Kitty Capers...

I won't cut the kitty-posts out completely, especially as so many people ask me how they're getting on... (Yes, I realise they could just be being polite, but it suits me to take the requests at face value... especially as I've got a stinking cold and so don't feel like putting up anything more serious!)

I'm on the Ground Floor, so, once it gets dark, I prefer to have the curtains drawn. This has provided extra entertainment for the Dynamic Duo, as they can play hide and seek. One kitten each side of the curtains, and then they have to try and pounce on the other.

I've taken four short video clips of their antics...









By the way, I have decided that the black and white kitten is to be called Monsignor Miaowrini in honour of the Papal Master of Ceremonies, Monsignor Guido Marini... it is rather appropriate because she is a sweet, unassuming little kitten, cute as a button, but she can get extremely vocal when she wants something!

Advent Candles...

Being unwilling to trust the kittens with an Advent wreath, I was delighted to see that the Curt Jester has once again provided us with a virtual one for our blogs. You can get your own copy HERE, and it'll even light up another candle each week...

The New Church Year Begins...

And so, we begin the Season of Advent.

Vigil For Nascent Human Life...

 

This morning, after Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary, Blackfen, the time of Exposition was dedicated to all nascent human life, as requested by the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI...

The Holy Souls In Purgatory...

I do love the way that the Church reminds us to pray for the Holy Souls during the month of November. We start off with the members of the Church rejoicing in the Beatific Vision on the Feast of All Saints, and then, starting with the Commemoration of All Souls, we get down to praying for all those who, through human frailty, haven't quite made it... since most of us are likely to fall into the latter category, it behoves us to observe the duty of praying for the dead.

We can get numerous plenary indulgences, and partial ones too, applicable to the Holy Souls. I am always particularly moved by the practice of mentioning those forgotten souls in Purgatory who have no-one to pray for them - this group is, I fear, increasing, due to the pernicious tendency to "canonise" the deceased at his or her funeral, instead of praying for him to be released from Purgatory. There is also the problem that many people do not have relatives who believe in God, let alone in Purgatory.

This year I have created a short slideshow of photos from the Requiem Mass celebrated on All Souls' Day along with photos taken when we had our parish's annual Blessing of Graves ceremony at Sidcup Cemetery. I have set the pictures to music - a track by the vocal group Cantores Missae, from their CD, Praise to the Holiest. The Choir Director, Charles Finch, has given me permission to use the track... you can obtain the CD by emailing him, or from the website.

A Cure At Any Price...?

A week ago, I spotted a post on my Google Reader feeds... I starred it for further comment later on, but then didn't go back - well, I've been a little busy of late.

Robert Colquhoun, of Love Undefiled, spotted the story - largely buried beneath reports of a Royal engagement - that stem cells from the brains of aborted fetuses were being injected into the brains of patients who have suffered strokes, in the hope of a cure, both in Britain and California.

Sadly, this is far from being "news." Back in July 1996 I wrote an article for Faith Magazine explaining the research into foetal tissue transplantation and my fears that the use of aborted foetuses would become routine. My background in neuropsychopharmacology meant that I had access to many of the reports on this research well before the widespread use of Google to check out what was being done in the name of scientific progress and the search for a cure. The past issues of Faith Magazine available online only go back as far as 2002, but my article was copied and stored in the EWTN archives.

As more and more "cures" (as yet there have been no successful therapies involving the use of foetal stem cells, although there have been plenty of successes using adult stem cells) are sought, we must become ever more vigilant and protest against the use of aborted babies as medical material.

Confirmations At Spanish Place...

I made it to the Latin Mass Society's Confirmation service at St. James' Church, Spanish Place, but, due to the closure of the Blackfriars' underpass, I was rather late. Still, I got to see a good bit of it, and was able to get some photos, though not many.

Bishop George Stack administered the Sacrament of Confirmation according to the usus antiquior... I have to say that I find St. James' to be a very appropriate setting - lots of altars around the church, and gilded statues and votive candle stands... a feast for the senses! The interior is rather dark - they could probably do with more candles - but it just adds to the atmosphere. I did wonder whether any of my photos would come out - I don't use a flash during Masses or other church services, as I feel it is too intrusive. However, my trusty little camera didn't let me down, and, although I had to run the photos through Photoshop to lighten them a bit, the results were quite beautiful IMHO!

The music at the service was beautiful... once again, I found myself wishing that I'd had singing lessons when I was younger. The acoustics in the church are really spine-tinglingly good...

Having spotted the post by His Hermeneuticalness yesterday, I was aware that the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer (previously known as the Transalpine Redemptorists) were bringing a postulant along to be confirmed, and that Fr. Anthony Mary was planning to say Mass after the service. I spotted one of the brothers among the congregation - he had a very snazzy camera - and promptly went over at the end of the service to find out where the Mass was going to be held.

The Mass quite took my breath away. I had been warned that Communion might not be given out - it was a private Mass - but I was keen to hear Mass anyway, and, as it happened, Communion was given out after all. The Lady Chapel was beautiful and the whole atmosphere intensely prayerful.

There were only a few people present for Mass - maybe because people didn't know about it (sadly, not everyone reads blogs!) I was interested to discover that the Reluctant Sinner had been among those present - but I can't figure out which one! After Mass I went down to the Crypt for a cup of tea - I hadn't planned to go down, but I was chatting to a couple of the brothers, and I figured that the vast majority of people would have left already (I'm not that good in crowds while on the crutches.) It also gave me the opportunity to take a photo of the brothers and Fr. Anthony Mary, FSSR. I was flattered to find out that they knew of my blog, and even got round to reading it on occasion! I was presented with a copy of the Calendar - and it really is beautiful. Advance copies can be obtained for £7 on Ebay, or via their blog.

I can heartily recommend subscribing to their paper - The Catholic Newspaper - which is an excellent read! The subscription button (it's a PayPal link) is in the sidebar on the left hand side of the blog, just above the live traffic feed. The brothers were truly wonderful men, full of joy and faith, and it was a real privilege to be able to meet them (after all, my chances of going over to Papa Stronsay for a retreat weekend are pretty slim...!)

As I left, I encountered Moira (whose blog I plugged in a previous post) and then I bumped into Fr. Armand de Malleray, FSSP... I'd never met him before, despite hearing so much about him, so it was fun to put a face to the name. It's also quite handy, as I shall be going to visit my sister over Christmas, and, since she lives in Pangbourne, I shall have to sort out a Mass to attend for the Sunday. It'll be a treat to go to the FSSP church (and means that I don't need to worry about encountering any happy-clappy liturgy to sour my Christmas spirit...) After I had bemoaned the fact that my sister isn't practicing the Faith, Fr. de Malleray advised me to pray to Blessed Dominic Barberi... as well as receiving Blessed Cardinal Newman into the Church, he also died in a train at Pangbourne Station...

All in all, a wonderful day...

Before The Spin Goes Global...

No, the Holy Father did not say that using condoms was ok in the case of HIV infection. His comments really do need to be read in context. The Curt Jester has an excellent analysis of what has been published in an excerpt from the book interview... and he has also explained why it's not being reported properly...

Interestingly, Jeff refers to this as the Ginger Factor: no, not a variant on blonde jokes, but a reference to Ginger the dog (in the Far Side cartoon by Gary Larson) who only hears his own name... it's the ratio of words said to words heard and understood...

A New Catholic Blog To Check...

I attended the Confirmations at St. James' Church, Spanish Place earlier today (I promise to post something later.)

As I left the hall, I bumped into a woman who had spotted me taking photos, and, putting two and two together, decided that I must be "that Mulier Fortis."

Most gratifying!

Anyway, Moira happened to mention that she was starting her own blog, while claiming that it wasn't worth reading yet, because it was just a bit of a rant... Au contraire - having checked it out for myself, I think it shows great promise... and anyway, my own blog started because I wanted to rant about inclusive language. There is nothing wrong with a good rant.

Have a look for yourself - Moira's blog is called On a Wing and a Prayer... and tell her I sent you!

Oh, and congratulations to one of her sons, who was confirmed earlier.

Writing Style (Or Lack Thereof...)

I write like
James Joyce

I Write Like by Mémoires, journal software. Analyze your writing!

I tried quite a few blog posts, and a fair chunk of the book chapter I wrote on St. Anne Line, and I got the same result. I don't know if this is good or bad - I have never read any of his work. At least I can feel smugly superior to the Pastor in Valle - he apparently writes like Dan Brown. Shame indeed... though, of course, Dan Brown earns a lot more than James Joyce ever did...

Interesting Advice...

A lot has been said about the need for reform of the libel laws in England. If you haven't signed the petition, do so as soon as possible.

It is worth noting that, no matter where your blog is based, or where you (or your claimant) happen to live, if your blog is read in England, then you can be sued under English law. There is now some information on what to do if you receive a letter threatening libel action. It isn't much, but it is a start.

If you missed the relevant posts, go back and read Red Maria (she has three posts which link to several other blog posts on the issue - 1. Catholic Bloggers for Libel Reform - Fight for Free Speech; 2. Catholic Bloggers for Libel Reform & 3. The Catholic Blogosphere Demands Libel Reform.)

Normal Service Recommencing...

Yes, I have had rather a lot of cat posts of late. However, as even His Hermeneuticalness has admitted, cats have featured rather prominently in my life over the past few weeks, so it is hardly surprising that I have written plenty about my feline friends.

Now, however, I shall endeavour to restrict the kitty-stuff. This is, after all, meant to be a Catholic blog, not a cat-o-holic blog. Sorry, Genty.

One major exception to this rule will be a re-run of the feline orthodoxy test for Catholic publications - the im-purr-matur - this time between the Catholic Herald and The Suppository.

I don't know when I'll be able to run the test, though, as I refuse, as a matter of principle, to purchase a copy of the latter publication, and will therefore have to wait for someone to donate one. I don't actually know any friends who read a print copy, so it might be a long wait...

Involve The Laity...!

Isn't that what every Bishop in England & Wales claims to want? An informed and involved laity? Is it not the constant refrain that Vatican II was all about empowering the laity and getting on with collaborative ministry?

Well, how about their Lordships putting their money where their collective mouth is.

Transparency and accountability are the latest buzzwords, or so I'm reliably informed. It is about time that the laity in England & Wales got to hear what their Bishops are pondering... and not just after the event.

The Bishops' Conference of England & Wales is currently meeting in Leeds. I must have blinked, because I only found out that they were meeting because of the comparison with the U.S. Bishops' Conference - they have had their meetings, votes, discussions and what-have-you openly broadcast on TV, live-tweeted, blogged and sent round the internet.

Now, the proceedings of the Bishops' Conference might possibly be as exciting as watching paint dry... but we really ought to know what is being discussed. It will affect us, the laity. I suspect that quite a few priests might like to know what is being discussed as well... certainly Fr. Ray Blake thinks it would be a good idea to have more transparency.

I want to know what the Bishops are doing with regard to the new translation of the Missal, among other things.

If their Lordships really want an empowered laity, and want to engage in collaborative ministry, they need to provide information to the laity so they can be involved in discussions when it actually matters, not just after the event, when the decisions have been made. Knowledge is power, as the saying goes.

Time to get round the table and share...

Uh Oh...

Outright hostilities appear to have ceased, mainly because the two kittens have set up a coalition to defeat my toes. Skirmishes are still in evidence, however, and the two of them are currently charging around the flat after each other.

I fully expect to find the flat trashed in the morning. That is assuming they allow me to sleep...

Thanks for the prayers.

The Need For Free Speech...

I have been neglecting the blog of late, apart from a few kitty-updates, and so haven't posted anything on this subject sooner - though I did talk to a few people.

However, I just want to add my support for the petition to reform the libel laws in England. I'm not going to say anything more about it - it's been said already, and far more eloquently, by Red Maria, (she's written two other posts on the subject) James Preece, Fr. Finigan and others.

If you haven't done so already, go and sign the petition...

Kitty Capers...

I'm still unable to name my new arrival - T.S. Eliot really did have a point - and, checking the com-box of my previous post, I see a few possibilities...

Magnificat
Monsignor Guido Miaowrini
Cardinal Miaowro Piacenza
Sister Cat E Chism (or Kitty Chism)
Cardinale Miaowrini Timorous (or Miaowrini Timorpus)
Sister Carmel
Mother Angeliclaw
Mother Catbrini
Mother Priorpuss
Mother Superipaw
Sister Cat
Cardinal Pawtoghese
Cardinal Grotti

Several people have commented favourably on Monsignor Miaowrini, but I'm not sure it suits her. I shall wait to see if I get a few more suggestions.

By the way, it appears that she is a keen mouser...

A Cat-o-lick Dilemma...

As I have said, I am out for long periods during the day, and I don't want Monsignor Furretti to get lonely and bored - the flat will be trashed in a fortnight if I leave her completely alone. My initial plan - get two kittens from the same litter - was basically foiled when Catzinger croaked. Today I went to see if I could find a friend for Furretti.

I managed to find a cat of roughly the same age - not as easy as I'd have thought - and brought her home today. She's a black and white shorthair, very cute to look at, but she is incredibly timid. Every time I try and approach her, she shies away. In fact, she gets pretty nervous if I even turn to look at her, and scoots behind the armchair out of sight. I'd be happy to let her take her time, but she is wandering around, miaowing in a very plaintive manner, probably crying for her own litter-mates.

Anyway, this little kitty is another female. Her back paws are white "socks" while her front paws have a few white toes each. She has a white nose and muzzle, but a black chin, and a white bib on the front of her chest. She is about four months old, I think - just a little younger than Furretti.

Meanwhile, Furretti is throwing a strop. She is fascinated by the new arrival, but growls, hisses and spits in a most unwelcoming, antisocial way each time she approaches the newcomer. The hackles are definitely up, and battle will probably commence when I'm trying to get my much-needed beauty sleep.

I know, I know... it just needs time and patience...

I haven't come up with a suitable name. I had considered Catzinger II, but this kitty really doesn't look like a Catzinger. Cardinal Miaowro Piacenza was His Hermeneuticalness' suggestion, or Monsignor Guido Miaowrini was another of my ideas.

I've decided that I need to open it up to the com-box. Ground rules are simple - I don't want a name that could be considered a "real" person's name (like George, or Thomas) and it must be distinct from Furretti.

Thinking caps on, people...

Bishop Gene Robinson To Retire...

According to the report on the excellent LifeSite News, Episcopalian bishop Gene Robinson has announced he will be retiring "due to the strain of the controversy."

Ah, diddums...

Felix Fidei Defensor...?

It appears that Monsignor Furretti has taken her blessing seriously...

I had a copy of The Catholic Times which I had been looking at purely because I wanted to see if Monsignor Basil Loftus had really written an article stating that Christ's presence after the Resurrection wasn't a physical presence but a spiritual one. (He had.) This was before Fr. Finigan's excellent blog post on the subject... and it pretty much said everything I was thinking (and more) so I never got around to publishing my own post.

I also had a copy of The Remnant, which I get from Tom, one of our visiting schola members.

Monsignor Furretti, in one of the mad half-hours common to all kittendom, threw both papers onto the floor, examined them, and promptly shredded The Catholic Times, leaving The Remnant intact. I happened to tweet the event, and was told "Photos, or it didn't happen!"

So...

Red Maria thought Monsignor Loftus might consider issuing a writ against Monsignor Furretti... 

Towards Advent...

Last Saturday saw the tenth Towards Advent Festival of Catholic Culture at Westminster Cathedral Hall.

Despite having wanted to support this excellent event in previous years, I've always been doing something else, so I was delighted to realise that I could kill two birds with one stone, so to speak, and pop in en route to the Latin Mass Society's Annual Requiem.

I had intended to drive to North Greenwich and take the tube in to Central London... however, in the end, I decided to keep driving all the way to Victoria. I made excellent time - managing to miss some major demonstration or other which was due to close Parliament Square for most of the afternoon. Finding a place to park proved a little tricky. In desperation, I parked on a single yellow line, praying that it meant the same in Westminster as everywhere else (ie. restricted until 12noon on Saturdays - it was 1pm) and started hopping along the side of the Cathedral on my way to the hall.

I then spotted a free parking space which hadn't been there two minutes before when I had driven past. I was in a bit of a quandary... Should I go back and move my car to the better parking space (risking someone else swiping it while I tried), and maybe losing the space I already had, or should I stay put? While I hovered, Fr. Nicholas Schofield greeted me. This was just too good an opportunity to miss, and I begged him to guard the space for me, while I hopped back to my car. When I eventually got myself parked, Fr. Schofield told me he'd had to chase off two prospective space-snatchers!

I had deliberately brought coins for the parking meter. Alas, I realised that the meter in question was one of the new card-only ones... and I didn't have my cards with me. Just as I was about to panic, a friend from Blackfen, Wendy, turned up with her boys (the boys were going to serve at the Requiem Mass later) and offered to pay with her card... upon which we discovered that parking there was free at weekends, so we were both happy!

The Festival appeared to be going really well, and was extremely busy with people buying Christmas cards, Advent calendars, gifts, books and so on. I went round the stalls, asking if I could take photos, and chatting to various people I recognised, or who recognised me!

The Catholic Herald had a stall, and lots of people were stopping to chat and to collect a free newspaper... I felt a minor pang of sympathy for the poor soul manning The Suppository's stall - most people seemed to walk past very quickly, with eyes averted. It was only a minor pang... and not enough to make me want to stop or take a photo...

I was very pleased to meet, at long last, the incomparable Daphne McLeod who does such sterling work in defence of the family.

Fr. Clifton was at the second-hand bookstall, looking pretty chirpy despite the recent kerfuffle over his blog. It was good to hear that he wouldn't be giving up blogging completely.

To my delight and utter amazement, there was a stall selling items made from the Papal Tartan - the St. Ninian Tartan - and, since they'd sold out of scarves, and I don't go in for wearing ties, I got myself a pashmina... The chap on the stall didn't want to appear on the blog just yet, as he's only just starting his apostolate part time... (I didn't behead him accidentally, I wanted to show off his tie!) However, I shall give him a plug when the time comes.

I spotted Sir Dan of the Nesbitry on duty at the Faith Movement's stall, along with Joe Kelly, another good friend. Sir Dan was keen to know if I'd seen him on His Hermeneuticalness' blog following his latest Rome trip. Of course I had!

SPUC had a stall selling their excellent "proper" Christmas cards... I really dislike Christmas cards with reindeer, Santa, trees and whatnot, which ignores the whole point of Christmas - ie. the birth of Christ. I can tolerate angels (they feature heavily in the story, after all) and wise men and stars (even though they are a little later on in the narrative.) Anyhow, you can still order proper Christmas cards through the SPUC shop website.

Sadly, I didn't have as much time at the Festival as I'd have liked, because I wanted to get to the LMS Requiem Mass in the Cathedral... hopefully I'll get more time next year! Congratulations to all those involved.