Gloria in Excelsis Deo

The heavens rained down - a Savior.

Making preparation for Matins and Midnight Mass that followed

Father chanting a lesson during Matins

After Matins and some carols, the blessing of the Crib

Christus natus est - beautiful vestments, too

The church was lovely and full

Processing out

Mantillas, scarves, and santa hats! I hope the young lady was pleasantly surprised!

It was a glorious Christmas, as Christmastide continues to be. I really don't know what to say other than that which is expressed perfectly in the Missal and the Office - and the best bits are 'hidden' in the Office.

Today is the last day of the Calendar year - and an incredible year it has been. I don't really think that there is much that one can say. I could certainly make a huge list of blessings received for the world to see, but it merely reinforces where one should fall - face, or at least the knees. What can one do but assist in the Holy Sacrifice, recite a Te Deum, and beg the Good God for His pardon, peace, protection, and an increase of grace? Ab homine iniquo et doloso erue me. That, and if I am to die in the coming year, that the Lord cast me not away from His face.

The Church is in waiting for a document. However, it is quite a thing when Mass simply is the Classical Liturgy. It is no exception, nor anything 'special'. It just is. Like waves quietly washing in and out at the beach. It is the most sublime and perfectly ordered thing in the universe.

Benedictus es, Domine, in firmamento caeli: et laudabilis, et gloriosus, et superexaltatus in saecula.

With prayerful good wishes to all TP

Puer natus est in Bethlehem, Alleluia!

Which I will change if I mistook the grammar.

Wow. Cue the last Gospel. Go on. You know it, don't you?













(genuflects)





Right. Now that's done, a brief reflection on today.

Wow! Just wow! Think about it. Today, the Second Person of the Most Holy and Blessed Trinity was born in a stable in an obscure village in the Middle East. So that we could go and nail Him to a Cross because we're a little bit stupid. Or perhaps 'obstinate' is a better word. This obscure village happens to have the name 'Bethlehem'. We'll come back to that later.

Let's just pause for a moment to remember that we're talking about God Himself. As regards the Son: There was not a time when He was not. Eat your heart out, Arian heretics! This isn't just a man, adopted by God and chosen to fulfil a task. This isn't some demiurge, something created but greater than us. And this isn't a God who is remote. Because lying here in the manger is God Himself. Feeling the cold of winter. Feeling hunger. Feeling the coarse straw around him. Bound in linen cloths.

Pause again, and consider where He lies. Firstly, remember that even now, His mother places Him on the wood of the manger as she will on the wood of the Cross. He is placed in a manger, an animals' feeding trough, in Bethlehem, the House of Bread. Here, in this stable.

Here, in this House of Bread, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Here, One Who cannot suffer, suffering.
From His mother, He takes our weakness,
knows the price of our sin in a new way.
God made Man.
Nine months safe, hidden from the world,
yet already taking flesh in the one who was obedient
As He will be obedient.
Christus factus est pro nobis obediens.
The poor, the outcast, come to adore Him.
They come to lay their lives at the service of their true king.
Yet the rich, the powerful of strange and alien lands,
They too will come to bend the knee.
To bend the knee before this child,
Who lies before us
In this house of bread.
Christ made obedient.
God made Man.

A Reminder of the Christmas Programme for the Classical Roman Rite in Melbourne

The Christmas Program for the Classical Roman Rite in Melbourne is as follows:

-9.00pm Christmas Eve –Matins (St Aloysius’ Caulfield)
-Solemn Midnight Mass at St Aloysius’, preceded by Christmas Carols (from 11.30pm) and blessing of the crib
-8.30am Christmas Day - Solemn Dawn Mass (Burke Hall, Kew)
-11.00am Christmas Day - Solemn Day Mass (St Aloysius’ Caulfield)

Father Michael McCaffrey and Stephen Smith are visiting us at this time which is an added blessing. St Aloysius' is accessible via the 3, 16, or 64 trams (Hawthorn and Balaclava Rds) or by the Frankston/Cranbourne/Pakenham train line (Malvern Station), or the Sandringham line (Windsor station, then take the 64 tram or Balaclava station and take the 3 or 16 down Balaclava Rd).

May Our Lord fill us with great joy and much awe at His unfathomable munificence. Non nobis, Domine, non nobis.

Since it is now gone First Vespers - Happy Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord! Now, after all the wait, it really is Christmas! Once in Royal David's City is no longer forbidden music!

A Christmas Message from Juventutem Australia

Zalig Kerstmis

Zalig Kerstmis en een Gezegend 2007!

May the glory of the first Christmas remain in your heart throughout the New Year!

Gesegnete Weihnachten und Gottes segen fuer das Neu Jahr!

David

Fox News Channel (USA) picking up on the signs of the liturgical times?

From the CTNGreg mailing list via The New Liturgical Movement:

"This weekend, either Saturday or Sunday, during the Fox Report (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm US Eastern Time), there will be a short feature on the Traditional Latin Mass, focusing, we hope, on its growth and appeal. The interviews will feature Monsignor Michael Schmitz, Vicar General of the Institute of Christ the King, and Michael Dunnigan, Chairman of Una Voce America, as well as some of the faithful who attend Mass at our (i.e., the Institute's) apostolate in Chicago, the Shrine of Christ the King Sovereign Priest. Mass clips will be from our Mass this Gaudete Sunday.

"(For the "necessary balance"*, Prof. Richard McBrien of Notre Dame University/Indiana was also interviewed). Also, let's pray that this piece make many souls aware of the richness of Catholic Tradition."

*For those outside the USA, Fox News' slogan is "Fair and Balanced".

O Oriens

Please say a quick prayer for me as I visit Sydney for a few days. I hope this time I will have the opportunity to enter St Mary's crypt and give reverence to Archbishop Polding and a few other of my favourite people.

Today is the feast of St Thomas, Jude's birthday, and about my favourite of the Great O's:

O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae et sol justitiae: veni et illumina sedentes in tenebris et umbra mortis.

And because we only use the rose twice a year, the vestments are famous at the NLM, and Bishop Prowse is sweet, here is a picture of him glancing on the newly confirmed on Laetare:

Traditionalists of the World Unite!

From: http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2006/12/traditionalists-of-world-unite.html

If you wish to join the thousands who want to lend their support to the Socci Manifesto write to:

lettere@ilfoglio.it

Subject: Appello di Antonio Socci

Text:“Esprimiamo il nostro plauso per la decisione di Benedetto XVI di cancellare la proibizione dell’antica messa in latino secondo il messale di san Pio V, grande patrimonio della nostra cultura da salvare e riscoprire”. [English: "We express our praise for the decision of Benedict XVI to cancel the prohibition of the ancient Mass in Latin according to the Missal of Saint Pius V, a great legacy of our culture, which must be saved and rediscovered."]

Sign: Name, Profession (optional), City (optional) and Country of Residence

Rose Vestments

Granted that this picture is from Laetare this year - the same rose vestments were worn today. No pink! The parish Mass was still in the penitential violet, and though numbers were up, nobody really sang. It's quite saddening.

The Catholic Action generation lost their children. Now the grandchildren of those whom Father Trese speaks so fondly of in Vessel of Clay are unable to understand half the humour in his book - like shrugging off a jabbed toe going up the altar step with an 'oh well - Introibo ad Altare Dei!' It's all so stupid and frustrating.

Today's work in progress and the AP Missal

Fratres: Gaudete in Domino semper, iterum dico, gaudete. Modestia vestra nota sit omnibus hominibus: Dominus prope est.

Today I wish to work on a reflection on the above - it is now Sunday morning, and I don't have time enough to post. I'm weak, so I hope it gets done as I have had some humbling thoughts.

On the Angelus Press Missal: I am having a good time discovering some humourous misprints. Last week, we had two 'Offertory' verses. Today there is a mistake in the Latin 'O Sapientia' antiphon. Of course, I mean this with humour. I love my missal! I do admire the St Andrew's commentaries, though - perhaps something lacking in the Angelus Press edition.

Good Fruit

Our dear friend and fellow pilgrim, Charles Mwongera, has this day been ordained to the Sacred Priesthood in Kenya. Sacerdos in aeternum - exaltemus in Domino! Let us pray for our new priest.

It is clear - the worldwide Juventutem initiative continues to swell with wonderful fruit. From the small English speaking set alone, we have a new priest, a seminarian, two young ladies in convents, servers, choir directors, members of numerous choirs, academics, and strong Catholic leaders who profess Our Lord and our Holy Faith with great fidelity, drawing their strength from the Altar of God.

PS Rose vestments, Vespers, first Great O and first Communions - I can't wait 'til tomorrow! Deo gratias!

For God owes nothing to the creature

"Let our esteem for the divine service to which we have pledged ourselves be increased, as this supreme homage to the Divine Majesty is less common in our days, on account of the violent and sacrilegious suppression of so many monasteries and convents whose walls once resounded with the holy praises. Often give thanks to God that He has chosen you to promote and transmit to posterity the traditions of public prayer, and ask Him with the Prophet that the voices of those who celebrate His holy name be heard and multiplied."

Dom Prosper Guéranger 'Religious and Monastic Life Explained' pp 11-12 (1908)

Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo, Australia - Feast of Christ the King, 29th October 2006.

Advent Letter from Rev Fr Armand de Malleray

Fœderatio Internationalis Juventutem

On December 3, 2006.
“Hora est jam nos de somno surgere. Nunc enim propior est nostra salus, quam cum credidimus – It is now the hour for us to rise from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed” (1st Sunday in Advent, Epistle).

Dear Friends from Juventutem,

On this First Sunday of Advent, the holy liturgy draws the expectations of our hearts towards the Nativity of our Blessed Lord. The crib in Bethlehem is to be the centre of the world for the three coming weeks and later on, until the Epiphany. Alas, we know too well how few among our contemporaries will think of Christmas for the good reasons though. The huge majority will either ignore it altogether, or will use it only to make money and consume. As loving children of Holy Mother Church, we want to prepare our hearts for the coming of the God Child.

If we spend time with God in prayer, if we learn about Him improving our Catholic knowledge, if we let ourselves be sanctified by Him through the sacraments of Penance and of the Eucharist, He will certainly make us bear fruit. With paternal condescendence, He will associate us to His work of redemption, that we may bear witness among our fellow students, among our relatives and friends, to Him Who is Truth and Charity.

In my last message (quoted below) on August 30, 2006, I was describing for you the three circles of spiritual commitment which Juventutem presents to every youth as a concrete path towards holiness. Are we all perfectly holy by now? Well, I personally wouldn’t mind some little extra time. What about you? Have you been able to experience the spiritual security found in regular Confession? Have you found how more fruitful our Holy Communions are when received with a purified heart – whether we feel something or not? Have you discovered the deep inner peace granted by the Lord when meeting with Him, truly, really and substantially present in the monstrance, during adoration of the Blessed Sacrament?

Obviously, spiritual progress is difficult to evaluate. To some extent, we may wish to keep God’s delicate favours under the shade of pious discretion and of respectful trust and loving abandonment to his grace. That does not mean we should be ungrateful or lazy. It is good therefore that we check the fidelity of our personal commitment, according to which one of the three circles we have chosen.

We would also wish to verify the good influence of our Catholic behaviour upon those among whom we live, or theirs upon us. Have we engaged into fruitful conversations on Catholic doctrine? Have we learnt to better value the Traditional Roman liturgy by reading good material on the Internet or in books? Have we attended spiritual and doctrinal conferences and encouraged others to come along with us? Have we started to liaise with other youths in order to have such conferences organised, as well as monthly adoration? Have we envisaged our customary bonds of friendship as a precious opportunity for circulating God’s grace through and around us?

Well, a lot of homework in perspective! Homework? Yes, when we remember that our true Home is the Merciful Heart of Jesus. In It we have our spiritual dwelling on this earth. Through that radiant Gateway we will proceed when entering everlasting happiness, after we die in a state of grace.

Dear Friends, that is what I wish for each one of us. It is what I pray for every morning at Mass when uttering at the foot of the altar: “Introibo and altare Dei, ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meam”. Let us support each other in our daily prayer - even if we haven’t yet had the opportunity of meeting face to face, scattered on every continent as we are – let us already meet heart to heart in the Lord.

Concrete steps: Thank you in advance for kindly emailing me (fij_malleray@fssp.org) the following information:
1. Is your FIJ circle of spiritual commitment the: Supporters’, Friends’ or Cooperators’ (check details below)?
2. You are in contact locally with ...... youths who have shown interest for Juventutem.
3. The following clergy or consecrated persons have expressed to you their interest for
Juventutem:.........................
4. Since the foundation of the FIJ on May 24, 2006, you have participated in the following event(s) organised in the name or with mention of Juventutem (e.g. rosary, adoration, excursion, conference, blog):............................
5. As member of Juventutem you are planning the following event(s):.....................

I am looking forward to reading your emailed answer. If you don’t receive an answer from me within a few days, it should mean that your email did not reach me. You can also write to the following address: “Rev. Fr. Armand de Malleray, FSSP, Ecclesiastical Assistant FIJ, Chemin du Schoenberg 8, CH-1700, Fribourg, Switzerland”.

I assure you of my prayer for a blessed time of Advent and I already wish you and your families and friends a very merry Christmas:

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear!

Fr. Armand de Malleray, FSSP
Ecclesiastical Assistant FIJ

P.S. FIJ Treasurer Cosimo Damiano Marti has printed out some beautiful Juventutem Christmas cards. If you wish to receive some copies, please ask him for details at: codama@bluewin.ch

Advent Carols and Christmas Program

The Choir process in - shame I can't post audio. Dr Rowland was also in attendance!

Birettas!

The congregation.

In the Layde Chapel at the Alma Redemptoris Mater

The Recessional.

A very splendid evening with the choir in fine voice. As I had posted previously, the program was fantastic. The wonderful thing about it was that this extra-liturgical activity provided a gentle introduction into the whole culture of worship according to the Classical Roman Rite for those to whom it is entirely new. Thus, we were very blessed with many visitors, including youth, young families, and some from the parish, who all left very impressed. Deo gratias. Many more musical favourites - and in proper liturgical season!

The Christmas Program for the Classical Roman Rite in Melbourne is as follows:

-9.00pm Christmas Eve –Matins (St Aloysius’ Caulfield)
-•Solemn Midnight Mass at St Aloysius’, preceded by Christmas Carols (from 11.30pm) and blessing of the crib
-•8.30am Christmas Day - Solemn Dawn Mass (Burke Hall, Kew)
-•11.00am Christmas Day - Solemn Day Mass (St Aloysius’ Caulfield)

The festivities for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord offer a wonderful opportunity to discover the glories of the Classical Roman Liturgy for the first time.

Sanctificavit tabernaculum suum Altissimus

A blessed feast to all!

7:30pm Solemn Mass, procession to the Layde Altar, and commendation of the community to the Blessed Mother under the title of her Immaculate Conception.

Tota Pulchra es, Maria!

"In the first instance of her conception, by a singular privilege and grace granted by God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the human race, was preserved exempt from all stain of original sin."

Ineffabilis Deus, Pius IX (translation courtesy of New Advent).

What is key to our understanding of this mystery is that it is not the peripheral teaching which it first appears to be, but strikes at the very heart of the Church's teaching on the Incarnation.

The Church teaches four things about Mary: That she is Mother of God (Theotokos, the 'God-bearer'); that she is ever-virgin; that she is immaculate; and that she was assumed into heaven. This teaching has never changed, despite the recent 'pinning down on paper' of the latter two. I do not wish to discuss this here and since most readers of this blog are probably fairly informed Catholics, I doubt that it is necessary. The key point that I wish to make is that Mary is immaculately conceived, ever-virginal and assumed precisely because she is the Theotokos.

We are all aware of how incomprehensible God's love for us is. And yet, God loves Mary as He would love a mother. Pause and think about that for a short moment. The Son loves the Father infinitely, and this love is at least partly made known to us in the total obedience of the incarnate Word Jesus Christ to the Father's will. And yet, Christ shows this same obedience to His mother. Only twice does she ask something of Him; when she does ask, He responds positively.

How could God, loving infinitely and finding sin infinitely... offensive... create for Himself a mother who is less than perfect? How could He let her be subject to decay? Intimately bound up with her son - after all, she is the only person to have a literal biological relationship with God! - how can Mary fail to share in all the victories of Christ, when she is expected to share His sufferings? It is only right and fitting, in accordance with the infinite justice of God, that her reward should be the greatest in Heaven who suffered most on earth. Mary shares in the tri-fold victory of Christ over sin, death and the devil. She is martyred with Him on the Cross and as such has the first entitlement to a share in His resurrection. Complete. How can she survive that except through the abundant grace of God?

I used to wonder if it were possible that Mary should have sinned earlier in her life, to be cleansed at the time, or in advance, of her fiat. But how would this be consonant with a God Who always does what is best? Prevention is better than cure and, thus, He chose to preserve her immaculately rather than to let her fall and be restored. It was necessary not in the strict sense, but because to do otherwise would not be consonant with His nature. God would not have freely chosen the other way. It wouldn't make sense.

Nevertheless, Mary is redeemed in the same way as us: Through the Incarnation, the Passion and the Resurrection. Or rather, by; as a result of; because of. Had she freely chosen to say 'No', what would have happened? But her will was perfectly in accord with the will of God. I'm just glad she didn't know what she was letting herself in for!

Anyway, I wanted to take a little time out to encourage us all to spend a little time over the next day in order to ponder this great mystery, which touches on that greatest mystery of all: The love of God as shown to us in the Incarnation itself. Revelation in the person of Jesus Christ, which is absolutely necessary since God is absolute.

O Maria, sine labe concepta, ora pro nobis qui ad te confugimus.

God help us all

Stem cell cloning ban overturned

AUSTRALIAN scientists will be able to create cloned human embryos after federal Parliament voted to overturn a ban on the research in a rare conscience vote.

Liberal Senator Kay Patterson's private member's Bill will allow researchers to clone embryos using donor eggs and cells without sperm and extract their stem cells for medical research.

The House of Representatives also voted down an amendment that had threatened to scuttle the legislation.

The change would have prevented stem cells being extracted from the eggs of aborted late term female foetuses, but this procedure will remain acceptable under the Bill.

A demonic attack on the Incarnation - thanks to the cooperation of a poor depraved woman (Patterson) - thus finally consumated (9:30pm) on the (liturgical) Vigil of the Immaculate Conception. Tis the season. All this after returning from a wonderful Catholic Doctrine instruction on Man, Creation, and the Fall. Parce nobis Domine.

Lift up your heads.

Event on Thursday (London UK)

This is a direct cut-and-paste job from an e-mail sent to me, but I'm sure noone will mind:


Next Thursday the Society of St. Catherine of Siena is sponsoring a presentation by the author Martin Mosebach of his book 'Heresy of Formlessness', followed by a reception with drinks. The book, recently published in English, is translated from the German publication – Häresie der Formlosigkeit. Die römische Liturgie und ihr Feind'. English copies will be available for purchase courtesy of Family Publications, who can also be reached at http://www.familypublications.co.uk/

The event will be preceded by Solemn First Vespers of the Immaculate Conception in the Church of the Oratory at 5:30pm.

The presentation is supported by Family Publications Oxford (Distributors for Ignatius press in the United Kingdom)

Martin Mosebach, who will be present on the 7th of December, is a well-known and award-winning German novelist and essayist, has published novels, stories, and collections of poems; he has also written scripts for several films, opera libretti, theatre, and radio plays. He is a regular contributor to the major German newspapers and magazines, including the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung and Die Zeit. He has even written for the New York Times. Most recently, Mosebach has been awarded the Großer Literaturpreis der Bayerischen Akademie der Schönen Künste. ‘Heresy of Formlessness’ is a collection of essays on the liturgy and its recent reform, not from the perspective of a theologian, but from the perspective of a literary writer. The book helped to bring the debate on the Catholic liturgy into a wider public in Germany. A French translation was published last year, with a preface by the noted German philosopher Robert Spaemann.
(with thanks for the above paragraph to Fr. Rupert McHardy of the London Oratory)
No tickets are required for the evening – anyone is welcome, please spread the word.

Rev'd. Dr. Laurence Paul Hemming
Secretary to the Trustees
Society of St. Catherine of Siena
http://www.caterinati.org.uk

Message from Abbé de Malleray, FSSP

I expect most of those who post on here will have received the e-mail from M. l'Abbé. Please do respond (this goes for myself too...).

Hopefully there will be some collaboration between England & Wales and Ireland in the relatively near future.

JMR

FSSP First Year Wigratzbad Seminarians

The gentleman in the brown scarf looks kind of familiar! :) Please pray for them, and for all seminarians. Photo from FSSP.org.

Happy New Year!

Quick greetings for the liturgical new year. The last few days have been such a foretaste of heaven, it's rather sad that they have had to pass. Thank you Lord for another Advent. Once this 'slumpiness' goes away, then I will write something about it all. Now I must render to Caeser.

Deo gratias.

Happy Feast!

Today is the feast of St Edmund Campion, who I have adopted as a favourite patron. I am trying to search for his supplement online, but I can't seem to find it? It isn't in my Angelus Press Missal - and a search brings one right back here!

Justorum animae in manu Dei sunt, et non tanget illos tormentum malitiae: visi sunt oculis insipientium mori: illi autem sunt in pace, Alleluia. (Fitting for the Saint and his companions)

Monsignor Schmitz is still here, I think he leaves tomorrow. It's quite something to listen to someone's impressive online conferences, and then to be in their midst the next morning while adoring the Lord! Deo gratias.

Today is also a First Friday - Mass, Compline, all night Exposition. I am reading 'The Sacred Heart: Source of Christian Affectivity' by Dietrich von Hildebrand, which I highly recommend. Friday night not as the world 'Friday nights'.

Tomorrow there is a GK Chesterton conference and dinner organised by the Caroline Chisholm library. Speakers are gathered from about the country with the focus being the evangelisation of imagination and culture through the Chestertonian spirit. I am looking forward to it very much.

Sunday - Advent Carols!

I must now go! Remembering you all before the Lord.

At Sunset

Time to reset the ribbons

Time to reset the ribbons, and to do it all again! Back to the starting line ready to race into violets.

Verba autem mea non transibunt dicit Dominus

How the Lord blessed us yesterday! We had the most wonderful day, from the perfect weather, to the delightful company. We were immensely blessed with the opportunity of hosting Monsignor Schmitz for Solemn Mass, and community picnic. I must say that the Monsignor is about the most pleasant person I have had the occasion of speaking with. He is very sweet and generous, and quite glows with joy! I am happy to report that the Monsignor was well fed, for when I offered him some cake, he commented on how well he had been attended with food, and to have more "would not be prudent!" Very sweet!

On top of all of this, Louise and Steven were there, just back from their honeymoon and in Melbourne courtesy of a delayed Air New Zealand flight! What providence when they were not aware of the Monsignor visiting. It was so lovely to see them again - and so soon - and so happy. Some other dear friends publicly announced their engagement yesterday also!

However, I must say that dear little Felicitas Perpetua, who is now just over four months old, was the most impressive on the afternoon. Monsignor gave her a special blessing, and called her a sure "Latinist". It's quite impossible that she be anything else when on her bib there is written the grace before meals in Latin, and hasn't missed her Sunday obligation since conception! :)

Juventutem Australia held a sausage sizzle fundraiser which was quite successful, and very tasty!

As usual, the afternoon fittingly ended with much anticipated Vespers and Benediction - and announcement of upcoming practices for Christmas Matins! Deo gratias in aeternum. What a way to end the liturgical year!

Lastly, a few photographs:

Clergy and servers give reverence to the Monsignor before approaching the altar

Monsignor Schmitz in choir

Last Gospel

The wonderful Eve cooking up a storm!

Myself sheepishly enjoying the said sausages

In the park - makes you smile, doesn't it? Deo gratias!

End of the Liturgical Year

Once again, it is the end of the Liturgical year, and it has gone by in a flash. So much has been happening in the past fortnight, and there has been little time or energy to document any of it.

Msgr Schmitz has arrived safely for his short visit, and thus today will be our picnic and Vespers, Solemn Mass being at 11am. I hear that Msgr Schmitz was able to attend the Victorian Catholic Students Conference yesterday, and I hope that that will encourage some more young people to attend today. I trust that we will have fine weather.

Advent Carols are next Sunday at 7:30pm. I quite confidently think that we have the best choir in Melbourne, so do come!

More and more I am feeling that the most wonderfully Catholic things in our city are the most forgotten. The Liturgy, and Caroline Chisholm Library... Gustate et videte! Please! If thou didst know the gift of God! There is nothing like putting a big fat 2006 due date in some lovely book that hasn't been borrowed since 1957, or reading that Father Trese struggled with thoughts of Polish sausages at the Altar of God.

Father McD is so sweet that on Thursday's feast of St Felicitas he wished me a happy feast, even when it wasn't! Nonetheless, I am happy with any holy help, and I think that's a nice way to end the post.

Have a beautiful Sunday!

CIEL Photos

Photographs from CIEL are now available to view here.

Advent Carols Service: December 3rd

Matins Responsory (I look from afar) (Palestrina)
Come thou Redeemer of the earth (Praetorius)
Adam lay Y Bounden (Boris Ord)
People Look East (Besancon)
Hark a Herald Voice (Monk)
There is no Rose John (Joubert)
A Noble Flower of Judah (Praetorius)
The Truth from Above (R Vaughan Williams)
Rorate Caeli (Christopher Tye)
On Jordan's Bank (Hamburg chorale)
The Angel Gabriel (trad Basque melody)
This is the Record of John (Orlando Gibbons)
Advent Resposory (chant)
Alma Redemptoris (chant)
O come o come Emmanuel (ancient French melody)

Westminster Cathedral this Saturday

Just a reminder about this Saturday:

Annual Requiem Mass in the Traditional Rite
Saturday 18th November at 2.00pm, Westminster RC Cathedral, Victoria St, London SW1.

If you are in London definitely try and make it. The Cathedral Choir (reputedly the best cathedral choir in the country) will be singing the propers and ordinary. The versus populum altar should also be removed returning the Sanctuary to its original appearance.

Tonight...

... there will be a solemn requiem for the repose of the soul of Walter Reid at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane, which is near Covent Garden in London. Reid was one of those guys you never noticed, because he didn't say anything, ever, to anyone... but he was often present at the Monday evening Masses. Beyond that, I don't know much about him.

The 'Capella Ave Maris Stella' will be singing Victoria's Requiem again. It's a favourite of mine, and we pulled it off well on Sunday last for the Remembrance Sunday Requiem at St. Bede's. The Corpus Christi schola will be filling in all the chanty bits that Victoria didn't set. Various people have spent the last week trying to a) construct a catafalque out of random things; b) get their hands on six unbleached candles; and c) somehow borrow a funeral pall. Quick vote of thanks to the fathers of the London Oratory for their kindness as regards the latter two.

The next special Sunday at St. Bede's will be Gaudete Sunday, 17th December. At least, that's what I hope. I suspect we'll be singing more Victoria.

Someday I'm going to have to start up the cause for his canonisation. After all, there are only two patron saints of musicians so far...

Rather Exciting News!

I am very excited to announce that Monsignor R. Michael Schmitz, STD, Vicar General of the Institute of Christ the King, will be visiting us here in Melbourne on the 24th Sunday after Pentecost, 26th of November! We will be having a community picnic, followed by Vespers and Benediction. As many people as possible are encouraged to attend. Do please come if you can - what a wonderful way to end the Liturgical year!

Father Berg will visit us early next year!

Deo gratias!

Christus Vincit

With thanks to the fine Mr Joee Blogs, enjoy some beautiful pictures and commentary on the "Our Lady of Willesden Old Mass" and "Old Mass at Corpus Christi Maiden Lane," - pictures the work of Mr Flash!

OP collects

Could any of you Dominican enthusiasts out there tell me the Latin text of the collects for the Feasts of All Saints of the Order of Preachers, and of the Patronage of St Thomas Aquinas in Catholic Schools (12th and 13th November in old OP calendar)? Many thanks.

There is a very interesting article by Laurence Pristas in New Blackfriars 86 (2005) on 'The Pre and PostVatican II Collects of the Dominican Doctors of the Church'. Worth a read. This link may work if you are coming from a network which subscribes to Blackwell Synergy online journals. Otherwise... try your local Dominicans?! Actually I have a vague notion that Blackwell publishing was doing a free trial access to its online journals a while ago, so you might be able to find some means of getting the text if you poke about a bit.

Please God, Relief for the Holy Souls

Sacramentum hoc Magnum est in Christo et in Ecclesia

Mr and Mrs Steven Zollo! Aren't they just glorious in the Lord? Deo gratias indeed!

The French Bishops protest against potential freedom for the Old Rite

Hilarious post from Rorate Caeli here.

Tradelaide Bound

It is monastically early, and I am about to make my way to TrAdelaide for a dear friend's wedding. Please pray for Louise and Steven. The Christus Rex Pilgrimage report will be about next week some time - last year's pilgrimage being the very event where the couple met! I've been informed of some rather interesting information that I look forward to share very much!

I hope that you all had wonderful Feasts over the past days. We certainly did.

DOMINE Jesu Christe, Rex gloriae, libera animas omnium fidelium defunctorum de poenis inferni et de profundo lacu: libera eas de ore leonis, ne absorbeat eas tartarus, ne cadant in obscurum: sed signifer sanctus Michael repraesentet eas in lucem sanctam: Quam olim Abrahae promisisti et semini ejus. V. Hostias et preces tibi, Domine, laudis offerimus: tu suscipe pro animabus illis, quarum hodie memoriam facimus: fac eas, Domine, de morte transire ad vitam. Quam olim Abrahae promisisti et semini ejus.

Thank you Holy Mother Church.

It's a long way to the Cathedral, a long way to go...

Qui laetificat juventutem meam

With all thanks and glory to God, we did it. We made the walk from Ballarat to Bendigo. It was without doubt the most graced experience of my life. There will be a larger report and many more photos - but I thought first to share this one. Here I am with Evelyn, one of the TrAdelaide pilgrims, who is simply and venerably unstoppable, making the distance with little trouble. You may notice the New Zealand flag in the background - we were blessed with the presence of eight wonderful pilgrims from across the Tasman. I pray that next year will see many more flags!

Quarant'ore...

being held at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London beginning tonight and ending on All Saints' Day. Something of an antidote to the long-expected school Mass on Wednesday. At least they're having one. This is a positive thing. Sometimes I think I should just work in a secular school and take days off for religious observance..!

There will, of course, be High Mass each day (though if anyone able to subdeacon the Mass for Peace on Tuesday is reading this, do get in touch!) and I think the lads will actually be in choir for once. This has necessitated much cassock-borrowing resulting in slight problems immediately before last night's Rosary and Benediction. Our dear Polish priest, having given up on English, slipped into Latin, for which I commend him. Various Requiems to be held during next month, obviously, with a special Sunday on 12th November (Rememberance Sunday) at Bede's.




Incidentally, what's the correct plural of Requiem when used as a noun on it's own???

Gloria Laus et Honor Tibi sit!

Quas Primas

About to embark upon the Christus Rex Pilgrimage - to win back our country from the fronts of the 'Heathenesse' for the 'Catholike faith' and Christ, her true King!

Have a wonderful Feast on Sunday.

Being a Mum's not so bad after all...

The Age reports:

Former Australian Democrats leader Senator Natasha Stott Despoja will quit politics in 2008, choosing to spend more time with her husband and 22-month old son.

Senator Stott Despoja, who in 1995 was the youngest woman to enter federal parliament and who led the Democrats from April 2001 until August 2002, described her decision today as "heart-aching" but inevitable.

"This is not about giving up work for family but giving my family priority at this particular stage of life," she said.

However, she did not rule out a return to politics at some point in the future.

The 37-year-old has had the past three weeks off work after emergency surgery for an ectopic pregnancy, but said the opportunity to spend uninterrupted time with her son Conrad had changed her priorities.

"It's been a heart-aching, difficult decision," she told journalists gathered in her Adelaide office.

"It's been the toughest decision for me politically without a doubt and the kindness of colleagues and friends and ... the community in the last few weeks has made this decision harder.

"Spending uninterrupted quality time with my son has made the decision inevitable."

Natasha, I know that it must be scary, but it's perfectly alright to admit that you enjoy being a mother - and that babies are good. You are a woman, and we have been praying for you. I'm glad that you have started to realise that the whole femo thing is really quite a bore.

The Genius of Women

From The Age.

"A Matrimonial Quest"

Mark and Minyoung Wyman - friends of mine from Cornell University with ties to the Cornell Society for a Good Time weblog - have described the experience of requesting permission for a Tridentine Nuptial Mass in New York. Notably, this article was published in the Wall Street Journal's OpinionJournal.

The ceremony ended up being a Solemn Pontifical High Mass with polyphonic ordinary and Gregorian propers - the latter offered by this writer.

Holy Week in October

If you perservere in asking the Lord in confidence, He will grant your petition. Even if it's Tenebrae.

Tonight the ABC was filming next year's Good Friday and Easter Sunday programs for 'Hymns of Glory', in St Patrick's Cathedral. It was rather beautiful. Everything was just as it should have been if it were really Holy Week.

First the Easter Sunday program was recorded. Basically, we had a prayer service made up of segments from the Liturgy. It was interesting because most of the choir shots were set against the backdrop of the high altar - I don't blame them. The echo was magnificent, especially accompanied by the organ and brass section. Most memorable from the Easter section was the final blessing when Dr Cox, musical director, motioned His Grace and all of us to 'do it again.' It meant more episcopal blessings, so that wasn't a problem.

Everyone was very happy - The Canon and His Grace came and greeted us and thanked us for coming. It really sounded lovely - Catholics can sing!

What joy to hear Victimae paschali laudes!

Then it was Good Friday - the altar was stripped, and the Tenebrae candles were lit, much to my delight! Then was chanted Vexilla Regis, by the mixed choir. Lamentations 5:1-11 were sung by a gentleman from the choir very beautifully, but it was strange hearing 'Jerusalem' with an audible 'j'!

Then the Tenebrae responsory! Quia venit dies Domini magna et amare valde!

Part of St John's Passion was chanted - but I must say, the Latin text is much stronger. Sed unus militum lancea latus ejus aperuit, et continuo exivit sanguis, et aqua. The recessional was 'Praise to the Holiest (in the height)' - with organ! Nevertheless, it was a wonderful way to finish the day. Tenebrae and His Grace in fine voice with biretta and pompom. Deo gratias!

I think the ABC will have a fine program.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention that a few Monash students from Sunday were in attendence, too. Deo gratias that they have been exposed to some Liturgical treasures! (It's up to Me, remember!)

It's a little out of season...

A short reflection on Tenebrae that I wrote for a spiritualiy class this year. Errors are not intentional!

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, convértere ad Dominum Deum tuum!

The Maundy Thursday and Holy Saturday Office of Tenebrae were solemnly celebrated according to the Classical Roman Rite during Holy Week at St Aloysius’ Caulfield, on the nights of Wednesday and Good Friday, respectively. The Hours of Matins and Lauds throughout the Sacred Triduum most sublimely voice the Church’s mourning over the Passion and Burial of the Lord. They have traditionally been treated as a ‘funeral service’ for Christ. The entire tone of the Office is intensely sorrowful in both its words and neumes, there is no Alleluia, nor Gloria Patri. The ancient structure of the Office, with lessons from the Lamentations of Jeremias, St Augustine, and St Paul, has remained in its integrity since the eighth century.

Our Shepherd, the fountain of living water is gone, wails the Church, at Whose departure the sun was darkened. The candles that illuminate the altar will be gradually extinguished until there is but one that remains lit. In like manner, on that very night, the Apostles had left Our Lord. Again and again, the people echo the words of Christ, one of My disciples will betray me this day, it had been better for him if he had not been born. The single light, the lux vera, will be extinguished, too. And so it is, with a sudden and violent swipe, the terrible darkness is complete; the Light, it seems, has been conquered. A dreadful noise fills the church signifying nature’s revolt at such an awful sight. For the day of the Lord is come, great and exceedingly bitter. Our Shepherd, the fountain of living water is gone. He is gone to take captive [he] who held the first man captive, to destroy the dungeons of hell, and overthrow the pains of the devil.

A mystical cry of victory rises from the silence of the darkness, O mors, ero mors tua, mersus tuus ero, inferne! Meanwhile, the people rise and leave in silence. It is good to wait with silence for the salvation of God. There is something disturbing about this darkness that strikes one still. We are tired with mourning, and our eyes are strained and sore. Of course, Christ will rise from the dead, so why not rest in hope? There is something profound about the Office of Tenebrae that is awfully difficult to express outside of the experience of prayer. It may be likened to the experience of the women, sitting at the sepulchre, who mourned, weeping for the Lord. Were those tears that were shed, shed for them, or for the predicament of the world without the Lord? The Church does understand this Holy Office as a similar vigil before the tomb of Christ. Perhaps the ‘sting’ of Tenebrae is the realisation that the world continues to love the darkness that the Church so sorely laments, and while in such a state, the Creator will remain as unknown to the creatures whom He made, and to the world in which He dwelt, as surely as the truth of the Resurrection.

Dr Tracey Rowland on the Liturgical Ideas of Benedict XVI

Dr Rowland's wonderful lecture given at the Australian Catholic Students Association's National Conference earlier this year is now available to download in mp3 format. Other lectures and sessions include those given by Fr Fessio and Fr Gregory Jordan, SJ. Thank you Shannon for pointing this out.

ICK and FSSP to visit Ireland

From the Snday Businees Post Online...

http://www.sbpost.ie/post/pages/p/story.aspx-qqqt=IRELAND-qqqm=news-qqqid=18087-qqqx=1.asp

A Birthday and a Bishop

Today was Omar's birthday. It involved thurible swinging, lots of cake, and serving for a Bishop.

Lighting candles while Omar was busy training up a junior server!

Sacristans! The wonderful D. Birch and Omar.

Snap outside the church. Good weather for photos.

Later in the afternoon Monash University Catholics on Campus had their end of semester Mass, with Bishop Christopher Prowse presiding. Omar served the Mass, which was quite sweet because Bishop Prowse confirmed him back on Laetare, and he wore the mitre that we gave him. He gave blessings after the Mass. He had just come from Confirmations, and I could still smell the aroma of chrism on his thumb!

Bishop Prowse chatting after Mass.

There is something very special about Bishop Prowse. However, whenever I'm in the midst of a Bishop, it is very tense. It's more than the great reality of being in the presence of a Successor of the Apostles, or the fact that I find it rather difficult to be in a conversation. Oh well, I don't know what it is. It's much easier praying for them.

Lex videndi, lex orandi. I hope that says 'the law of sight (seeing) is the law of prayer (praying)' - I mean reverence would be harder to foster in a barn rather than a Cathedral - but then again, I don't think that is true. I'm being cryptic in saying that I don't like the chances of improving the quality of the liturgy much at the Monash religious centre while it is in there. The students are wonderful, though, and there is no reason to give up on trying.

Tonsures in Wigratzbad

The Newman Society endorses Juventutem

I am delighted to announce the support of The Newman Society for the endeavours of Juventutem.

Some tears and a few dollars

Today Omar (dear friend, crusader, server, and quiet intellectual) almost wept for joy after finally collecting his heart's desire, a Knox translation of the Bible, for a $1 at a book sale at Sacred Heart church, Kew. As for me, the Waugh library has increased by one. I am now reading Edmund Campion ($1), and I feel like a few tears in sorrow. I take back any associated humour in the post somewhat below about the terms Popery and Priestcraft.

"The altar stones were taken for paving and cheese presses" (p 20.)

No requiems, no absolution. (Let November begin.)

How is the gold become dim, the finest colour is changed, the stones of the sanctuary are scattered in the top of every street?

I am reluctantly reserved to the fact that I will have to wait until Holy Week next year for Tenebrae. So, now I am looking forward to the Martyrology. On that happier note, the Mass for the 19th Sunday after Pentecost is just beautiful. I have been reading St Francis de Sales and so to find 'be angry and sin not' was a little treat.

No more lamenting, today was a lovely day, and so tomorrow will be too.

Thank you to Aaron for the kind link. He features some great Speck cartoons! Less than two weeks until Christus Rex - how does one best and authentically prepare for pilgrimage?

PS I am sending some letters of thanksgiving off soon :)

Rosary Crusade of Reparation, London

Rosary Crusade of Reparation on Saturday 14th October at 2.00pm.

The march starts at Westminster Cathedral and proceeds to the London Oratory, led by the statue of Our Lady of Fatima.

Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, in the Oratory, will follow the conclusion of the march.

There is much to make reparation for.....

That News

I think 'the news' is true. The first thing that I think about is how busy our servers are going to be - and the variety of work that comes up for groups like ours. It's wonderful. I don't have time for a large post, but don't you think it's rather sweet that the first creatures that the Lord gave man dominion over were the fish? I love little pirouets of the Holy Spirit. I can't spell pirouet...

Calling all Aussies...

... get writing the WYD2008 theme song. Ach, go on! Let's put a bit of substance into the next one...

Update...

... on my spiritual life for anyone still vaguely interested...

Stop worrying about me. :-)

I'd rather not give any more details than that.

Also, please pray for a very good friend of mine (I mean that...) who is due to be received into the bosom of our dear Mother on the 20th of this month.

On both counts...:

Te Deum laudamus,
Te Dominum confitebor...



(anyone reading this should be able to continue in their own head...)

Ad multos annos!

Thanks be to God and congratulations to Fr John Emerson FSSP for twenty-five years in the priesthood! His Silver Jubilee was actually on the feast of Ss Peter and Paul, but the celebratory Mass and bash were at last held on Saturday, happily St Jerome's feast, in St Andrew's, Ravelston, Edinburgh. There was a lovely Missa Cantata, then lots of food and a large chocolate cake. Father spoke movingly about the priesthood, saying that the vocation is given less for the sake of the individual in question than for the sake of Christ's Church. Fra Fredrik Crichton-Stuart SMOM read out a splendid letter from the Superior General of the FSSP.

Praise be to God for this priest, and long may Fr Emerson serve Christ and His Church in holiness and joy!

The Anglicans up the Road

I don't understand the poor Anglicans up the road. Here is an extract from their parish bulletin on the 20th August:

SAINTS’/HOLY DAYS THIS WEEK
20th.: St. Bernard, priest, abbot and doctor of the Church (1090-1153);
21st.: St. Pius, bishop and ascetic (1835-1914);
22nd.: The Queenship of the B.V.M.;
23rd.: St. Rose of Lima, virgin and religious, the first saint of the Americas, patron of South America (1586-1617);
24th.: St. Bartholomew, apostle (first century);
25th.: St. Louis (the ninth), king of France and pious layman (1214-1270);
St. Joseph Calasanz, priest and founder, patron of Christian schools (1550-1648);

Not pope, but a saint all the same... Must avoid the rotten 'P' word. They use the same 'Living Word' supplement as do some parishes around the diocese. This week the Anglicans are celebrating the feasts of The Little Flower and St Faustina! I think I will invite them to the Christus Rex Pilgrimage. P-p-popery! Priestcraft doesn't seem too objectionable, though.

In another news, please pray for Senator Natasha Stott Despoja, who is one of the violent driving forces against life in this country. This poor afflicted woman has suffered an ectopic pregnancy. By the grace of God, may this tiny human life open her eyes and bend her heart.

Finally, I think my life is at an 'ut' clause. Do this... 'So that...' :)

Love and a Pretty Cathedral

We have a pretty Cathedral!

Today was very much about love! Love through the Sacrament of Penance, today's Gospel, a wonderful homily on the counter revolution that will only come about through love - and which mentioned St Pius X, Bl John XXIII, The Beatles, and St Augustine, the Sacrament of Love itself, love and fellowship amongst the faithful, concluding with a vocations forum held by the beautiful Sisters of Life - who are so abounding in love and joy that they are about ready to burst!

So Deo Gratias for love - real love - Love itself.

Spera in Deo, quoniam adhuc confitebor illi, salutare vultus mei, et Deus meus.

On CIEL

Article on CIEL at Oxford here.

"The offices of Lauds, Vespers, and Compline were chanted daily at Merton Chapel, as well as Solemn High Mass each day at noon, capped off with a rousing Solemn Pontifical High Mass on Saturday at noon, with Bishop David McGough, an auxiliary from the Archdiocese of Birmingham, England. Exquisite organ music with integrated Gregorian chant was provided throughout the colloquium, most notably from what became popularly known as "that traveling French schola" and a singer from Australia."

A wonderful singer, too! He once conducted a workshop on the chants of Compline for us - and it was so intense that one could have felt like going home, as well as an impromptu second sung Low Mass for St Stephen's day last year. I hope we have it again!

Mr Shawn Tribe at the New Liturgical Movement has begun writing a fantastic report on the experience, with photos!

Sorry about the fonts :)

Quis Ut Deus?

It's hard to believe that last Michaelmas was a year ago! We had a beautiful solemn Mass last night for the occasion, and because you all know how glorious St Michael and his Liturgy is, I thought I might share something lighter - a short reminder from our choir master, Hugh Henry - which went something along the lines of:

"Just a reminder that tonight we will be singing Mass IV, Credo I. That's the Credo we used to sing before we changed to Credo V. They do sound similar, so make sure you follow on the ordinary sheet. If you find that you are singing off tune, then... you probably are!"

Happy feast of St Jerome to every Latin loving, sometimes angry, soul! *waves!*

Pii Quinti!

This evening I was surprised by a special hand delivery!

All the way from 1850s France - via Scotland - some generous Dominicans and a very sweet friend - I received with great joy a missal purely in Latin, and just in time for Michaelmas!

How come...

... we don't have a link on here to Juventutem na hEireann ?

Just a thought...

(for those who can't figure, that's the Irish lot)

BTW, I'm surviving down here. Have more or less abandoned ancilladomini.

Now that the Ember Days had come to an end...

Deo gratias for a wonderful day! I have my glasses now and can enjoy the beauty of stained glass at last. Schola was particularly lovely, too.

Free to rest

Isn't it lovely how the Gospel readings of Ember Saturday and the 16th Sunday flow so nicely into each other? Deo gratias for true rest. (They both deal with healings on the Sabbath)

The Font

I am actually a melancholic-phlegmatic!

The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful job that I have been working at for about six weeks - I am a public servant! I am not able to go into too much detail of course, but I have the privilege of working on a project that will output a 'snapshot' of the nation. Sometimes the work is depressing, sometimes quite entertaining. Basically, I get to scan, analyse, and repair data from random members of the Australian public. Today, providentially, one of those members happened to be the priest who baptised me.

On that point, I must say that I am so proud of our Holy Father. The difference between the darkness and the Light is that we want heads over the font, not bloodied blocks.

Hello, I'm T Perpetua

And I'm a Melancholic.

Note: On accounts that I looked possessed, I have taken down the picture that was here!

Video Report first Latin Mass in the Agnes Church in Amsterdam

Here you can see a short video-report of the first Latin Mass in the Agnes Church in Amsterdam. It was a succes with about 350-400 faithfull attending. (=link)

Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini...

Firstly, please pray for me. Boeciana can vouch for the mess I'm in. 'Nough said. Dark, dark, dark...

Secondly, despite darkness and ickiness and generally not being in sound mind or body, I have had a summons to speakers' corner by a dear muslim gentleman with whom I was dialoguing some weeks back.

We were engaged in a lovely debate over whether the doctrine of the Trinity was internally coherent or not. This was quite fun as were were all coming from a purely philosophical angle and several people were playing devil's advocate all over the place. Completely harmless.

Now the problem is this: While he is predominantly concerned with continuing this philosophical exercise, which I can tell you has certainly improved my philosophy! I suspect there will be others there (as there were last time) with a slightly different agenda. Given that I've already been accused of treason against the crown on at least one occasion (prompting me to a wonderfully satisfying oration about the Tyburn martyrs killed on that very spot) and therefore shouldn't be particularly concerned, I'm not certain I'm up for joining them just yet. Just now.

All play to the Holy Father: 'I'm sorry you're so offended'. He's very clever indeed.

'Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini...'

Benedictus

BENEDICTUS Dominus Deus Israel, quia visitavit, et fecit redemptionem plebis suae ... Illuminare his qui in tenebris et in umbra mortis sedent: ad dirigendos pedes nostros in viam pacis.

Rejoicing and Relief

A resounding Deo gratias for a most beautiful day! The Archdiocese is rejoicing in its four newly ordained priests, three of whom I have had the honour of studying with over the past year.

The Liturgy was about as beautiful as it could get - organ, boys' choir, half the priests of Melbourne, all her bishops, and surprisingly more chapel veils than one would likely see at a European High Mass!

I think I made the same comment back in June after Father McCaffrey was ordained, but the experience remains indescribable.

On a personal level, it was such a great relief to see all the lovely people that I studied with up until three months ago, and many others whom I had the pleasure of meeting today. What a blessing, goodness me A great relief indeed as the last three months have been difficult - wonderful in many ways, but ploughingly difficult. It is nice to have some peace.

Liturgical entertainment ad extra the Ordinations included the always edifying postlude of French Latin excerpts from the Breviary. I'm afraid a certain Dominican's pitch and 'r' swallowing are far better than mine! Latina Gentium! Hooray! :)

Good news too, on the pro-life front. Despite that today's Ordinations and Right to Life Australia's annual Freedom to be Born March ran concurrently, the March was attended by some 2000 people, and attracted media attention from the major networks. One of the newly ordained will be offering this month's Mass in reparation for abortion at the Cathedral organised by the Helpers of God's Precious Infants.

Tea for Tradition

I will here attempt to highlight some of the goings on during the past weeks. It might be a little messy! I continue to enjoy informal internet access, even if it means falling behind in all things related to the blog. It does leave more time to read!

Last Sunday a few of us went along to a focus group held by two Sisters of St John of God, doing market research if you like, into factors that will surround the survival of the order. It was a very interesting exercise. As Jude remarked, the flame is still flickering, and yet the old 'Cosmic Christ' idea keeps wanting to raise its head. We told the dear Sisters that we are not interested in farout ideas, we are much more interested in them and plain sick of ambiguity. Vos estis lux mundi! Still, they were impressed, and despite any difference of opinion, one could clearly tell that these ladies with twinkling eyes, and home-made biscuits, had consecrated themselves to God. One Sister particularly was greatly taken with our love for the Classical Liturgy, and we have firm hopes that she will visit us in the near future. This same Sister, in the way of Christ, though seeing that I was a rather ill, gave me a sweet kiss on the cheek, and we exchanged promises to pray for one another. The other lovely Sister kindly offered us "traditionalists" (it was so sweet!) biscuits as we admired episcopal birettas behind glass at the College venue. I do wish that other congregations would attempt similar initiatives - I would like to see war-like recruiting posters around the place...

On a related note, today the Caroline Chisholm Library (established in the 1920s under Archbishop Mannix to encourage the intellectual life of Melbourne's Catholics) had a morning tea. Cake, cream, freshly brewed tea - and an old leather covered prayer book. Now a certain person (whose name has already been mentioned, and is quite a prolific blogger) insists on letting tea sit, covered, to brew. Covered in this case, however, with the aforementioned prayer book - the same prayer book that now features a gaping big hole in its cover! Either the stuff for an agreeable science experiment, or at least a cautionary tale.

The Calendar continues to fly by so fast - so many prayers for many happy Feasts, and the success of CIEL!

PS E-mail shouldn't bounce anymore. I saw Into the Great Silence last month - too much to say, so I will shorten it to two words - Sanctuary Lamp! Deo gratias.

Ordinations tomorrow! Please pray for the four men being ordained for the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

More good stuff...

... added to the Vatican's website: The compendium of social doctrine is now online here. It's even in English. Waiting for the Latin edit. to come out, of course...

Sorry I've not been around. New job. Have to decide October's music for the special Sunday by noon tomorrow, apparently. The joys of being a choir director...

I'm more than willing to resign to any young gentleman who wants the job...

Classical Roman Rite after 40 years back in Dutch parish

PRESS-RELEASE ST AGNESCHRUCH AMSTERDAM
Amstelveenseweg 161 te 1075 XA Amsterdam
www.agneskerk.info - agneskerk@tiscali.nl

Starting September the 17th 2006 the Traditional Mass will be back in a Roman Catholic parish church in the Netherlands. From that date on there will be a H. Mass acoording to the Classical Roman Rite (Missale Romanum 1962 in the Saint Agneschurch in Amsterdam at 12:00 hour.

This Tridentine H. Mass is introduced in the Saint Agneschurch with the permission of the bisshop of Haarlem, Mgr. dr. J.M. Punt and the blessing of Pope Benedict XVI, in cooperation with the Fraternity of Saint Peter.

The first Solemn Sung High Mass will be celebrated by the Superior General oof the Fraternity of Saint Peter, Father J. Berg, Deacon Provincial Superior of the Benelux Father H. Hygonnet and subdeacon Father G. Duroissin; master of ceremonies is Father M. Knudsen (all FSSP).

Vocal Ensemble Col Canto will sing the Mass in D dur of Antonin Dvorák, organ Bram Biersteker, conductor Joyce Hoohenkerk. With the cooperation of the Gregorian Schola of the Saint Agneschurch (director Bram Biersteker).

This Mass wil be celebrated in memoriam for Mgr. H.J.A. Bomers (+ 1998). This former Bishop of Haarlem (1983 - 1998) has always been positif towards the Classical Roman Rite. Mgr. Bomers has ordained 6 priests for the Fraternity of Saint Peter in Witzgrabad (Germany) in juni 1998.

[Please note, this is a quick translation of the first half of the press release that was released by the parishboard of the Saint Agnes Church. The second half of the release contains general knowledge about the Latin Mass that should be know to the reader of this blog]

Surprising podcast

http://www.sqpn.com/?p=328

Somehow he has some good points.

Salvete!

Edit: A rather messy post appeared here in the last few hours - which I have since erased. It has been some time, and I do have things to say, however, I must repose so that I can properly give due honour to Our Blessed Mother on the Feast of her Nativity.

In the mean time, do go and look at the new movie on the Christus Rex Pilgrimage Website. Join too in prayers for the protection of the altar rails and other interior features of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo, before the meeting of the parish council on the 3rd October.

Amsterdam Indult Update

The first Mass, September 17th, 12:00h, will be a Solemn High Mass
Celebrant: father Berg fssp [Superior General] (deacon and subdeacon: father Hygonnet fssp [Superior for the Benelux] and father Knudson fssp)
Music: Mass in D dur by Antonin Dvorák.

Thereafter father Knudson fssp will celebrate the weekly Sunday Mass at 12:00h.

There is a good (not indepth, but not negative and not the usual nonsense about the Traditional Latin Mass) on the website of the Roman Catholic Television (the Dutch bisshops have some time on national television), for those reading Dutch it can be found here: link (for those not reading Dutch, there are some nice photos of the interior of the church).

I also heard rumors about local and national television voicing interest.

Old Rite Masses in English Cathedrals

Over the next few months the following cathedrals will have Old Rite Masses:

Cathedral of Our Lady and St Philip Howard, RC Diocese of Arundel & Brighton

Sunday 24 September 2006 15:00 Sung Mass

Cathedral of St John the Evangelist, RC Diocese of Portsmouth

Sunday 1 October 2006 15:30 Solemn High Mass with Mozart's Coronation Mass for the 250th anniversary of the birth of W A Mozart.

Metropolitan Cathedral of the Precious Blood, RC Archdiocese of Westminster

Saturday 9 September 2006 16:30 Low Mass in Side Chapel

Saturday 14 October 2006 16:30 Low Mass in Side Chapel

Saturday 18 November 2006 14:00 Sung Requiem Mass (Cathedral Choir)

Die Grosse Stille

Saving me from thinking for myself, Fr PF - who was at the same showing as me - has written a good review of Die Grosse Stille.

I thought it was a beautiful film, and I'd very much like to see it again. I had an interesting experience while watching it, as I was with a blind friend and was roped into service as an audio describer, whispering as quietly as I could what was going on. Watching a film for someone else makes one think differently. Visually it was a slow and contemplative film, dwelling on each image at length - often one would see a door or window for a while, then something would 'happen' through it - monks walking past - then the camera would stay on the same shot for some time. Very beautiful. And rather hard to describe!


Pax et bonum omnibus!

Into Great Silence

Has anyone seen this highly talked about documentary by Phillip Groening? Apparently it is excellent, and if the trailer is anything to go by, it is a must see Catholic film.

It would be great, if you have seen it, if you could write a review for those of us who have to wait for it to be released at the art-house cinemas in our land-down-under...

Fiat lux

Fancy gas and electricity deals did not sway me in choosing a provider. They are all quite the same. It was the company who listed 'Father,' 'Sister,' 'Friar,' 'Brother,' and even 'Miss,' in their drop down title box who gained my business.

Candle light must be out of fashion!

From one Lord Sebastian Flyte

"I wish I liked Catholics more."

I think I've about had it with the Catholics. If they are satisfied with singing to themselves, then we'll dazzle the heathens - just as we should be doing anyhow. We aren't operating some flappy Catholic shuffle mission.

From Decline and Fall - Mr Evelyn Waugh

"'He was talking very excitedly to me,' said the Vicar ... I confess I could not follow him clearly. He seems deeply interested in (c)hurch matters. Are you quite sure he is right in the head? I have noticed again and again since I have been in the (c)hurch that lay interest in ecclesiastical matters is often a prelude to insanity.'" p72 'the sports'.

Fr Redfern and Evelyn Waugh

Photograph taken after Father Joseph Redfern's first Solemn Latin Mass. Father is a newly ordained Australian priest who will serve the diocese of La Crosse (The Crosier) in the States. Please pray for him. It was a beautiful Mass, of course. Click to see the large version of the picture, also featuring a very pious looking Jude!

I am on a little something like a mini hiatus at the moment. I gained full time employment on the feast of St Vincent de Paul, Deo gratias, and the night hours challenge the day!

I exhort you all to go and read the 'Sword of Honour' collection by Evelyn Waugh - it is magnificent. Every time I walk past the army barracks nearby, I miss Guy Crouchback! That should teach me for taking fancies to characters from books and portraits hanging in South Australian art galleries...

Felicitas parva!

Please pray for Felicitas Perpetua Lim W (Lily) who was born on the 17th July in the year of Our Lord 2006, and will be baptised into the Mystical Body on Sunday. Ingrédere in templum Dei, ut habeás partem cum Christo in vitam aeternum. Deo gratias!

Tóchar Pádraig (3)

Tóchar Pádraig (2)

Tóchar Pádraig (1)

Some pictures of this years pilgrimage.

Going through Ireland, from Balintubber Abbey to the Croagh Padraig.

Prayer for Peace

I know that this isn't a political blog but I would just ask you to please spare a moment in your prayers for all the people of Lebanon at this time, but especially our co-religionists the Catholic Maronites.

Oremus.

Deus, a quo sancta desideria, recta consilia et iusta sunt opera: da servis tuis illam, quam mundus dare non potest, pacem; ut et corda nostra mandates tuis debita, et hostium sublata formidine, tempora sint tua protectione tranquilla.

Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

Amen.