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