sounds as if it was made in a small chapel in the Vatican, possibly the Holy Father's own. The microphone is very close to him and this really makes you feel he's in the room with you! It has a very 'family' feel to it which would make it perfect for families praying and learning at home, or for teaching purposes in the parish.
My husband and I find it most conducive to recollection and look forward every night to being led in these beautiful prayers by our beloved Pope Benedict. We want to do our little bit to help make these discs more widely known and appreciated.
God bless,
In Christo pro Papa
Jane
However, there are two ways to buy it and both involve contacting Vatican Radio where the set has been on promotion for over a month (17 euros including postage.)
The following information is correct as of today's date.
First contact Elvira Ortmann at promo@vatiradio.va
and in the subject box put "re: il rosario in latino del Santo Padre Benedetto XVI".
Apart from the foregoing, it's perfectly OK to write your email in English. (Not surprisingly there's a good team of linguists at Vatirad!)
You should receive a prompt response in which you'll be asked to email again, repeating your email address in the text and confirming the number of copies you want. They will then tell you that when your parcel arrives, it will contain Vatican Radio's International banking Code. You take this to your bank and send VR an international transfer using the code. This is the best way for people outside the Euro Zone.
THERE IS HOWEVER AN EASIER WAY. IF, LIKE ME YOU HAVE A EURO BANK ACCOUNT WITH A MAINLAND EUROPEAN BANK (NOT UK OF COURSe)YOU CAN SIMPLY POST VR A CHEQUE WHEN THE CDs ARRIVE ON YOUR DOORSTEP.
AS FELLOW PPL MEMBERS AND READERS OF THIS BLOG WELL KNOW, I WILL BE IN LONDON FOR THE LMS REQUIEM ON NOVEMBER 22nd. IF ANY OF YOU WOULD LIKE ME TO ORDER THE CDs FOR YOU I WILL PAY BY CHEQUE AND BRING YOUR SET WITH ME TO HAND TO YOU BEFORE THE REQUEIM. I WILL ACCEPT PAYMENT BY(STERLING OR EURO CASH/OR STERLING CHEQUE. NO CREDIT CARDS I'M AFRAID.
IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BE AT THE REQUIEM, I CAN STILL HELP YOU BY ORDERING AND PAYING FROM HERE AND THEN FORWARDING TO YOUR ADDRESS. IN THIS CASE I WOULD INFORM YOU OF THE CDs' ARRIVAL HERE AND THEN POST IMMEDIATELY ON RECEIPT OF STERLING CHEQUE AT MY FRENCH ADDRESS (TO BE NOTIFIED AS NECESSARY)
IF YOU WISH TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MY OFFER AS IN ABOVE TWO PARAGRAPHS, PLEASE PUT YOUR ORDER IN THE COMMENTS FOR THIS POST OR EMAIL ME AT probenoit16@live.com
Please note, the closing date for orders via me is 4pm (GMT)October 30th. If the promo. is still on, I may reopen the offer on November 26th.
Unfortunately the set does not have sleeve notes. It would have been useful to have the Latin and English Rosary Prayers printed out for those who want to learn the Rosary in Latin. However the Latin version is easliy found on the Internet.
Some people asked on WDTPRS how Vatirad had managed to fill 4CDs. The answer is that each one contains a different cycle of Mysteries and at the end of each he goes into the Litany of Our Lady (so you'll need to pull that off the Internet too if necessary) In my view it's sheer poetry in Latin. Each disc closes with the Holy Father's blessing. There is also a small adult choir of men and women who punctuate the decades with Marian chant and hymns.
It's an intimate recording, not at all grand and sounds as if it was made in a small chapel in the Vatican, possibly the Holy Father's own. The microphone is very close to him and this really makes you feel he's in the room with you! It has a very 'family' feel to it which would make it perfect for families praying and learning at home, or for teaching purposes in the parish.
My husband and I find it most conducive to recollection and look forward every night to being led in these beautiful prayers by our beloved Pope Benedict. We want to do our little bit to help make these discs more widely known and appreciated.
God bless,
In Christo pro Papa
Jane
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Beatification of Louis and Zelie Martin: Lisieux, Sunday October 19th, 2008. Watch live on ktotv
This Sunday's Beatification of St. Therese's parents can be seen via the ktotv site at 9am (French time); 8am (GMT); and therefore in the small hours of Sunday morning in the States. There will most probably be a repeat video later in the day which can be saved on RealPlayer if you have it. I haven't had time to check but obviously EWTN is almost certain to broadcast a recording.
The kto commentary will naturally be in French, but for non-Francophones that should not detract from the holy joy of this occasion. His Eminence the redoubtably 'Benedictine' Cardinal Castrillon will celebrate the Mass and beatify the two Venerables. No accident I think that this Sunday is Mission Sunday.
Thanks once again to ktotv. Now I'm off to watch the Wednesday General Audience from Rome. kto have permanent cameras set up for it and the Angelus.
In Christo pro Papa
Jane
The kto commentary will naturally be in French, but for non-Francophones that should not detract from the holy joy of this occasion. His Eminence the redoubtably 'Benedictine' Cardinal Castrillon will celebrate the Mass and beatify the two Venerables. No accident I think that this Sunday is Mission Sunday.
Thanks once again to ktotv. Now I'm off to watch the Wednesday General Audience from Rome. kto have permanent cameras set up for it and the Angelus.
In Christo pro Papa
Jane
Monday, October 13, 2008
Spiritual batteries recharge: no posts from the Oasis on Tuesdays and Fridays
Will not be posting again unti Wednesday but rest assured all comments will then be acknowledged and appreciated and I'm happy to receive emails.
God bless,
In Christo pro Papa,
Jane
God bless,
In Christo pro Papa,
Jane
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Pope Benedict announces theme of World Communications Day (May 31, 2009)
According to Luke Coppen, editor of the Catholic Herald (UK), this story broke last week, i.e., the week ending October 3rd, but it seems to have been well buried. I only discovered it because the good Mr Coppen has written about it on his "Editor's Briefing", see this week's Catholic Herald on line. Google alerts on the Pope, which I receive daily, seem to have missed it. Mea culpa if it is I who have been less than vigilant.
Apparently the Holy Father has announced that the focus of the 2009 WCD will be: 'NEW TECHNOLOGIES, NEW RELATIONSHIPS: PROMOTING A CULTURE OF RESPECT, DIALOGUE AND FRIENDSHIP.' He will release his WCD message on Jan 24, the feast of St Francis de Sales, who as Mr Coppen reminds us, is patron of journalists. (Yes he is, but AS A PART OF HIS PATRONAGE OF ALL WRITERS AND AUTHORS. This is relevant considering the Herald editor's later remarks about some journalists resenting anyone else, eg. bloggers being able to comment freely in the public domain 'without a degree in journalism'.) However, in preparation for the new message, I recommend a reading of this year's. (at www.radiovaticana.org/enl/Articolo.asp?c=182137)
Mr Coppen goes on to report that 'some' predict Benedict's message in January next year, will be the first to refer directly to the blogosphere and he suggests that the Holy Father may come down against it because certain blogs in the Catholic domain, behave uncharitably and irresponsibly. In my experience it is more often the commenters who lack reason and charity. I wish everyone would use Fr Z's "Prayer Before Connecting to the Internet". (see next post and sidebar) In any case, however much the Holy Father must deplore certain blogs, there is little, even he could do to control them. I don't think he would want to. It is becoming clear that the Vatican DOES monitor the Blogosphere and therefore His Holiness will know that for every Sedevacantist blog, there are many others who constantly rise charitably and calmly in his defence. This Pope is blessed (to our great good) with myriad talents. Elsewhere, I have repeatedly lauded those that are spiritual. However, when he issues his WCD message next January, I think he will yet again demonstrate his great wisdom and perspicacity in worldly matters. Moreover, it would be astonishing if he does not, like the rest of us, use the Catholic 'blogosphere' as a barometer of the full range of Catholic opinion about the Church and his Pontificate.
As to the not very serious idea of Imprimaturs for blogs - oh please! I've had three books published by arguably the biggest 'Catholic' publisher in UK. Noone in that 'house' ever suggested that my work be scrutinised for a Nihil Obstat or Imprimatur before publication. By 2002 when my first book was published, that whole system seems to have become a dead duck. If it's not enforced for books, how can it possibly be enforced for blogs? Actually, I was rather disappointed and would have been happy to be called before Cardinal Ratzinger, had there been error in my writings.
In May this year, I sent his Holiness my books and his office has been silent, although of course, I've received an official letter of thanks for the gift. He probably hasn't even seen them. They could be full of error for all he knows. What happens to all the presents he receives? The point I am making is that books or blogs, the Holy Father can't monitor everything even when a person actually gives him evidence of her orthodoxy or the reverse. Maybe one of the secretaries spottted my stuff and sent it straight to the CDF for investigation! If he didn't maybe I should send it there myself.
Enough - I'm confident that anyone prepared to write the following words above his/her blog need not fear Vatican censorship.
"To the best of my knowledge everything you read from my pen is in accord with the teaching of Holy Mother Church, of our Holy Father Benedict XVI, and of his predecessors. So help me God."
In Christo pro Papa,
Jane
Apparently the Holy Father has announced that the focus of the 2009 WCD will be: 'NEW TECHNOLOGIES, NEW RELATIONSHIPS: PROMOTING A CULTURE OF RESPECT, DIALOGUE AND FRIENDSHIP.' He will release his WCD message on Jan 24, the feast of St Francis de Sales, who as Mr Coppen reminds us, is patron of journalists. (Yes he is, but AS A PART OF HIS PATRONAGE OF ALL WRITERS AND AUTHORS. This is relevant considering the Herald editor's later remarks about some journalists resenting anyone else, eg. bloggers being able to comment freely in the public domain 'without a degree in journalism'.) However, in preparation for the new message, I recommend a reading of this year's. (at www.radiovaticana.org/enl/Articolo.asp?c=182137)
Mr Coppen goes on to report that 'some' predict Benedict's message in January next year, will be the first to refer directly to the blogosphere and he suggests that the Holy Father may come down against it because certain blogs in the Catholic domain, behave uncharitably and irresponsibly. In my experience it is more often the commenters who lack reason and charity. I wish everyone would use Fr Z's "Prayer Before Connecting to the Internet". (see next post and sidebar) In any case, however much the Holy Father must deplore certain blogs, there is little, even he could do to control them. I don't think he would want to. It is becoming clear that the Vatican DOES monitor the Blogosphere and therefore His Holiness will know that for every Sedevacantist blog, there are many others who constantly rise charitably and calmly in his defence. This Pope is blessed (to our great good) with myriad talents. Elsewhere, I have repeatedly lauded those that are spiritual. However, when he issues his WCD message next January, I think he will yet again demonstrate his great wisdom and perspicacity in worldly matters. Moreover, it would be astonishing if he does not, like the rest of us, use the Catholic 'blogosphere' as a barometer of the full range of Catholic opinion about the Church and his Pontificate.
As to the not very serious idea of Imprimaturs for blogs - oh please! I've had three books published by arguably the biggest 'Catholic' publisher in UK. Noone in that 'house' ever suggested that my work be scrutinised for a Nihil Obstat or Imprimatur before publication. By 2002 when my first book was published, that whole system seems to have become a dead duck. If it's not enforced for books, how can it possibly be enforced for blogs? Actually, I was rather disappointed and would have been happy to be called before Cardinal Ratzinger, had there been error in my writings.
In May this year, I sent his Holiness my books and his office has been silent, although of course, I've received an official letter of thanks for the gift. He probably hasn't even seen them. They could be full of error for all he knows. What happens to all the presents he receives? The point I am making is that books or blogs, the Holy Father can't monitor everything even when a person actually gives him evidence of her orthodoxy or the reverse. Maybe one of the secretaries spottted my stuff and sent it straight to the CDF for investigation! If he didn't maybe I should send it there myself.
Enough - I'm confident that anyone prepared to write the following words above his/her blog need not fear Vatican censorship.
"To the best of my knowledge everything you read from my pen is in accord with the teaching of Holy Mother Church, of our Holy Father Benedict XVI, and of his predecessors. So help me God."
In Christo pro Papa,
Jane
Pope Benedict will not visit Mexico in 2009
The 'Precious Gift: handle with Care' policy, noted by Confiteor and myself, is apparently firmly in place. A Vatican statement by Cardinal Antonelli was reported Thursday in 'New Hope Courier', Oklahoma City. The Cardinal said that the Pope is in good health, but Mexico City 'is too high above sea level for someone of his age.'
Whilst I sympathise with the Mexicans, I confess to relief that this caution is being exercised. As it is, the Holy Father's physical schedule this year has been enough to punish a man 15 years his junior. The actual journeys would be enough, never mind everything he had to do when he reached his destinations. America, Australia, France - all within the space of 6 months, not to mention the diplomatic, mental, and spiritual demands of these visits. And yet, at the first Angelus I saw on TV after his return from France he looked relaxed, refreshed and younger than before he boarded the plane for Paris! I can't be alone in suspecting the Source of this phenomenon. And we were actually allowed to see It at work in Lourdes.
We must continue to pray to that same Source, that if it is His will, He will continue to invest all our Holy Father's faculties with the strength and health he needs, to do for the Church, whatever is in the Mind of the Most Holy Trinity during this his Pontificate. Pope Benedict has asked for our prayers and said that they are important, essential even. It is clearly our loving duty to fulfil his request..
In Christo pro Papa
Whilst I sympathise with the Mexicans, I confess to relief that this caution is being exercised. As it is, the Holy Father's physical schedule this year has been enough to punish a man 15 years his junior. The actual journeys would be enough, never mind everything he had to do when he reached his destinations. America, Australia, France - all within the space of 6 months, not to mention the diplomatic, mental, and spiritual demands of these visits. And yet, at the first Angelus I saw on TV after his return from France he looked relaxed, refreshed and younger than before he boarded the plane for Paris! I can't be alone in suspecting the Source of this phenomenon. And we were actually allowed to see It at work in Lourdes.
We must continue to pray to that same Source, that if it is His will, He will continue to invest all our Holy Father's faculties with the strength and health he needs, to do for the Church, whatever is in the Mind of the Most Holy Trinity during this his Pontificate. Pope Benedict has asked for our prayers and said that they are important, essential even. It is clearly our loving duty to fulfil his request..
In Christo pro Papa
French Traditional Blogs and Sites
For those interested in the 'French situation' and for my own convenience(!),I've added some side bar links which will take you to several French blogs, at least two of which are authored by Priests. There are also a couple run by young traditionalists which is heartening.
The motu link will take you to Paix Liturgique. As well as giving news of exactly where all the TLMs in France are taking place, you can sign up to receive email news of what's going on. These letters come at least once a week and always when a new Mass venue has been arranged. If you are interested in a particular area, say you're planning to come over here on holiday and want to be sure of an accessible TLM, the PL system is arranged according to the first two figures of departement post codes, eg. I'm in the Charente, postcode 16210, so I get specific news for Motuproprio16 as well as the general news. Bordeaux is 33 and is incredibly well supplied for TLMs by ICKSP, FSSP and IGS. There's also an extremely good linking service through email for getting people together to form 'stable groups'. This is a big site and there's lots of good info on it quite apart from the services mentioned above.
Of the three Una Voce links, the first is a general info resource about Una Voce International. Of the other two near the end of the list, the first leads you to unavoce.fr another excellent site if you read French.
If anyone needs translation of anything on these sites please ask me to do it under this post or email me. I'll be more than happy to help.
In Jesus Christ pour Papa Benoit,
Jane
The motu link will take you to Paix Liturgique. As well as giving news of exactly where all the TLMs in France are taking place, you can sign up to receive email news of what's going on. These letters come at least once a week and always when a new Mass venue has been arranged. If you are interested in a particular area, say you're planning to come over here on holiday and want to be sure of an accessible TLM, the PL system is arranged according to the first two figures of departement post codes, eg. I'm in the Charente, postcode 16210, so I get specific news for Motuproprio16 as well as the general news. Bordeaux is 33 and is incredibly well supplied for TLMs by ICKSP, FSSP and IGS. There's also an extremely good linking service through email for getting people together to form 'stable groups'. This is a big site and there's lots of good info on it quite apart from the services mentioned above.
Of the three Una Voce links, the first is a general info resource about Una Voce International. Of the other two near the end of the list, the first leads you to unavoce.fr another excellent site if you read French.
If anyone needs translation of anything on these sites please ask me to do it under this post or email me. I'll be more than happy to help.
In Jesus Christ pour Papa Benoit,
Jane
Friday, October 10, 2008
Valle Adurni: A warm and grateful welcome to Pastor in Valle
Pastor in Valle: Welcome to the Oasis in French Catholicism. I am most grateful for your comment on my post about the Paix Liturgique poll of French Catholics and have sent you a message to that effect on Valle Adurni. Your reading of the differences between the French and UK situations concurs with my own and I agree that the LMS is wise to invest in the future through things like the Merton Conferences.
I want to thank you here, for your translation of the Paix Liturgique interpretaion of the Poll because it has saved me a lot of work! (So everyone, please go to 'Valle Adurni' for this.) I found your post after putting up my own and realised my mistake about the cost of the poll, sheer misreading when in a hurry. Thank you for enabling me to correct myself in public. However the original source for my story was Una Voce whose newsletters are more useful, ss unlike those of Paix Liturgique they can be printed and I like to work from hard copy.
It's extremely comforting to find there's someone else in the pro-tradition English-speaking blogosphere who is interested and knowledgeable about French Catholicism and who is Francophile. I pray that we will be able to cooperate in the future to the benefit of the Church and our Holy Father Benedict.
Thank you again,
In Christo pro Papa,
Jane
I want to thank you here, for your translation of the Paix Liturgique interpretaion of the Poll because it has saved me a lot of work! (So everyone, please go to 'Valle Adurni' for this.) I found your post after putting up my own and realised my mistake about the cost of the poll, sheer misreading when in a hurry. Thank you for enabling me to correct myself in public. However the original source for my story was Una Voce whose newsletters are more useful, ss unlike those of Paix Liturgique they can be printed and I like to work from hard copy.
It's extremely comforting to find there's someone else in the pro-tradition English-speaking blogosphere who is interested and knowledgeable about French Catholicism and who is Francophile. I pray that we will be able to cooperate in the future to the benefit of the Church and our Holy Father Benedict.
Thank you again,
In Christo pro Papa,
Jane
Father Mark Kirby: News from Tulsa on Spiritual Motherhood for priests; and on Vultus Christi today a beautiful prayer for priests.
I am delighted to draw attention to Father Mark's comment under my earlier post 'Pope Benedict Spiritual Bouquet I: Full text of email' In response, I'm sure you would all want me welcome him officially and to say that we pray that Our Lord will make US worthy of having Fr Mark as our Hon. Retreat Master.
It seems that the evening after our first Bouquet would have arrived with His Holiness, Father Mark was preaching an evening of recollection in the cathedral in Tulsa, 'to women of the diocese desirous of responding to the Holy See's invitation to offer themselves as spiritual mothers of priests.' Father hopes to write about in on Vultus Christi and describes the evening of recollection as 'a blessed experience'.
Those who have read my earlier post 'A great Initiative' which leads into the subject of SPIRITUAL MOTHERHOOD, will know of my devotion to this calling and I want to take THIS OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE IT MORE WIDELY KNOWN IN UK AND FRANCE. I would like to invite any woman reading this to consider the Holy See's invitation. Go to 'The Congregation for the Clergy' to read the original Vatican document and to the Vultus Christi Archive for the response of BISHOP SLATTERY of the TULSA DIOCESE where FATHER MARK is now installed in the new CENACLE OF EUCHARISTIC ADORATION and has been made available by this wonderful bishop as spiritual director to the priests and deacons of his diocese.
I WANT TO DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO SUPPORT FATHER MARK AND TO PROMOTE THIS TWIN TULSA INITIATIVE AND SPREAD IT ELSEWHERE. IN THE MEANTIME PERHAPS THE LADIES OF THE OASIS AND PPL MIGHT LIKE TO JOIN ME IN A MINI-WEB CENACLE OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION.
Today on Vultus Christi Father Mark has posted a beautiful prayer to Our Lord for his priests. I BEG YOU TO GO OVER AND ABSORB IT. It can be prayed by anyone, but seems to me to be ideal, as an official prayer of Spiritual Mothers. I have printed it off and it is now in my Breviary to be prayed daily after Lauds together with the Novena to St. Peter Julian Eymard posted some time ago by Fr. Mark.
Pope Benedict mentioned this Saint and his special mission for priests, whilst he was in Lourdes, I think during his address at the Eucharistic Adoration. This occasion was a supreme example of our dear Holy Father teaching by example as well as precept. Noone who saw the TV images of his face whilst in contemplation, and with that vast crowd in prayerful wonder and awe behind him, will ever forget it. To televise his face during those intimate ten minutes could have been construed as an intrusion, and yet since he himself was so totally recollected, all one could and should do was to pray with him, and thank God for the privilege of having lived to experience those minutes and begin to learn how to pray in silence. Moreover, it seemed that when Mgr Marini gently touched him to bring him out of his contemplation in order to go on with the liturgy, our Holy Father started slightly as if remembering where he was. Cardinal Bertone, Mgr Marini, Mgr Georg and others of the Papal household or close to the Pope by reason of their position must be so used to witnessing this and I think it is possibly why, apart for their intellectual respect for him, they all seem to treat him in public with such care and love. He is precious to them and their feeling is shared by us. As Cardinal Ranjith says on 'The Papacy of Reason,': "The Holy Father is one of the greatest gifts God has given to the Church in modern times."
When I began this post I had no intention or idea that I would write most of the above paragraph, but there it is and I hope noone finds it too much of a digression. However, it sprang from the initial suggestion I DID intend to make and that is as follows: the praying of Fr. Mark's prayer to our Lord for priests, the Novena of St. Peter Julian, some sessions of silent prayer however brief, Holy Hours and communions would be totally in accord with his Holiness' intentions and therefore highly appropriate for inclusion in the next and future Bouquets.
Thank you Holy Father for your teaching and thank you Father Mark for everything you have already done as our Retreat Master, with and without knowing it.
It seems that the evening after our first Bouquet would have arrived with His Holiness, Father Mark was preaching an evening of recollection in the cathedral in Tulsa, 'to women of the diocese desirous of responding to the Holy See's invitation to offer themselves as spiritual mothers of priests.' Father hopes to write about in on Vultus Christi and describes the evening of recollection as 'a blessed experience'.
Those who have read my earlier post 'A great Initiative' which leads into the subject of SPIRITUAL MOTHERHOOD, will know of my devotion to this calling and I want to take THIS OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE IT MORE WIDELY KNOWN IN UK AND FRANCE. I would like to invite any woman reading this to consider the Holy See's invitation. Go to 'The Congregation for the Clergy' to read the original Vatican document and to the Vultus Christi Archive for the response of BISHOP SLATTERY of the TULSA DIOCESE where FATHER MARK is now installed in the new CENACLE OF EUCHARISTIC ADORATION and has been made available by this wonderful bishop as spiritual director to the priests and deacons of his diocese.
I WANT TO DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO SUPPORT FATHER MARK AND TO PROMOTE THIS TWIN TULSA INITIATIVE AND SPREAD IT ELSEWHERE. IN THE MEANTIME PERHAPS THE LADIES OF THE OASIS AND PPL MIGHT LIKE TO JOIN ME IN A MINI-WEB CENACLE OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION.
Today on Vultus Christi Father Mark has posted a beautiful prayer to Our Lord for his priests. I BEG YOU TO GO OVER AND ABSORB IT. It can be prayed by anyone, but seems to me to be ideal, as an official prayer of Spiritual Mothers. I have printed it off and it is now in my Breviary to be prayed daily after Lauds together with the Novena to St. Peter Julian Eymard posted some time ago by Fr. Mark.
Pope Benedict mentioned this Saint and his special mission for priests, whilst he was in Lourdes, I think during his address at the Eucharistic Adoration. This occasion was a supreme example of our dear Holy Father teaching by example as well as precept. Noone who saw the TV images of his face whilst in contemplation, and with that vast crowd in prayerful wonder and awe behind him, will ever forget it. To televise his face during those intimate ten minutes could have been construed as an intrusion, and yet since he himself was so totally recollected, all one could and should do was to pray with him, and thank God for the privilege of having lived to experience those minutes and begin to learn how to pray in silence. Moreover, it seemed that when Mgr Marini gently touched him to bring him out of his contemplation in order to go on with the liturgy, our Holy Father started slightly as if remembering where he was. Cardinal Bertone, Mgr Marini, Mgr Georg and others of the Papal household or close to the Pope by reason of their position must be so used to witnessing this and I think it is possibly why, apart for their intellectual respect for him, they all seem to treat him in public with such care and love. He is precious to them and their feeling is shared by us. As Cardinal Ranjith says on 'The Papacy of Reason,': "The Holy Father is one of the greatest gifts God has given to the Church in modern times."
When I began this post I had no intention or idea that I would write most of the above paragraph, but there it is and I hope noone finds it too much of a digression. However, it sprang from the initial suggestion I DID intend to make and that is as follows: the praying of Fr. Mark's prayer to our Lord for priests, the Novena of St. Peter Julian, some sessions of silent prayer however brief, Holy Hours and communions would be totally in accord with his Holiness' intentions and therefore highly appropriate for inclusion in the next and future Bouquets.
Thank you Holy Father for your teaching and thank you Father Mark for everything you have already done as our Retreat Master, with and without knowing it.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
French Catholics polled on Summorum Pontificum and Extraordinary Form of Mass: Encouraging Results
This all Catholic Poll was conducted for Paix Liturgique by CSA immediately following Pope Benedict's recent visit to France. The results have been circulated today by Una Voce to its membership. These are much more useful than the Figaro ones featured on my earlier post. I have not been able to find the size of the sample but have asked Una Voce to let me have this information. Even if it was as small as the Figaro one (1,054)it is more relevant to the immediate concerns of this blog, its associates and followers. And knowing how bad things have been and seem, here in France profonde, the results are (believe you me)surprisingly good and encouraging. Where they are not so good, there is still plenty of room to be optimistic about the future of the 'Reform of the Reform' in France.
Four questions were asked of participants:
1. DID YOU KNOW ABOUT POPE BENEDICT'S SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM AND ITS CONTENT REGARDING THE ORDINARY AND EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS?
RESULTS:
All Catholics: Yes 58% No 42%
Practising Catholics Yes 82% No 18%
2. DO YOU THINK IT SHOULD BE THE NORM THAT THE TWO FORMS BE CELEBRATED REGULARLY IN THE PRINCIPLE CHURCHES OF YOUR DIOCESE?
RESULTS:
Yes
All Catholics 62%
Practising Catholics 61%
No
All Catholics 30%
Practising Catholics 34%
No Comment
All Cs 8%
Prac. Caths. 5%
3. WOULD YOU APPROVE OF HAVING AN E.F. MASS IN YOUR PARISH CHURCH EACH SUNDAY AS WELL AS THE USUAL O.F. MASS?
RESULTS
In favour: All Caths. 12% Practising Caths. 16%
Rather in favour: All caths. 31% Practising Caths. 26%
Not really in favour: All Caths. 23% Practising Caths. 30%
Not at all in favour: All Caths. 27% Prac. Caths. 25%
No comment: All Caths. 7% Prac. Caths. 3%
4. IF AN e.f. mASS WERE TO BE CELEBRATED IN YOUR PARISH CHURCH OR IN ONE NEAR YOU, WOULD YOU GO TO IT?
RESULTS
Every Saturday or Sunday All Caths. 3% Prac. Caths. 19%
At least once a month All Caths. 4% Prac. Caths. 15%
From time to time/several times a year All Caths. 22% Prac. Caths. 27%
Only for Les Ceremonies/Grandes Fetes (Christmas, Easter, Rites of Passage)
All Caths. 37% Prac. Caths. 9%
Never All Caths. 32% Prac. Caths. 28%
No Comment All Caths. 2% Prac. Caths. 2%
The Una Voce communication includes four interpretative paragraph from Paix Liturgique. These I hope to translate over the weekend and put up here as soon as possible. Suffice it to say now, that to my mind several surprising things stand out. French Catholics, particularly the practising ones, are very well informed about the Holy Father's initiative. (I would like to have seen an additional part to the first question, 'Who told you, your bishop, PP or other?') However, they clearly have a lively interest in developments, with the core of obvious liberal hardliners much smaller than I expected. The open mindedness reflected in the results is to be applauded and welcomed. I'm surprised they didn't ask people whether the Holy Father
himself had influenced their attitudes during his visit.
Paix Liturgique is similar to the LMS but operates differently. (Explanation later)
However, it would be VERY INTERESTING IF SUCH A POLL WERE TO BE CONDUCTED IN ENGLAND AND WALES.....! This one cost Paix L. 4,000 euros and I suspect that the LMS would consider its money more wisely spent on Merton-type initiatives.
IN CHRISTO PRO PAPA
Four questions were asked of participants:
1. DID YOU KNOW ABOUT POPE BENEDICT'S SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM AND ITS CONTENT REGARDING THE ORDINARY AND EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS?
RESULTS:
All Catholics: Yes 58% No 42%
Practising Catholics Yes 82% No 18%
2. DO YOU THINK IT SHOULD BE THE NORM THAT THE TWO FORMS BE CELEBRATED REGULARLY IN THE PRINCIPLE CHURCHES OF YOUR DIOCESE?
RESULTS:
Yes
All Catholics 62%
Practising Catholics 61%
No
All Catholics 30%
Practising Catholics 34%
No Comment
All Cs 8%
Prac. Caths. 5%
3. WOULD YOU APPROVE OF HAVING AN E.F. MASS IN YOUR PARISH CHURCH EACH SUNDAY AS WELL AS THE USUAL O.F. MASS?
RESULTS
In favour: All Caths. 12% Practising Caths. 16%
Rather in favour: All caths. 31% Practising Caths. 26%
Not really in favour: All Caths. 23% Practising Caths. 30%
Not at all in favour: All Caths. 27% Prac. Caths. 25%
No comment: All Caths. 7% Prac. Caths. 3%
4. IF AN e.f. mASS WERE TO BE CELEBRATED IN YOUR PARISH CHURCH OR IN ONE NEAR YOU, WOULD YOU GO TO IT?
RESULTS
Every Saturday or Sunday All Caths. 3% Prac. Caths. 19%
At least once a month All Caths. 4% Prac. Caths. 15%
From time to time/several times a year All Caths. 22% Prac. Caths. 27%
Only for Les Ceremonies/Grandes Fetes (Christmas, Easter, Rites of Passage)
All Caths. 37% Prac. Caths. 9%
Never All Caths. 32% Prac. Caths. 28%
No Comment All Caths. 2% Prac. Caths. 2%
The Una Voce communication includes four interpretative paragraph from Paix Liturgique. These I hope to translate over the weekend and put up here as soon as possible. Suffice it to say now, that to my mind several surprising things stand out. French Catholics, particularly the practising ones, are very well informed about the Holy Father's initiative. (I would like to have seen an additional part to the first question, 'Who told you, your bishop, PP or other?') However, they clearly have a lively interest in developments, with the core of obvious liberal hardliners much smaller than I expected. The open mindedness reflected in the results is to be applauded and welcomed. I'm surprised they didn't ask people whether the Holy Father
himself had influenced their attitudes during his visit.
Paix Liturgique is similar to the LMS but operates differently. (Explanation later)
However, it would be VERY INTERESTING IF SUCH A POLL WERE TO BE CONDUCTED IN ENGLAND AND WALES.....! This one cost Paix L. 4,000 euros and I suspect that the LMS would consider its money more wisely spent on Merton-type initiatives.
IN CHRISTO PRO PAPA
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Pope Benedict's Spiritual Bouquet II: The log book is now open
Hello everyone and thank you again for your SB I offerings. Thanks also for messages of thanks and delight that the Bouquet was sent off as planned. The fifteen of us did really well in a mere fortnight.
Having a bit of a rough time today as keep getting disconnected every 15 minutes. They're laying cables underground in the next village and it's affecting everyone's broadband. (So Electricite de France have just bought British Energy and can't.....Be quiet Jane and don't be ungracious.)
I'll be working hard now for the next Bouquet to be sent on the Eve of All Saints and trying to recruit other individuals and blogowners so that we can make it even better in content and numbers of people.
Please leave your offerings at any time under any post. I go through daily and pick everything up.
Apart from the usual prayers, rosaries, penances and sacrifices, Masses, Communions etc., I'm planning a SPECIAL MUSIC feature next time because we know how much Papa loves the Chant and Polyphony. Here are some things I'll be offering: Time spent in: Study of Chant in practice with the Liber Usualis, Kyriale and Divine Office; Prayerful listening to Chant (on CDs) of appropriate day with texts; study of the theory of Chant and its history. Anyone who sings in a choir or who attends Liturgy where Chant or Polyphony is performed please please join me (choir practices included!)You will be singing and studying 'in Christo pro Papa Benedict'. I'm sure he'd love to know exactly what you've sung for his intentions, so please include if you have time. I'll be starting later tonight and joining in with 'Adoro te devote'; 'Veni Creator' 'Salve Regina' and Palestrina's 'Tu es Petrus'.
A couple of things came in too late for Our Lady of the Rosary but they will appear in next Bouquet. Must go now - about to be cut off again!
God bless,
In Christo pro Papa,
Jane
Having a bit of a rough time today as keep getting disconnected every 15 minutes. They're laying cables underground in the next village and it's affecting everyone's broadband. (So Electricite de France have just bought British Energy and can't.....Be quiet Jane and don't be ungracious.)
I'll be working hard now for the next Bouquet to be sent on the Eve of All Saints and trying to recruit other individuals and blogowners so that we can make it even better in content and numbers of people.
Please leave your offerings at any time under any post. I go through daily and pick everything up.
Apart from the usual prayers, rosaries, penances and sacrifices, Masses, Communions etc., I'm planning a SPECIAL MUSIC feature next time because we know how much Papa loves the Chant and Polyphony. Here are some things I'll be offering: Time spent in: Study of Chant in practice with the Liber Usualis, Kyriale and Divine Office; Prayerful listening to Chant (on CDs) of appropriate day with texts; study of the theory of Chant and its history. Anyone who sings in a choir or who attends Liturgy where Chant or Polyphony is performed please please join me (choir practices included!)You will be singing and studying 'in Christo pro Papa Benedict'. I'm sure he'd love to know exactly what you've sung for his intentions, so please include if you have time. I'll be starting later tonight and joining in with 'Adoro te devote'; 'Veni Creator' 'Salve Regina' and Palestrina's 'Tu es Petrus'.
A couple of things came in too late for Our Lady of the Rosary but they will appear in next Bouquet. Must go now - about to be cut off again!
God bless,
In Christo pro Papa,
Jane
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Pope Benedict Spiritual Bouquet I: Full text of email
Most Holy Father,
On September 22nd this year, a group of seven English-speaking blogowners and their readers, all dedicated to prayer for your Holiness' well being and intentions, began to assemble the spiritual bouquet listed below. We intend that it should be the first of many and that it will increase in size and number of contributors as the months go on. The group is united on the internet under the title of 'Pro Papa League'.
MASSES:
Our joint league chaplain regularly offers Mass and prayers for your intentions but I am sure you will understand his wish to remain anonymous. He is in the USA and a friend of 'Confiteor', the League founder.
MEDITATIONS:
The League has adopted as honorary Retreat Master, Fr Mark Kirby, whose profoundly spiritual blog 'Vultus Christi' is a source of daily spiritual nourishment to us as we pray for your Holiness. Father is a Cistercian monk of Holy Cross Abbey in Rome, now working in the diocese of Tulsa East Oklahoma, where Bishop Slattery has installed him in the new Cenacle of Eucharistic Adoration and given him charge over the spiritual direction of priests and deacons in the diocese.
A MONTH'S RETREAT WITH MEDITATION AND FASTING, dedicated to your Holiness as our Holy Father and as an individual Christian:
This will conclude at the end of October and is being made by a League blogowner NAME GIVEN)who is a traditional Catholic hermit. He is Danish and is located in his home country at Odense.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION:
One hour before the Blessed Sacrament with your Holiness' book 'On the Way to JesuS' - offered by 'Confiteor' who also specialises in
APOLOGETICS CONTRA SEDEVACANTISTS and anyone else who expresses detraction against your Holiness on the Internet:
Several hours invested in this each week.
HARDSHIP OFFERED UP:
(NAME GIVEN)offers up 'for Pope Benedict the hardship caused by illness and much prayer for him and the Catholic Church'.
ROSARIES:
212 decades prayed by the League and followers
LITANIES OF OUR LADY:
23 prayed by the present writer and her husband (NAMES GIVEN)using your Holiness' Latin recordings of the Rosary.
OTHER PRAYERS AND OFFERINGS:
Friday fasts and abstinence - 4
Constant prayer for Bishops as integral to prayer for your Holiness
Fatima prayer, 'Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins ...' - 1
Exasperation with those who equate tradition with nostalgia, controlled and offered up - 2
Anonymous promised daily praying of 'the "Veni Creator" for Pope Benedict'.
LABOUR OF LOVE
Innumerable hours offered, at least two of the blogowners spending an average of 5 hours a day in the promotion of prayer for your Holiness.
SPREADING THE WORD OUTSIDE THE INTERNET:
(TWO NAMES GIVEN) are making our initiative known amongst their friends and in their parishes; Confiteor has appealed to Opus Dei friends for reinforcements.
Holy Father, we all pray most fervently that our efforts will bear fruit for you, as you labour in the Vineyard, and for your own personal well being, health and strength.
We hope to send the next Bouquet in time for the Solemnity of All Saints and in the meantime assure your Holiness of our filial love, obedience and loyalty. AD MULTOS ANNOS.
Signed with blog names in brackets, nationality, location and gender:
Jane Mossendew-Fulthorpe (Thoughts from an Oasis in French Catholicism)
'Confiteor' (Pro Papa Flagship)
Name given (saintbruno.blogspot.com
Name given (White Smoke Ahoy)
'Bessarion' (Dedicated to the Great Pope of Union)
'Prima' (Pro Papa USA)
Pro Papa IX (Vultus Christi)
Readers and Friends:
Lindi (Name given)
clare a (Name given)
'Grigori'
'Rise and Pray' (Name given)
'Mocath'
On September 22nd this year, a group of seven English-speaking blogowners and their readers, all dedicated to prayer for your Holiness' well being and intentions, began to assemble the spiritual bouquet listed below. We intend that it should be the first of many and that it will increase in size and number of contributors as the months go on. The group is united on the internet under the title of 'Pro Papa League'.
MASSES:
Our joint league chaplain regularly offers Mass and prayers for your intentions but I am sure you will understand his wish to remain anonymous. He is in the USA and a friend of 'Confiteor', the League founder.
MEDITATIONS:
The League has adopted as honorary Retreat Master, Fr Mark Kirby, whose profoundly spiritual blog 'Vultus Christi' is a source of daily spiritual nourishment to us as we pray for your Holiness. Father is a Cistercian monk of Holy Cross Abbey in Rome, now working in the diocese of Tulsa East Oklahoma, where Bishop Slattery has installed him in the new Cenacle of Eucharistic Adoration and given him charge over the spiritual direction of priests and deacons in the diocese.
A MONTH'S RETREAT WITH MEDITATION AND FASTING, dedicated to your Holiness as our Holy Father and as an individual Christian:
This will conclude at the end of October and is being made by a League blogowner NAME GIVEN)who is a traditional Catholic hermit. He is Danish and is located in his home country at Odense.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION:
One hour before the Blessed Sacrament with your Holiness' book 'On the Way to JesuS' - offered by 'Confiteor' who also specialises in
APOLOGETICS CONTRA SEDEVACANTISTS and anyone else who expresses detraction against your Holiness on the Internet:
Several hours invested in this each week.
HARDSHIP OFFERED UP:
(NAME GIVEN)offers up 'for Pope Benedict the hardship caused by illness and much prayer for him and the Catholic Church'.
ROSARIES:
212 decades prayed by the League and followers
LITANIES OF OUR LADY:
23 prayed by the present writer and her husband (NAMES GIVEN)using your Holiness' Latin recordings of the Rosary.
OTHER PRAYERS AND OFFERINGS:
Friday fasts and abstinence - 4
Constant prayer for Bishops as integral to prayer for your Holiness
Fatima prayer, 'Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins ...' - 1
Exasperation with those who equate tradition with nostalgia, controlled and offered up - 2
Anonymous promised daily praying of 'the "Veni Creator" for Pope Benedict'.
LABOUR OF LOVE
Innumerable hours offered, at least two of the blogowners spending an average of 5 hours a day in the promotion of prayer for your Holiness.
SPREADING THE WORD OUTSIDE THE INTERNET:
(TWO NAMES GIVEN) are making our initiative known amongst their friends and in their parishes; Confiteor has appealed to Opus Dei friends for reinforcements.
Holy Father, we all pray most fervently that our efforts will bear fruit for you, as you labour in the Vineyard, and for your own personal well being, health and strength.
We hope to send the next Bouquet in time for the Solemnity of All Saints and in the meantime assure your Holiness of our filial love, obedience and loyalty. AD MULTOS ANNOS.
Signed with blog names in brackets, nationality, location and gender:
Jane Mossendew-Fulthorpe (Thoughts from an Oasis in French Catholicism)
'Confiteor' (Pro Papa Flagship)
Name given (saintbruno.blogspot.com
Name given (White Smoke Ahoy)
'Bessarion' (Dedicated to the Great Pope of Union)
'Prima' (Pro Papa USA)
Pro Papa IX (Vultus Christi)
Readers and Friends:
Lindi (Name given)
clare a (Name given)
'Grigori'
'Rise and Pray' (Name given)
'Mocath'
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Le Figaro polls French on Papal Visit: Results
POLL CONDUCTED ON LINE FOR LE FIGARO BY SONDAGE OPINIONWAY WITH A SAMPLE OF 1,054 PEOPLE ACCORDING TO THE QUOTAS METHOD
QUESTION 1
Are you satisfied with the direction of the Pope's action since the beginning of his Pontificate?
BEFORE THE VISIT
All responding: Very satisfied 2%
Rather satisfied 18%
Not really satisfied 18%
Not at all satisfied 30%
AFTER THE VISIT
All responding Very satisfied 3%
Rather satisfied 28%
Not really satisfied 18%
Not at all satisfied 32%
Catholic response satisfied: All Catholics 42%
Practising Catholics 58%
Non-practising 35%
QUESTION 2
Would you say that the Pope's visit was a success, a setback or a failure?
All French responding: Neither one nor the other 51%
A success 44%
A failure 4%
Catholic response: All Catholics - a success 56%
Practising Catholics 72%
Non-practising 49%
Question 3
In the Popes's presence, President Sarkozy spoke in favour of a positive laicity (a society open and tolerant towards religious beliefs and openness to other cultures) Would you say he was right or wrong to say this?
All responding: No opinion 40%
Right 33%
Wrong 27%
Catholic response: All Catholics 43%
Practising Catholics 51%
Non-practising 39%
Le Figaro, which in my view distinguished itself in its coverage of Pope Benedict's visit, lets itself down badly with the low calibre of these questions, which were unlikely to elicit responses enlightening to its readership about the relationship between Church and state, nor tell French Catholics anything they didn't already know about problems at the heart of the French church.
For an outsider, however, the questions and the results may seem opaque but they do raise a couple of interesting points, which I'll examine in a later post, but think that Le Figaro failed doubly in taking such a small sample.
In Christo pro Papa,
Jane
QUESTION 1
Are you satisfied with the direction of the Pope's action since the beginning of his Pontificate?
BEFORE THE VISIT
All responding: Very satisfied 2%
Rather satisfied 18%
Not really satisfied 18%
Not at all satisfied 30%
AFTER THE VISIT
All responding Very satisfied 3%
Rather satisfied 28%
Not really satisfied 18%
Not at all satisfied 32%
Catholic response satisfied: All Catholics 42%
Practising Catholics 58%
Non-practising 35%
QUESTION 2
Would you say that the Pope's visit was a success, a setback or a failure?
All French responding: Neither one nor the other 51%
A success 44%
A failure 4%
Catholic response: All Catholics - a success 56%
Practising Catholics 72%
Non-practising 49%
Question 3
In the Popes's presence, President Sarkozy spoke in favour of a positive laicity (a society open and tolerant towards religious beliefs and openness to other cultures) Would you say he was right or wrong to say this?
All responding: No opinion 40%
Right 33%
Wrong 27%
Catholic response: All Catholics 43%
Practising Catholics 51%
Non-practising 39%
Le Figaro, which in my view distinguished itself in its coverage of Pope Benedict's visit, lets itself down badly with the low calibre of these questions, which were unlikely to elicit responses enlightening to its readership about the relationship between Church and state, nor tell French Catholics anything they didn't already know about problems at the heart of the French church.
For an outsider, however, the questions and the results may seem opaque but they do raise a couple of interesting points, which I'll examine in a later post, but think that Le Figaro failed doubly in taking such a small sample.
In Christo pro Papa,
Jane
Thursday, October 2, 2008
SS. Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels: Extract from a recent letter to a close spiritual friend....
"My dearest *********,
September 29th, 2008 Feast of SS Michael, Garriel and Raphael
.....as you know, I love the Archangels and have been saddened that today's feast is increasingly referred to as St. Michael's day only. When 'they' lumped them together, I was afraid SS Gabriel and Raphael would eventually be overlooked. In the case of the former, the Annunciation and Christmas mean that he can never be forgotten, but St Raphael.....? I find the lack of concentration on him very sad, particularly when the world is in so much need of spiritual, physical and environmental healing, let alone all those who suffer individually. And what about those Christians in Orissa, India who are enduring brutal persecution even as I write.
Saints Michael, the Defender, Gabriel the Messenger, and Raphael, God's medicine, Pray for us. We need your threefold mission and no part of it is less important than the others. I see each part reflected in the characteristics of our present Holy Father, and I believe that all three Archangels are watching over him with loving concern and that St Michael is particularly active in defending him from his detractors, St Gabriel watching carefully over his role as shepherd and teacher, and St Raphael guarding his health and strength. Please join me in asking their intercession for him, for the Church and for us all........"
N.B. The above extract may or may not find its way into my fourth book, currently being written. I do not mind being quoted briefly, on condition that you acknowledge me as the source.
In Christo pro Papa
September 29th, 2008 Feast of SS Michael, Garriel and Raphael
.....as you know, I love the Archangels and have been saddened that today's feast is increasingly referred to as St. Michael's day only. When 'they' lumped them together, I was afraid SS Gabriel and Raphael would eventually be overlooked. In the case of the former, the Annunciation and Christmas mean that he can never be forgotten, but St Raphael.....? I find the lack of concentration on him very sad, particularly when the world is in so much need of spiritual, physical and environmental healing, let alone all those who suffer individually. And what about those Christians in Orissa, India who are enduring brutal persecution even as I write.
Saints Michael, the Defender, Gabriel the Messenger, and Raphael, God's medicine, Pray for us. We need your threefold mission and no part of it is less important than the others. I see each part reflected in the characteristics of our present Holy Father, and I believe that all three Archangels are watching over him with loving concern and that St Michael is particularly active in defending him from his detractors, St Gabriel watching carefully over his role as shepherd and teacher, and St Raphael guarding his health and strength. Please join me in asking their intercession for him, for the Church and for us all........"
N.B. The above extract may or may not find its way into my fourth book, currently being written. I do not mind being quoted briefly, on condition that you acknowledge me as the source.
In Christo pro Papa
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Musica Sacra
This site is absolutely top quality, second to none! an absolute must for the lover and student of Plainchant and Polyphony. Audio music downloads, a forum, recommended books, texts and audio downloads of famous Solemnes monks talking about the chant etc etc. A real feast. Can't recommend highly enough. Go and enjoy! The link on left sidebar here should actually work!!
The Holy Father would love it. I'll mention it when I send the Spiritual Bouquet.
Undying thanks to RICHARD CHONAK a Chant scholar and enthusiast, who I just met courtesy of Friends of Holy Smoke. Therefore thanks also to Damian Thompson and OTSOTA.
Hat tip and God bless to all of you, and God bless America!
In Christo pro Papa
Jane
The Holy Father would love it. I'll mention it when I send the Spiritual Bouquet.
Undying thanks to RICHARD CHONAK a Chant scholar and enthusiast, who I just met courtesy of Friends of Holy Smoke. Therefore thanks also to Damian Thompson and OTSOTA.
Hat tip and God bless to all of you, and God bless America!
In Christo pro Papa
Jane
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