Mantilla-twitch to the American Papist.
Wednesday, 9 May 2007
Swiss Guards Politically Incorrect
It had to happen sooner or later... it would appear that the fems are protesting about being unable to join the elite Swiss Guards. The Swiss Guard, founded in 1506, consists of 100 volunteers who must be Swiss nationals, Catholic, single, at least 174 cm (5 feet 8 inches) tall and beardless. New recruits are sworn in every year on May 6, commemorating the date on which 147 Swiss soldiers died defending the Pope during an attack on Rome on May 6, 1527.Read more about it HERE.
Tuesday, 8 May 2007
Time To Stop...
...No, don't get all excited, I'm not going to stop blogging (so sorry to disappoint...!) but I saw this quote over at A Thorn in the Pew, and it really made me stop dead in my tracks...
"The greatest love story of all time is contained in a tiny white host."
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
Wow.
Goodbye To The Valle
Fr. Sean Finnegan has found it necessary to delete his whole blog, Valle Adurni, because of the maliciousness of gossip. A very sad day...
Say a prayer for all concerned...
Say a prayer for all concerned...
Monday, 7 May 2007
More On Tyburn
I didn't post anything yesterday - I drove down to Tyburn after the morning Mass (which was really awesome: Latin, ad orientem, the Canon said quietly (and near silence from the congregation during it... especially during the Consecration... ), incense, bells... a foretaste of heaven!) and by the time I got home in the evening, I just wanted to say Compline and go to bed...
The Tyburn Walk was very moving (sorry, pun not intended: I couldn't think of any other way to phrase it!!) My ankle has been playing up in the past week, so I nearly didn't go, but I find it such an uplifting experience to recall how the Martyrs were so firm in their faith that I just couldn't bear to stay at home. I was wary of injury though: I broke my ankle a couple of years ago and it took an inordinately long time to heal... and it flares up if I'm not careful. Given that I want to be reasonably agile by the time I go to Lourdes, I have to try not to overdo things!
So I compromised. I walked for a bit of the way, and caught cabs at various points. Central London is great that way! I also got to chat to the cabbies about the Tyburn Walk, so I felt as though I was spreading the word.
The first church we stopped at was St. Etheldreda's, Ely Place. I hadn't realised that there are two huge stained glass windows... (one was behind me) and there are several statues around the church showing some of the martyrs, including one of my favourites, St. Anne Line. I didn't have the opportunity to get any good photos though: I shall have to go back.
St. Anselm & St. Cecilia's is very impressive. It's a new church, built to replace the chapel of the Sardinian Embassy (the first public Catholic chapel to be opened in London after the Reformation, and the "Cathedral" of Bishop Challoner) It's not very noticeable from the outside: I had to give the cab driver directions!
At St. Patrick's, Soho Square, we were blessed with the relics of St. Oliver Plunkett (the last martyr) and St. Cuthbert Mayne (the first seminary martyr) This was, for me, the saddest part of the pilgrimage: St Patrick's has become terribly run down and dilapidated over the years. I gather that they are desperate to raise money to restore the building.
The final stop was Tyburn Convent itself. The photo shows the grille (opened just before Benediction) and just the other side you can see a nun (a proper one: habit and all) kneeling in adoration.
I was delighted to bump into that aristocrat of the Blogosphere: Sir Dan of the Nesbitry...
Right at the end, we had tea and sandwiches: here you can see Monsignor Stark, the Master of the Guild of Our Lady of Ransom. And two of the Sisters kindly agreed to allow me to take a photo... I think that the nun on the right is Mother Simeon, and the nun on the left is Sister Polycarp... but they were laughing like hyenas (I had explained that I wanted to put their photo on the blog) and I am left with the distinct impression that they may have been pulling my leg!!
I was also delighted when, after explaining that I had my own blog to the gentleman acting as official photographer for the event, he asked me what it was called, and when I told him it was "Mulier Fortis" he actually said that he read it!
I've also seen that Fr. Tim, who gave the Benediction, has posted his thoughts on the Walk (but no photos... he didn't have his camera, heheheh...)
The Tyburn Walk was very moving (sorry, pun not intended: I couldn't think of any other way to phrase it!!) My ankle has been playing up in the past week, so I nearly didn't go, but I find it such an uplifting experience to recall how the Martyrs were so firm in their faith that I just couldn't bear to stay at home. I was wary of injury though: I broke my ankle a couple of years ago and it took an inordinately long time to heal... and it flares up if I'm not careful. Given that I want to be reasonably agile by the time I go to Lourdes, I have to try not to overdo things!
So I compromised. I walked for a bit of the way, and caught cabs at various points. Central London is great that way! I also got to chat to the cabbies about the Tyburn Walk, so I felt as though I was spreading the word.
The first church we stopped at was St. Etheldreda's, Ely Place. I hadn't realised that there are two huge stained glass windows... (one was behind me) and there are several statues around the church showing some of the martyrs, including one of my favourites, St. Anne Line. I didn't have the opportunity to get any good photos though: I shall have to go back.
St. Anselm & St. Cecilia's is very impressive. It's a new church, built to replace the chapel of the Sardinian Embassy (the first public Catholic chapel to be opened in London after the Reformation, and the "Cathedral" of Bishop Challoner) It's not very noticeable from the outside: I had to give the cab driver directions!
At St. Patrick's, Soho Square, we were blessed with the relics of St. Oliver Plunkett (the last martyr) and St. Cuthbert Mayne (the first seminary martyr) This was, for me, the saddest part of the pilgrimage: St Patrick's has become terribly run down and dilapidated over the years. I gather that they are desperate to raise money to restore the building.
The final stop was Tyburn Convent itself. The photo shows the grille (opened just before Benediction) and just the other side you can see a nun (a proper one: habit and all) kneeling in adoration.
I was delighted to bump into that aristocrat of the Blogosphere: Sir Dan of the Nesbitry...
Right at the end, we had tea and sandwiches: here you can see Monsignor Stark, the Master of the Guild of Our Lady of Ransom. And two of the Sisters kindly agreed to allow me to take a photo... I think that the nun on the right is Mother Simeon, and the nun on the left is Sister Polycarp... but they were laughing like hyenas (I had explained that I wanted to put their photo on the blog) and I am left with the distinct impression that they may have been pulling my leg!!
I was also delighted when, after explaining that I had my own blog to the gentleman acting as official photographer for the event, he asked me what it was called, and when I told him it was "Mulier Fortis" he actually said that he read it!
I've also seen that Fr. Tim, who gave the Benediction, has posted his thoughts on the Walk (but no photos... he didn't have his camera, heheheh...)
Saturday, 5 May 2007
Another Uber-Blogger To Add To The List...
Yet another multi-blog blogger... but this time I don't feel so inadequate by comparison! Coffee Wife has a main blog, called The Walled Garden. Her second blog is devoted to her wedding and honeymoon, so isn't a current one. I love the title though: My Orcadian Wedding. Coffee Wife had the excellent taste to marry a Scot (did I mention that my father was a Scot?) which is why she ended up in the Orkneys (I think I got that right) despite being American!
Aha ! So That's How The Mouse Works
Courtesy of American Papist, who said he got it from his dad... Check out this site, and then, once it's loaded, try moving your mouse... and stop... and click...
Had me entertained for ages!
Had me entertained for ages!
And Another One... Or Four...
Exploring things a little, I have stumbled upon the Apostle to Suburbia, aka Leeann Balbirona. It appears that she is a very busy lady... looks like she's into homeschooling, and she has not one, but FOUR blogs, all current! The other three are Catholic Mother, Lake Stevens Catholic and Holy Cross Building Committee...
...boy, do I feel inadequate! I have problems keeping up with just one blog...
...boy, do I feel inadequate! I have problems keeping up with just one blog...
Friday, 4 May 2007
Heheheh...
Another new blog... only two posts so far, but all he needs is a little encouragement. He seems a good sort... anyone who lists his interests as drinking fine wine, meditating on the Four Last Things, going to the tuck shop and roasting heretics has got to be OK !So pop on over to visit the enigmatically named Owl of the Remove and welcome Father Benedict to the Blogosphere!
Tyburn Walk
Today was the Feast of the English Martyrs (it used to be the Beatified Martyrs of England and Wales, but now it's the whole lot: Saints and Blesseds together. I wouldn't mind, but the Feast of the Forty Martyrs on October 25th has been dropped completely, which seems a bit mean!!)
Fr Nicholas has put up a stunning post on the martyrs, complete with pictures of some relics: be sure to check out the eyeball of Blessed Edward Oldcorne, SJ!
The first Sunday in May (so this Sunday) is the occasion of the Tyburn Walk, organised by the Guild of Our Lady of Ransom. The Guild prays for the Conversion of England back to the True Faith, and it also supports priests in poor parishes. A few years back, the Walk was a full procession, in silence (apart from the recitation of the Rosary), in the road with a police escort, and we stopped traffic, literally. Now, because of reduced numbers (and the inconvenience stopped traffic poses to the Sunday trading on Oxford Street) we just walk along the pavement. Every cloud has a silver lining: the smaller numbers mean that we can actually go inside the churches which have a special significance on the route.
The walk starts off in a churchyard just across from the Old Bailey, which is where Newgate prison used to be. The church bells would toll before those to be martyred were taken from the prison to be drawn on hurdles to the place of execution at Tyburn (now Marble Arch.)
From Newgate Prison, we walk to St. Etheldreda's in Ely Place. This church is the oldest Roman Catholic church in England and the first pre-Reformation church to be restored to Catholic worship. This is the first stop, and after a brief introduction from the Master of the Guild, Monsignor Stark, a rosary is recited. The walk then proceeds towards Kingsway (Lincoln's Inn Fields), and stops at the church of St. Anselm & St. Cecilia, where the Rosary is recited once more. This church was once the chapel of the Sardinian Embassy, and you can read more about its history HERE.
From there, we go on to St. Patrick's, Soho Square. The Rosary is recited, some hymns are sung, and everyone is blessed with the relics of St. Oliver Plunkett (the last person to be martyred) and someone else, whose name escapes me. Finally, the walk proceeds down Oxford Street, until we get to Marble Arch.
A few hardy individuals brave the barriers and the traffic, and risk life and limb in order to go and pray on a little traffic island in the middle of the Edgware Road: there is a small plaque set in the ground, announcing that this is the site of Tyburn Tree (the name given to the gallows.) I only found out about it because, when the procession walked in the road, we would stop and venerate it. Unless you knew it was there, you'd never see it, because the barriers prevent anyone from crossing at that point...
And the walk finally ends at Tyburn Convent, with Benediction. The Blessed Sacrament is perpetually exposed. There is a huge grille separating the chapel from the Sanctuary, and you can just catch a glimpse of the nuns' choir (oh, and they're proper nuns... full habits and everything!) It's a really stunning experience. The crypt downstairs has many relics of the Tyburn martyrs, and lots of information. It isn't practical to see the crypt on the day of the walk (just too many people... it's standing room only in the main chapel) but it is well worth a visit.
For those of you unable to get to London, I recommend paying a virtual visit to the Tyburn Convent, where you can find out much more about all the martyrs, and about the nuns.
Anyhow, with a Latin Mass (Novus Ordo) scheduled for Sunday morning (assuming Fr Tim makes it back from the Eternal City) and the Tyburn Walk in the afternoon, I think this Sunday is going to be a real treat!
Fr Nicholas has put up a stunning post on the martyrs, complete with pictures of some relics: be sure to check out the eyeball of Blessed Edward Oldcorne, SJ!
The first Sunday in May (so this Sunday) is the occasion of the Tyburn Walk, organised by the Guild of Our Lady of Ransom. The Guild prays for the Conversion of England back to the True Faith, and it also supports priests in poor parishes. A few years back, the Walk was a full procession, in silence (apart from the recitation of the Rosary), in the road with a police escort, and we stopped traffic, literally. Now, because of reduced numbers (and the inconvenience stopped traffic poses to the Sunday trading on Oxford Street) we just walk along the pavement. Every cloud has a silver lining: the smaller numbers mean that we can actually go inside the churches which have a special significance on the route.
The walk starts off in a churchyard just across from the Old Bailey, which is where Newgate prison used to be. The church bells would toll before those to be martyred were taken from the prison to be drawn on hurdles to the place of execution at Tyburn (now Marble Arch.)
From Newgate Prison, we walk to St. Etheldreda's in Ely Place. This church is the oldest Roman Catholic church in England and the first pre-Reformation church to be restored to Catholic worship. This is the first stop, and after a brief introduction from the Master of the Guild, Monsignor Stark, a rosary is recited. The walk then proceeds towards Kingsway (Lincoln's Inn Fields), and stops at the church of St. Anselm & St. Cecilia, where the Rosary is recited once more. This church was once the chapel of the Sardinian Embassy, and you can read more about its history HERE.From there, we go on to St. Patrick's, Soho Square. The Rosary is recited, some hymns are sung, and everyone is blessed with the relics of St. Oliver Plunkett (the last person to be martyred) and someone else, whose name escapes me. Finally, the walk proceeds down Oxford Street, until we get to Marble Arch.
A few hardy individuals brave the barriers and the traffic, and risk life and limb in order to go and pray on a little traffic island in the middle of the Edgware Road: there is a small plaque set in the ground, announcing that this is the site of Tyburn Tree (the name given to the gallows.) I only found out about it because, when the procession walked in the road, we would stop and venerate it. Unless you knew it was there, you'd never see it, because the barriers prevent anyone from crossing at that point...
And the walk finally ends at Tyburn Convent, with Benediction. The Blessed Sacrament is perpetually exposed. There is a huge grille separating the chapel from the Sanctuary, and you can just catch a glimpse of the nuns' choir (oh, and they're proper nuns... full habits and everything!) It's a really stunning experience. The crypt downstairs has many relics of the Tyburn martyrs, and lots of information. It isn't practical to see the crypt on the day of the walk (just too many people... it's standing room only in the main chapel) but it is well worth a visit.For those of you unable to get to London, I recommend paying a virtual visit to the Tyburn Convent, where you can find out much more about all the martyrs, and about the nuns.
Anyhow, with a Latin Mass (Novus Ordo) scheduled for Sunday morning (assuming Fr Tim makes it back from the Eternal City) and the Tyburn Walk in the afternoon, I think this Sunday is going to be a real treat!
Palliative Care?
For temporary relief for the symptoms of Motu Mania... take two tablets and call me in the morning... did I mention that tomorrow morning is May 5th?
Be Careful What You Pray For...
Once upon a time I had a little blog. In my first month I got about 200 hits. Given that I started part-way through the month, that worked out at around 10 hits a day...
...I longed to be tagged for one of those meme thingies. I eagerly noted the invitation "...and anyone else who's interested" and promptly counted myself tagged. I wistfully observed all those "popular" bloggers who were tagged by just about everyone...
...and now I get nearly 200 hits a day. And there are lots more memes... and they're getting longer! Before you shoot me down in flames, I am not complaining... it is, after all, nice to feel loved! I am merely explaining the background to yet another meme... heck, it's a quiet news day!
I've been tagged for a book meme. I did spot the tag over at Esther's blog, but smugly assumed that I'd completed that one already. I hadn't. This is a different book meme. I'm supposed to list all the books I'm reading at the moment...
I rarely read more than one book at a time, so this one is easy. Not interesting to read about, but easy to complete... And luckily this is one of the rare occasions where I actually do have more than one book open!
First up, I am still trying to finish "The Story of a Soul" by St. Thérèse of Lisieux. I do not take well to saccharine-sugary confections in either my reading matter or my choice of films. I summed up Titanic to a bunch of teenage girls who were demanding if I would go to see the film by saying "I don't need to go and see the film. I know what happens. Boy meets girl. Ship hits iceberg. Ship sinks. Boy dies. Why do I need to waste three hours in the cinema?" This caused serious outrage...
But I digress. My Spiritual Director suggested that I read St. Thérèse. When I protested that I had done so already, and had found it rather cloying, he demanded to know how long ago I'd read the book... he then delivered a stunning sermon enthusing about the saint. I realised that I wasn't going to get out of it that easily, so I tried again.
From reading her autobiography, I get the impression that she was a terribly spoiled little girl, who was totally used to getting her own way, and succeeded in talking her father into taking her to Rome to badger the Pope himself into letting her get her own way in the matter of her vocation...
Re-reading her writings has brought it home to me (I missed it the first couple of times) that she was convinced that the matter of her vocation was God's will, not her own, and so she had to do everything possible to get admitted to the convent at Lisieux. I guess that I was originally put off by the fact that she was joining her sisters in that convent, and I couldn't see beyond the human affection which would (in my eyes) be bound to affect her.
And re-reading the book has highlighted the way in which she accepted everything from God, even unjustified reproaches. I am afraid that my initial reaction to hearing her meekly apologising for stuff she hadn't done (and appearing to be proud of it) was, "What a wimp!" I can, with the passing of years, see how heroic her attitude was. I still think she's a wimp. A sainted one, to be sure. And yes, I know that was the attitude at the time... But St. Bernadette lived at a similar time, and she had far more bite. I guess that my taste in saints is similar to my taste in wine: I prefer them dry!
I'm desperate to finish the book so that I can move on, and report honsetly to my SD that, yes, hand-on-heart, I gave it my best shot...
The second book is one I'm using for my Consecration to Our Lady (Preparation for Total Consecration According to St. Louis-Marie de Montfort.) I blogged about it in a previous post. Today is Day 7. I've noticed a few references to it lately, so I guess that starting on the Feast of St. Louis and finishing on the Feast of the Visitation is a popular choice. Excellent - it is so encouraging to think that others are doing the same spiritual exercises.
The third book I am reading (albeit very, very sporadically) is "The Spiritual Combat" by Dom Lorenzo Scupoli. I am fighting the urge to race my way through it, because it is very good, but I really need to take it slowly and think about each chapter. There's a lot to take in, and it really is "fighting talk"... and when it comes to temptation, I'm a bit of a wimp myself, so I need time to digest each morsel of advice...
I have absolutely no idea who to tag (I don't want to irritate anyone in particular right now...) so, I guess I'll just tag Fr. Ray and Ttony (he's been far too quiet of late)!
...I longed to be tagged for one of those meme thingies. I eagerly noted the invitation "...and anyone else who's interested" and promptly counted myself tagged. I wistfully observed all those "popular" bloggers who were tagged by just about everyone...
...and now I get nearly 200 hits a day. And there are lots more memes... and they're getting longer! Before you shoot me down in flames, I am not complaining... it is, after all, nice to feel loved! I am merely explaining the background to yet another meme... heck, it's a quiet news day!
I've been tagged for a book meme. I did spot the tag over at Esther's blog, but smugly assumed that I'd completed that one already. I hadn't. This is a different book meme. I'm supposed to list all the books I'm reading at the moment...
I rarely read more than one book at a time, so this one is easy. Not interesting to read about, but easy to complete... And luckily this is one of the rare occasions where I actually do have more than one book open!
First up, I am still trying to finish "The Story of a Soul" by St. Thérèse of Lisieux. I do not take well to saccharine-sugary confections in either my reading matter or my choice of films. I summed up Titanic to a bunch of teenage girls who were demanding if I would go to see the film by saying "I don't need to go and see the film. I know what happens. Boy meets girl. Ship hits iceberg. Ship sinks. Boy dies. Why do I need to waste three hours in the cinema?" This caused serious outrage...But I digress. My Spiritual Director suggested that I read St. Thérèse. When I protested that I had done so already, and had found it rather cloying, he demanded to know how long ago I'd read the book... he then delivered a stunning sermon enthusing about the saint. I realised that I wasn't going to get out of it that easily, so I tried again.
From reading her autobiography, I get the impression that she was a terribly spoiled little girl, who was totally used to getting her own way, and succeeded in talking her father into taking her to Rome to badger the Pope himself into letting her get her own way in the matter of her vocation...
Re-reading her writings has brought it home to me (I missed it the first couple of times) that she was convinced that the matter of her vocation was God's will, not her own, and so she had to do everything possible to get admitted to the convent at Lisieux. I guess that I was originally put off by the fact that she was joining her sisters in that convent, and I couldn't see beyond the human affection which would (in my eyes) be bound to affect her.
And re-reading the book has highlighted the way in which she accepted everything from God, even unjustified reproaches. I am afraid that my initial reaction to hearing her meekly apologising for stuff she hadn't done (and appearing to be proud of it) was, "What a wimp!" I can, with the passing of years, see how heroic her attitude was. I still think she's a wimp. A sainted one, to be sure. And yes, I know that was the attitude at the time... But St. Bernadette lived at a similar time, and she had far more bite. I guess that my taste in saints is similar to my taste in wine: I prefer them dry!
I'm desperate to finish the book so that I can move on, and report honsetly to my SD that, yes, hand-on-heart, I gave it my best shot...
The second book is one I'm using for my Consecration to Our Lady (Preparation for Total Consecration According to St. Louis-Marie de Montfort.) I blogged about it in a previous post. Today is Day 7. I've noticed a few references to it lately, so I guess that starting on the Feast of St. Louis and finishing on the Feast of the Visitation is a popular choice. Excellent - it is so encouraging to think that others are doing the same spiritual exercises.
The third book I am reading (albeit very, very sporadically) is "The Spiritual Combat" by Dom Lorenzo Scupoli. I am fighting the urge to race my way through it, because it is very good, but I really need to take it slowly and think about each chapter. There's a lot to take in, and it really is "fighting talk"... and when it comes to temptation, I'm a bit of a wimp myself, so I need time to digest each morsel of advice...I have absolutely no idea who to tag (I don't want to irritate anyone in particular right now...) so, I guess I'll just tag Fr. Ray and Ttony (he's been far too quiet of late)!
Cat Crisis !
No, thankfully, nothing is wrong with Sylvester...
But Stephen, a regular in the combox here - and author of CSSML - is having to move away from Ely back to Alton Abbey at the end of June. The cats, unfortunately, cannot go with him, so he is desperate to find a home for the pair. More information, including contact details, over HERE.
But Stephen, a regular in the combox here - and author of CSSML - is having to move away from Ely back to Alton Abbey at the end of June. The cats, unfortunately, cannot go with him, so he is desperate to find a home for the pair. More information, including contact details, over HERE.
Thursday, 3 May 2007
Blogging Holiday...
Hmmmn. I put off doing any blogging when I got home, and then I decided I really fancied a drink in the Parish Club after Benediction... and now I'm home, I really want an early night......so no posts today! I should be my normal blogging self tomorrow...
Wednesday, 2 May 2007
More On The Motu
No sign from Fr. Tim or Fr. Z that the Motu Proprio is imminent, despite them both being "on site" as it were... if the latest speculation is right, we're looking at Saturday - which seems to be a rather odd day to pick for the release of such an important document... I thought weekends were sacrosanct in the Eternal City!
However, there has been this leaked letter from the Holy Father...
Twitch of the mantilla to Stephen (for an Anglican, he does seem to be inordinately interested in all things Roman!!)
However, there has been this leaked letter from the Holy Father...
Twitch of the mantilla to Stephen (for an Anglican, he does seem to be inordinately interested in all things Roman!!)
Another View Of Lourdes
Combining two of my favourite blogging subjects: the Classical Rite Mass and Lourdes...
Fr. Paul found this photo of Mass at the 12th Station of the Cross in his father's collection. (Jesus dies on the Cross) Unfortunately, I won't be able to try and take a similar shot: the Espéluges Hill, where the Stations are located, is just too steep for my poor old knee... or rather, going up is hard work, but possible; the descent at the end is treacherous.
Fr. Paul found this photo of Mass at the 12th Station of the Cross in his father's collection. (Jesus dies on the Cross) Unfortunately, I won't be able to try and take a similar shot: the Espéluges Hill, where the Stations are located, is just too steep for my poor old knee... or rather, going up is hard work, but possible; the descent at the end is treacherous.
Tuesday, 1 May 2007
The End Of Chocoholism?
Greatgable, you're not allowed to read this post. Go away and chew on a winegum...Now, I never thought I'd find myself saying this. In fact, I think I can feel my synapses going into some sort of shock response even as I type...
I adore chocolate. I went into rhapsodies over a little chocolatier in Bluewater in a previous post, after comparing the merits of various brands of chocolate in another.
But all the time, I still would eat bars of Cadbury's Dairy Milk (if there wasn't anything else to hand) and Galaxy. My waistline bears testimony to my devotion, unfortunately. Anyway, as I was saying, I discovered a rather nice chocolatier in Bluewater. The chocolates appeared to be rather better quality than Thornton's, and I was smitten with the chocolate-covered, kirsch-soaked cherries. On reading the small print on the label, I noticed that there was a website...
...and on that website was a page advertising a chocolate tasting club...
I didn't think too much about it, to be honest. The idea appealed to me, but I figured it was just a marketing gimmick to snare punters who had grown wary of setting foot inside the store. However, I joined the club anyway.
A few days ago, a box landed on the mat. Chocolates! I planned to munch through a few that evening when I had a little leisure. When I opened the box, there was a surprising amount of information... and a score card. I realised that this was a serious matter, not one to be munched through absent-mindedly. So I delayed the tasting session until I had sufficient time to do it properly...
Well, I read the booklets... I studied the descriptions of the chocs... I decided to savour them slowly and carefully......and came to the conclusion that Dairy Milk is to chocolate what Liebfraumilch is to wine! I still have half the box left... these are not to be scoffed. I also have some "imitation" chocolate which I now view with something bordering on distaste. I'll find them a good home: after all, plenty of people drink Liebfraumilch; but I may have discovered the cure for chocoholism: become a chocolate connoisseur...
Monday, 30 April 2007
The Voting Continues...
Wow... I have actually got 19 votes. This is way, way behind the leaders of the pack but last time I looked, I was on Page 9 (which isn't bad, out of a total of 48...)More importantly, the atheist's blog has been knocked down to Page 2 in the Best Religion Blog category. As far as I can make out, all the blogs on Page 1 are Catholic... and orthodox Catholic at that! However, you can vote for as many different blogs as you like, though you can't vote more than once for any one blog. Try and bash the atheist down to Page 3...
And So It Starts...
Well, the SORs are now law. Fr Stephanos has quoted from an excellent newspaper article by Joanna Bogle (better known as Auntie Joanna) and Newhousenewjob has some pertinent comments to make about our illustrious leader (yeah, right... pass the sick bucket!) and his unbelievable attitude towards religion in general and Roman Catholicism in particular. The proper stuff, I mean, not the Cafeteria pick-'n-mix Catholicism promoted by his wife, Cherie.
With the new anti-Catholic legislation (no, it may not have been intended to be exclusively anti-Catholic, but the government were in no doubt that it will affect practicing Christians, of whom the largest single group is Catholic) we have been warned that prison sentences will be a likely outcome...
...and it seems as though it is starting already. The Catholic Caveman doesn't pull any punches when he highlights what is happening in Colombia... and draws the obvious conclusions, given legislation in the States on "hate crimes." Watch this space... and pray.
With the new anti-Catholic legislation (no, it may not have been intended to be exclusively anti-Catholic, but the government were in no doubt that it will affect practicing Christians, of whom the largest single group is Catholic) we have been warned that prison sentences will be a likely outcome...
...and it seems as though it is starting already. The Catholic Caveman doesn't pull any punches when he highlights what is happening in Colombia... and draws the obvious conclusions, given legislation in the States on "hate crimes." Watch this space... and pray.
Here's A No-Brainer
...for anyone who knows me even slightly...
Mantilla-twitch to the Clam Rampant
| You Are Cookie Monster |
 Misunderstood as a primal monster, you're a true hedonist with a huge sweet tooth. You are usually feeling: Hungry. Cookies are preferred, but you'll eat anything if cookies aren't around. You are famous for: Your slightly crazy eyes How you live your life: In the moment. "Me want COOKIE!" |
Mantilla-twitch to the Clam Rampant
More Good News
News of two more prospective Seminarians: this time from our side of the pond. Both have been accepted for the Diocese of Middlesborough (well, you can't have everything!), Phil this Summer, and Ryan next year.I don't think either of them blog. Say a prayer for them, and another in thanksgiving... heck, make it a whole Rosary!
Mantilla-twitch to Richard for posting the excellent news.
Favourite Hymns Meme
Ok, my friend Newhousenewjob has been kind enough to tag me for this meme, no doubt as punishment for the long hours I forced her to stay in Starbucks drinking coffee (there weren't many places to get a reasonable cup of coffee when I lived in Peckham...)
Now, since she hasn't posted any rules, I'm going to have to figure them out: it seems like you have to identify 5 favourite Latin hymns, 5 favourite traditional hymns in English, 5 favourite 20th century hymns and 5 favourite hymns for particular occasions (Christmas, Easter, Funeral, Baptism, Wedding)... and then you have to find links for them...
Not sure about the links... I can feel myself losing the will to live...
(I might possibly add the links at a later date...)
Favourite Latin hymns:
Ave Maria (Bach/Gounod)
Ave Verum (Mozart)
Victimae Paschali Laudes (plainchant - the sequence for Easter Octave)
Panis Angelicus (this one I know a bit - I have sung it - but I don't know it by heart, unlike the previous three...)
In Paradisum (I don't know how it goes, exactly, never having sung it, but Fr. Tim always chants this at the end of Requiem Masses and it is seriously spine-tinglingly beautiful!)
Favourite traditional hymns in English:
Ok, this is physically impossible for me to do. I have to cheat a little: five traditional Marian hymns and then five traditional hymns...
Marian hymns:
Mary Immaculate, star of the morning
Ave Maria, O Maiden, O Mother (though it has a few Latin phrases, it's really an English hymn... honest!)
Bring flowers of the rarest (the reference to "Queen of the May" in the chorus means that this hymn is rarely played... but the "May" it refers to could be considered to be the flower rather than the month... )
O purest of creatures
O Mother blest
Traditional hymns:
Guardian Angel from heaven so bright
Godhead here in hiding
Soul of my Saviour
O Sacred Head ill-uséd
Faith of our Fathers
...Not fair... there were soooooo many more I wanted to include!
Favourite 20th century hymns:
Ummm. You may have me there... this is almost impossible. I am shocked to see that, according to the hymn book I have to hand, there are only just these five, and I wouldn't class them so much as "favourites" as "least objectionable" ! Ok, before you shoot me down in flames, if these are played well, and sung well... perhaps as a meditation for a Holy Hour, these can sound quite good. Newhouse, my tastes have changed - when I first returned to the church, I only heard (and therefore learned) the new stuff. Now I've been exposed to more of the traditional hymns, I'm afraid that they win hands down. However...
Be still for the presence of the Lord
From heav'n you came (The Servant King)
Now the green blade riseth (it's dated 1928 in my hymn book... that makes it 20th century!!)
Turn to me
Tell out my soul (I was surprised at this one, I thought it was older. I guess 1961 was just before the rot set in!)
Hymns for particular occasions:
Christmas: Silent Night... (literally! No, only kidding!!)
Easter: Thine be the glory
Funeral: Abide with me
Baptism: Guardian Angel from heaven so bright (yes, I know I've had this one already!)
Wedding: Heheheh... it should be the Ave Maria... but I quite like Dear Lord and Father of mankind (because of the next two lines: "forgive our foolish ways, reclothe us in our rightful mind" !) but that's being wicked!!
That's finished, Deo gratias! As I said, links may follow some time in the future... if I have nothing better to do! I tag anyone who has the energy - just leave a note in the combox (not the whole list!!) so we can pop over to see your answers...
UPDATE: It seems that I was tagged by Andrew as well...
Now, since she hasn't posted any rules, I'm going to have to figure them out: it seems like you have to identify 5 favourite Latin hymns, 5 favourite traditional hymns in English, 5 favourite 20th century hymns and 5 favourite hymns for particular occasions (Christmas, Easter, Funeral, Baptism, Wedding)... and then you have to find links for them...
Not sure about the links... I can feel myself losing the will to live...
(I might possibly add the links at a later date...)
Favourite Latin hymns:
Ave Maria (Bach/Gounod)
Ave Verum (Mozart)
Victimae Paschali Laudes (plainchant - the sequence for Easter Octave)
Panis Angelicus (this one I know a bit - I have sung it - but I don't know it by heart, unlike the previous three...)
In Paradisum (I don't know how it goes, exactly, never having sung it, but Fr. Tim always chants this at the end of Requiem Masses and it is seriously spine-tinglingly beautiful!)
Favourite traditional hymns in English:
Ok, this is physically impossible for me to do. I have to cheat a little: five traditional Marian hymns and then five traditional hymns...
Marian hymns:
Mary Immaculate, star of the morningAve Maria, O Maiden, O Mother (though it has a few Latin phrases, it's really an English hymn... honest!)
Bring flowers of the rarest (the reference to "Queen of the May" in the chorus means that this hymn is rarely played... but the "May" it refers to could be considered to be the flower rather than the month... )
O purest of creatures
O Mother blest
Traditional hymns:
Guardian Angel from heaven so bright
Godhead here in hiding
Soul of my Saviour
O Sacred Head ill-uséd
Faith of our Fathers
...Not fair... there were soooooo many more I wanted to include!
Favourite 20th century hymns:
Ummm. You may have me there... this is almost impossible. I am shocked to see that, according to the hymn book I have to hand, there are only just these five, and I wouldn't class them so much as "favourites" as "least objectionable" ! Ok, before you shoot me down in flames, if these are played well, and sung well... perhaps as a meditation for a Holy Hour, these can sound quite good. Newhouse, my tastes have changed - when I first returned to the church, I only heard (and therefore learned) the new stuff. Now I've been exposed to more of the traditional hymns, I'm afraid that they win hands down. However...Be still for the presence of the Lord
From heav'n you came (The Servant King)
Now the green blade riseth (it's dated 1928 in my hymn book... that makes it 20th century!!)
Turn to me
Tell out my soul (I was surprised at this one, I thought it was older. I guess 1961 was just before the rot set in!)
Hymns for particular occasions:
Christmas: Silent Night... (literally! No, only kidding!!)
Easter: Thine be the glory
Funeral: Abide with me
Baptism: Guardian Angel from heaven so bright (yes, I know I've had this one already!)
Wedding: Heheheh... it should be the Ave Maria... but I quite like Dear Lord and Father of mankind (because of the next two lines: "forgive our foolish ways, reclothe us in our rightful mind" !) but that's being wicked!!
That's finished, Deo gratias! As I said, links may follow some time in the future... if I have nothing better to do! I tag anyone who has the energy - just leave a note in the combox (not the whole list!!) so we can pop over to see your answers...
UPDATE: It seems that I was tagged by Andrew as well...
More Motu Speculation
I really, really tried to resist this continued speculation about when the Motu Proprio freeing up the Classical Rite Mass would be released. The latest date seems to be May 5th because it's the Feast of St. Pius V (ooooh, umm, I thought that was today??), and apparently someone's friend was told by someone else who heard it from their second cousin twice removed... that the Holy Father told Alice von Hildebrand it was going to be 5th May...
I have no idea who Alice von Hildebrand is, so why the Holy Father would tell her is a complete mystery...
Anyway, if it is the 5th May, Fr. Tim will be spitting feathers... he's out there at the moment, probably lurking with intent near the Press Office, but he flies back on Friday, which means that he'll miss all the fun.
Anyhow, as a consolation prize, I'd recommend playing Motu-Pool. You'll find a game card and the rules over at the Curt Jester's pad.
I have no idea who Alice von Hildebrand is, so why the Holy Father would tell her is a complete mystery...
Anyway, if it is the 5th May, Fr. Tim will be spitting feathers... he's out there at the moment, probably lurking with intent near the Press Office, but he flies back on Friday, which means that he'll miss all the fun.
Anyhow, as a consolation prize, I'd recommend playing Motu-Pool. You'll find a game card and the rules over at the Curt Jester's pad.
Are You A Roman Protestant?
This post, courtesy of the Catholic Caveman, had me in pieces... but many a true word is spoken in jest. Cafeteria Catholics: face the facts... you are Roman Protestants if you think you can pick and choose the aspects of the Faith which don't upset you too much...
Sunday, 29 April 2007
Lourdes Preparations Continue
It's very nearly the end of April, and there are only four weeks to go until our Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes. I have the vaguely nagging feeling that I've forgotten to do something......I guess it'll come to me eventually!
In the meantime, I've contacted the Service Planification department to book the chapels for Mass on two days, as well as indicating our attendance at the International Mass in the St. Pius X Underground Carpark (sorry, Underground Basilica) and at a concelebrated English Mass at the Grotto itself, and also booking a guided tour round Lourdes to see where Bernadette lived, booking a slot to view a film introducing people to the town and the Domaine, and booking our slot for the Stations of the Cross...
I can't finalise the programme until they get back to me confirming that the times I requested are convenient (it is much better to be flexible in this way, and therefore get to use some really beautiful chapels, rather than insisting on a time and being dumped in a whitewashed garage masquerading as a chapel...)I've contacted the hotel to confirm the names and room requirements of all the pilgrims in the group (there are 28 of us this year) and asked for them to arrange a coach to bring us to and from the airport...
I need to print out the programme once its finalised, print off some "corporate" luggage labels so that no-one picks up one of our cases by mistake (that was the only glitch last year, on the return leg of the journey, fortunately!) and send written instructions as to what can and can't be taken on as hand luggage.
I just can't figure out what I've forgotten... Never mind, in four weeks' time, this is what I shall be looking at:
Saturday, 28 April 2007
Kitty-Cat Is Out And About...
ICEL are on a losing wicket with this one... the Dúnadan has an amusing post in which, tongue firmly in cheek, he agrees with ICEL's position. And Brad is waiting for his billet doux...
Avoiding Occasions Of Sin...
In an attempt to avoid starting the Lord's day with various expletives, as well as not wishing to be in a vile temper all day, I shall have to refrain from having the radio on tonight......I normally sleep with the radio on low in the background, a habit I picked up when I was seriously ill (about 15 years ago now) as it helped to hear the passage of time through the small hours. I'm usually tuned to Radio 4, which turns into the BBC World Service between 1am and 5:30am. Sunday morning involves a gradual return to consciousness, accompanied by Sunday Worship, which is a prayer service of varying description (occasionally it's a Catholic Mass) and the dawning realisation that I can have a lie in (I go to the Sunday evening Mass.)
Tomorrow, however, is going to be something to avoid like the plague:
"Fr Donal Godfrey, S. J., leads a service from the Catholic Parish of Most Holy Redeemer, San Francisco, exploring how gay people can find a place in the Christian narrative and speak of the gift of faith. The preacher is the Catholic writer and theologian, Fr James Alison."
My likely reaction might result in the radio hitting my cat or my bedroom window (I won't have my contact lenses in at that time) so I think Sylvester (and my landlord) would prefer that the radio remains "off"...
Mantilla-twitch to the Caveman and to Credo
Friday, 27 April 2007
Consecration To Mary
I may have mentioned before that I'm rather keen on St. Louis Marie de Montfort. I have a rather large tome with his collected writings, and I love just opening it at random to see what pops out......for example, in "The Secret of the Rosary," I found this little snippet:
"Even though God has set his seal of approval on the Rosary by many miracles, and though it has been approved by the Church in many papal bulls, there are only too many people who are against the holy Rosary today. Such are free-thinkers and those who scorn religion, who either condemn the Rosary or try to turn others away from it.
"It is easy to see that they have absorbed the poison of hell and that they are inspired by the devil; for no one can condemn devotion to the holy Rosary without condemning all that is most holy in the Catholic faith, such as the Lord's prayer, the Hail Mary and the mysteries of the life, death and glory of Jesus Christ and his holy Mother.
"These freethinkers, who cannot bear to have people saying the Rosary, often fall into an heretical state of mind without realising it and come to hate the Rosary and its mysteries."
Ouch. St. Louis certainly likes to make himself clear!!
In "True Devotion to Mary," St. Louis aimed to show the role of Mary in the plan of God, in one's life as a baptised person and in one's apostolic life. He teaches that, as Mary is, of all God's creatures, the most conformed, united and consecrated to Jesus, so devotion to her makes for the most effective conformity and consecration to Jesus. The "True Devotion" in the title consists of giving oneself entirely to Mary in order to belong entirely to Jesus through her, the perfect renewal of the vows and promises of Baptism.
"We give [Mary] all that we possess, both in our natural life and in our spiritual life, as well as everything we shall acquire in the future in the order of nature, of grace and of glory in heaven. This we do without any reservation... we give for all eternity without claiming or expecting, in return for our offering and our service, any other reward than the honour of belonging to Our Lord through Mary and in Mary..."
This is where Pope John Paul the Great's motto came from: Totus Tuus (totally yours)
This total consecration isn't to be taken lightly: St. Louis said that twelve days should be spent preparing by emptying oneself of the spirit of the world, and then three weeks should be spent being imbued with the spirit of Jesus through Mary. Altogether, not including the day of Consecration itself, thirty-three days are needed for the preparation period. Consecration is supposed to happen on one of the major Marian feasts, or on St. Louis' feast day, so the possible "start dates" are fixed...
I undertook this Consecration two Summers ago. I meant to renew it last year, but lost my little pocket book with the scheme outlining the prayers and meditations for the preparation period (I have the vague feeling I lent it to someone...) and then got rather caught up in events with my new job...
However, I wanted to renew my Consecration this year, and, as it so happens, a friend of mine emailed to ask if I'd ever thought of doing the Consecration: she was keen, but needed some encouragement and support. She'd thought of starting on the feast of St. Louis, with the idea that the period of preparation would end while we were in Lourdes. I pointed out that the Consecration dates were "fixed" but noted that the Feast of the Visitation happened while we were out in Lourdes, and that this was one of the fixed dates...
Fr Tim has agreed to lead a little ceremony of Consecration at Mass on the Feast day, and the fact that we will be able to do this in a place where Our Lady actually appeared is just the chocolate icing on the gateaux...
So, tomorrow it starts. Your prayers for the successful completion of this Consecration (and renewal) would be greatly appreciated...
Thursday, 26 April 2007
Hybrid Embryo Consultation
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority is holding a Public Consultation on the creation and use of hybrid embryos (clones, cytoplasmic hybrid embryos, chimeras and transgenic human embryos) for research purposes. There is a PDF document which explains all the terms and an online consultation form (very short.) The consultation period will run up until July 20th 2007
There is also going to be an evening consultation meeting (the location of which hasn't yet been advertised) on Tuesday 26th June. If you are interested in attending, you need to register your interest by sending an email.
This really is of vital importance. I'm pretty sure that they have already made up their minds to allow the experimentation on embryos to be pushed even further (in the name of scientific "progress") but we need to register our opposition as clearly as possible.
There is also going to be an evening consultation meeting (the location of which hasn't yet been advertised) on Tuesday 26th June. If you are interested in attending, you need to register your interest by sending an email.
This really is of vital importance. I'm pretty sure that they have already made up their minds to allow the experimentation on embryos to be pushed even further (in the name of scientific "progress") but we need to register our opposition as clearly as possible.
ICEL Update
The draft translation is alive and prowling around the internet, looking for someone to eat (ICEL translation) or seeking whom he may devour (draft new translation... ok, I made that last bit up!)
So go and have a little look over HERE since Anon is happy to break copyright restrictions. I shall let you know as and when I locate any other sites with the new translation Mass texts...
By the way, Anon seems to have rather a sense of humour... in his Profile, he lists the following: Industry: Religion; Occupation: Whistleblower; Interests: Truth !!
So go and have a little look over HERE since Anon is happy to break copyright restrictions. I shall let you know as and when I locate any other sites with the new translation Mass texts...
By the way, Anon seems to have rather a sense of humour... in his Profile, he lists the following: Industry: Religion; Occupation: Whistleblower; Interests: Truth !!
Wednesday, 25 April 2007
Censorship Of A Different Kind
Oh dear, oh dear... it would seem that the powers-that-be at ICEL are rather upset. The little kitty-cat of a translation which they had bagged up and hoped to dump quietly in a cupboard for a year or two seems to have clawed its way out of the bag, and made its presence known by yowling on the fence...
...not that the Hermeneutic of Continuity is guilty of sitting on the fence in any way. But it appears that Fr. Tim has received a letter from "The Management" at ICEL, demanding that he take down the draft texts of the new translation of the Mass, or be in breach of copyright.
The reason given for wanting to keep everything under wraps is that the texts are too difficult for us to accept (or understand) without suitable lengthy catechesis. No doubt they are thinking of the same sort of lengthy catechesis which already co-habiting couples are subjected to before they can be married in church, and which has led to the Sacrament of Confirmation becoming known as the "Sacrament of Leaving."
Presumably these are the same bunch of clowns who insult the intelligence of half the population by the assumption that they will not understand texts unless those difficult un-pc words such as "mankind" are translated...
Certainly, they do not believe that the People of God has enough intelligence to reach for a dictionary when they encounter a new word. So much for the Spirit of Vatican II making the Liturgy accessible...
I am intelligent enough to realise that the translation was a draft. I am also intelligent enough to view the delays in bringing out the final version with more than a little suspicion. Perhaps the hierarchy are hoping that someone will die, so they can fudge the matter for a bit longer, rather than face the fact that we have been cheated of our rightful Catholic heritage through the impoverishment of the language of the Liturgy.
I think that this is a clear sign for the Blogosphere: it's time to make our voices heard!
...not that the Hermeneutic of Continuity is guilty of sitting on the fence in any way. But it appears that Fr. Tim has received a letter from "The Management" at ICEL, demanding that he take down the draft texts of the new translation of the Mass, or be in breach of copyright.
The reason given for wanting to keep everything under wraps is that the texts are too difficult for us to accept (or understand) without suitable lengthy catechesis. No doubt they are thinking of the same sort of lengthy catechesis which already co-habiting couples are subjected to before they can be married in church, and which has led to the Sacrament of Confirmation becoming known as the "Sacrament of Leaving."
Presumably these are the same bunch of clowns who insult the intelligence of half the population by the assumption that they will not understand texts unless those difficult un-pc words such as "mankind" are translated...
Certainly, they do not believe that the People of God has enough intelligence to reach for a dictionary when they encounter a new word. So much for the Spirit of Vatican II making the Liturgy accessible...
I am intelligent enough to realise that the translation was a draft. I am also intelligent enough to view the delays in bringing out the final version with more than a little suspicion. Perhaps the hierarchy are hoping that someone will die, so they can fudge the matter for a bit longer, rather than face the fact that we have been cheated of our rightful Catholic heritage through the impoverishment of the language of the Liturgy.
I think that this is a clear sign for the Blogosphere: it's time to make our voices heard!
Heyhey... Caption Competition Time...
Softly, softly... put that Motu Proprio down gently... we don't want to wake up any French Bishops...
Mantilla-twitch to Amy Welborn
Tuesday, 24 April 2007
A Present For You...
Look at what I found over at Dymphna's Well... a gadget which turns off television sets. Persuade your loved ones that the TV is broken, and that you can't get a repairman in until the middle of next month... and then bask in the silence (possibly punctuated by anguished sobs... well, heck, you can't please everyone!)
Yippee! I Got Me A Nomination !!
When I wasn't looking, some cool cat called Kebersole (hehehe... I think I just figured her out!) nominated me for Best Religion Blog. Not a snowball's chance in Purgatory even... but it was sooooo nice to be nominated...
...I did consider nominating myself, but couldn't quite bring myself to do that!!
So, at the moment I am basking in the fact that I have six votes... well, ok, five: I did vote for myself... so I'm somewhere around page 17 (now that really was a shock... I started searching from Page 40!)
Anyway, to the five of you who voted, a big thank you... and I just want to thank all those who helped me get here... *sniffle* my cat, Sylvester... *gulp* my phone-camera... *collapses weeping*
;-)
Hey! Those Are OUR Vestments!!
John Browne has been exploring Facebook (something I haven't bothered with up until now...) In doing so, he has unearthed a strange predilection for traditional vestments and clerical garb... among American Pentecostals.
Now, I have no objection to traditional vestments and clerical garb... but please! Not on women!! (I warn you, the black cassock with candy-pink piping and buttons is rather disturbing!!)
Check out the rest.
Now, I have no objection to traditional vestments and clerical garb... but please! Not on women!! (I warn you, the black cassock with candy-pink piping and buttons is rather disturbing!!)
Check out the rest.
A Little Good News
Moneybags has been accepted for his diocese, and will be starting at Seminary in the Autumn. I'm sure you'll all want to pop on over to his blog and congratulate him...
...and say a prayer or two for him while you're at it!
UPDATE: While sorting out my favourite blogs and deleting dormant ones from my bookmarks, I found that Edward (To Jesus Through Mary) has also been accepted for Seminary (a different one, I think... my geography is sorely deficient...) so more congratulations, and more prayers.
Hey, didn't someone say vocations were down...?
...and say a prayer or two for him while you're at it!
UPDATE: While sorting out my favourite blogs and deleting dormant ones from my bookmarks, I found that Edward (To Jesus Through Mary) has also been accepted for Seminary (a different one, I think... my geography is sorely deficient...) so more congratulations, and more prayers.
Hey, didn't someone say vocations were down...?
I Got Tagged
Oooh, another meme. Who thinks these things up? They need professional help...
Anyway, I've been tagged by the upside-down pastor, Fr Dwight Longenecker, to reveal "my four favorite saints, one favorite blessed, and one person I think should have been a saint"
I'm assuming that Our Lady doesn't qualify (if you know what I mean) because I could use up my four favourites by just invoking my favourite titles for her: Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Rocamadour, Our Lady of Grace, Our Lady of Walsingham... oops, more than four, and I haven't quite finished...
Limiting myself to just four saints is going to be extremely tricky. I collect saints for various occasions...
*sigh* well, if I can only have four, then, in no particular order, it has to be:
St. Alphonsus Liguori (the stuff he wrote, especially on Our Lady and the Rosary, is just brilliant. And mind-blowing.)
St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort (for his Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary outlined in "True Devotion to Mary")
St. Francis de Sales (for pointing out, in his book "An Introduction to the Devout Life" that we are all called to holiness, whatever our state in life)
St. John Fisher (awesome English Bishop, who preferred to be martyred than accommodate the political powers of his time... a few more Bishops like him, and the country would probably not be going down the pan quite as spectacularly as it is right now!!)
And four female saints... (you didn't really expect me to follow such mean-spirited rules, did you?)
St. Bernadette (I adore Lourdes, but ever since I saw St. Bernadette's incorrupt body at the convent in Nevers, I have been completely smitten with her.)
St. Anne Line (I've explained elsewhere why I like this feisty woman. A great martyr for the Faith!)
St. Cecilia (another martyr: but as she is the patron saint of church music, I feel we possibly need her help in getting rid of the heretical hymnals... I feel an auto da fe coming on...)
Finally, last but most definitely not least, St. Catherine Labouré. I know very little about her, but I have a real attachment to the Miraculous Medal, and I want to go and see her incorrupt body at the Rue de Bac.
My favourite blessed is a little tricky... I think I'm going to cheat again, and vote for a Venerable...
...in which case I'm having Venerable Louis of Granada - apparently a favourite writer of St Teresa of Avila... and his book, "The Sinner's Guide" is fabulous.
Ok, now for the "should have been a saint" category... I think Dean Peyramale (parish priest of Lourdes at the time of the Apparitions) gets this slot. When I first went to Lourdes, I couldn't understand why he was commemorated everywhere, as the books I had read had cast him in a rather unfavourable light. I have since read a lot more, and the film "Bernadette" by Jean Delannoy helped to show what an awkward spot he was in to begin with, and how he really defended Bernadette once he became convinced the Apparitions were genuine.
There's a great account given in one of the books I read... Bernadette had reported that the lady had asked for a chapel... only, being a little discouraged by the priest's expression, she added that it didn't have to be big, "just a little one!" Dean Peyramale declared that he wanted a sign: if the bush in the grotto could be made to bloom, in February, then she could have her chapel... "And it won't be a little one. Oh no, it will be a nice big one!" said the Dean, who didn't believe in being shabby...
This is so often the attitude of the saints (and so often at odds with the post-Vatican II liberal trendies) - poverty was observed only in their private lives. Everything for the worship of God was the very best that could be afforded. Churches, chalices, monstrances, tabernacles, altar cloths, vestments... all made of the best, most precious materials, and decorated with care and love... There seems to be a lesson (or two) in there somewhere!!
Fine, now, upon whom shall I inflict this...?
Heheheheh... Northern Cleric, I think!
Anyway, I've been tagged by the upside-down pastor, Fr Dwight Longenecker, to reveal "my four favorite saints, one favorite blessed, and one person I think should have been a saint"
I'm assuming that Our Lady doesn't qualify (if you know what I mean) because I could use up my four favourites by just invoking my favourite titles for her: Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Rocamadour, Our Lady of Grace, Our Lady of Walsingham... oops, more than four, and I haven't quite finished...
Limiting myself to just four saints is going to be extremely tricky. I collect saints for various occasions...
*sigh* well, if I can only have four, then, in no particular order, it has to be:
St. Alphonsus Liguori (the stuff he wrote, especially on Our Lady and the Rosary, is just brilliant. And mind-blowing.)
St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort (for his Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary outlined in "True Devotion to Mary")
St. Francis de Sales (for pointing out, in his book "An Introduction to the Devout Life" that we are all called to holiness, whatever our state in life)
St. John Fisher (awesome English Bishop, who preferred to be martyred than accommodate the political powers of his time... a few more Bishops like him, and the country would probably not be going down the pan quite as spectacularly as it is right now!!)
And four female saints... (you didn't really expect me to follow such mean-spirited rules, did you?)
St. Bernadette (I adore Lourdes, but ever since I saw St. Bernadette's incorrupt body at the convent in Nevers, I have been completely smitten with her.)
St. Anne Line (I've explained elsewhere why I like this feisty woman. A great martyr for the Faith!)
St. Cecilia (another martyr: but as she is the patron saint of church music, I feel we possibly need her help in getting rid of the heretical hymnals... I feel an auto da fe coming on...)
Finally, last but most definitely not least, St. Catherine Labouré. I know very little about her, but I have a real attachment to the Miraculous Medal, and I want to go and see her incorrupt body at the Rue de Bac.
My favourite blessed is a little tricky... I think I'm going to cheat again, and vote for a Venerable...
...in which case I'm having Venerable Louis of Granada - apparently a favourite writer of St Teresa of Avila... and his book, "The Sinner's Guide" is fabulous.
Ok, now for the "should have been a saint" category... I think Dean Peyramale (parish priest of Lourdes at the time of the Apparitions) gets this slot. When I first went to Lourdes, I couldn't understand why he was commemorated everywhere, as the books I had read had cast him in a rather unfavourable light. I have since read a lot more, and the film "Bernadette" by Jean Delannoy helped to show what an awkward spot he was in to begin with, and how he really defended Bernadette once he became convinced the Apparitions were genuine.There's a great account given in one of the books I read... Bernadette had reported that the lady had asked for a chapel... only, being a little discouraged by the priest's expression, she added that it didn't have to be big, "just a little one!" Dean Peyramale declared that he wanted a sign: if the bush in the grotto could be made to bloom, in February, then she could have her chapel... "And it won't be a little one. Oh no, it will be a nice big one!" said the Dean, who didn't believe in being shabby...
This is so often the attitude of the saints (and so often at odds with the post-Vatican II liberal trendies) - poverty was observed only in their private lives. Everything for the worship of God was the very best that could be afforded. Churches, chalices, monstrances, tabernacles, altar cloths, vestments... all made of the best, most precious materials, and decorated with care and love... There seems to be a lesson (or two) in there somewhere!!
Fine, now, upon whom shall I inflict this...?
Heheheheh... Northern Cleric, I think!
Monday, 23 April 2007
Blessing Of Animals
I am totally besotted with my cat, Sylvester, and he knows it. He can twist me round his paw, no problem.However, one day he will die. I have no intention of getting a plot in the pet cemetary, or holding a Requiem... and I have caused outrage and upset in previous years when telling pupils firmly that animals do not have immortal souls in the same way humans do, so I do not expect to meet Sylvester at the Pearly Gates (assuming that's where I fetch up!) This is probably just as well, because I would be slightly disconcerted to encounter St. Francis of Assisi surrounded by a few hundred of my ex-research associates (the pink-eyed, sharp-toothed and long-tailed variety!!)
So the following snippet, courtesy of Antonia, amused me greatly:
A priest friend of my husband's was once asked if he ever did any special blessings over animals.
His reply: I pray over animals every day... I call it "Grace".
Heheheheh!
Nephew Update
The latest photo of my nephew... I have to say that I'm a little concerned by the "rabbit-in-headlights" expression he keeps adopting whenever there's a camera in the vicinity! Maybe he'll grow out of it!I do think he's totally gorgeous....
Sunday, 22 April 2007
New Discoveries
Exploring the blogosphere (well, actually I had a tip-off from Anne in the com-box, and I was checking out my stats on SiteMeter) I have discovered two more blogs to add to my roll...
First up, courtesy of Anne, is Vive Jesus! which is written by Ali, a Roman Catholic Mexican. I'm a bit slow: no indication in the profile as to whether Ali was male or female... but a previous blog was mentioned: "Pray the News" (now defunct) so I explored that for clues. I liked the by-line: "Lets change the world, one piece of news, one prayer at a time." but still had no joy in identifying Ali (I had the strong idea that it was a woman, though I didn't know why!)... then I clocked the by-line on Vive Jesus: "Musings of a daughter of Saint Francis of Sales." Yes, I'd say that pretty much makes it definite!!
Second discovery is A Thorn in the Pew. The Thorn has only been posting since January (so I don't feel quite so bad about not having spotted her before!) She has a truly awesome banner (is that what it's called?) at the top of her blog... I am very jealous... and she is also refreshingly direct about her trad credentials.
*sigh* So much to read, so little time...
First up, courtesy of Anne, is Vive Jesus! which is written by Ali, a Roman Catholic Mexican. I'm a bit slow: no indication in the profile as to whether Ali was male or female... but a previous blog was mentioned: "Pray the News" (now defunct) so I explored that for clues. I liked the by-line: "Lets change the world, one piece of news, one prayer at a time." but still had no joy in identifying Ali (I had the strong idea that it was a woman, though I didn't know why!)... then I clocked the by-line on Vive Jesus: "Musings of a daughter of Saint Francis of Sales." Yes, I'd say that pretty much makes it definite!!
Second discovery is A Thorn in the Pew. The Thorn has only been posting since January (so I don't feel quite so bad about not having spotted her before!) She has a truly awesome banner (is that what it's called?) at the top of her blog... I am very jealous... and she is also refreshingly direct about her trad credentials.
*sigh* So much to read, so little time...
Aha! I Always Suspected I Was Misunderstood!!
| You Are 47% Tortured Genius |
 You are very smart and a little bit tortured. Like a tortured genius in training. You're brilliant enough to see how screwed up the world is. Just don't let it screw you up! |
Mantilla twitched in Jeffrey's direction!
Anyone Fancy Another Caption Contest?
"What was that you asked? When's the what coming out? You'll have to speak a little louder..."
Twitch of the mantilla to the American Papist for the photo.
I Won !!
For the first time ever, I have won a caption competition... I don't think I have a prize coming my way, but the kudos, link and anticipated increased visitor numbers will more than suffice......especially since I think my caption was in rather poor taste...
...so you'll have to go and visit the Ironic Catholic to find out what it was...
;-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
