Juventutem

Photos Paris Chartres 2009

2009-06-02T20:18:00.000Z

Parijs Chartres 2009

New series...

2009-02-07T19:26:00.001Z

If I remember to do it:

The Catena Aurea for Sunday Gospel readings.

Tomorrow, Septuagesima: Matthew 20

1. For the kingdom of heaven is like to a man that is a householder, which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard.

2. And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

3. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the market-place,

4. And said to them; Go you also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.

5. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.

6. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and said to them, Why stand you here all the day idle?

7. They say to him, Because no man has hired us. He said to them, Go you also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall you receive.

8. So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard said to his steward, Call the laborers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last to the first.

9. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.

10. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.

11. And when they had received it, they murmured against the good man of the house,

12. Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and you has made them equal to us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.

13. But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do you no wrong: did not you agree with me for a penny?

14. Take what is yours, and go your way: I will give to this last, even as to you.

15. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own? Is your eye evil, because I am good?

16. So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

REMIG; To establish the truth of this saying, There are many, first that shall be last, and last first, the Lord subjoins a similitude.

PSEUDO-CHRYS; The Master of the household is Christ, whose house are the heavens and the earth; and the creatures of the heavens, and the earth, and beneath the earth, his family. His vineyard is righteousness, in which are set divers sorts of righteousness as vines, as meekness, chastity, patience, and the other virtues; all of which are called by one common name righteousness. Men are the cultivators of this vineyard, whence it is said, Who went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. For God placed His righteousness in our senses, not for His own but for our benefit. Know then that we are the hired laborers.

But as no man gives wages to a laborer, to the end he should do nothing save only to eat, so likewise we were not thereto called by Christ, that we should labor such things only as pertain to our own good, but to the glory of God. And like as the hired laborer looks first to his task, and after to his daily food, so ought we to mind first those things which concern the glory of God, then those which concern our own profit. Also as the hired laborer occupies the whole day in his Lord's work, and takes but a single hour for his own meal; so ought we to occupy our whole life in the glory of God, taking but a very small portion of it for the uses of this world. And as the hired laborer when he has done no work is ashamed that day to enter the house, and ask his food; how should not you be ashamed to enter the church, and stand before the face of God, when you have done nothing good in the sight of God?

GREG; Or; The Master of the household, that is, our Maker, has a vineyard, that is, the Church universal, which has borne so many stocks, as many saints as it has put forth from righteous Abel to the very last saint who shall be born in the end of the world. To instruct this His people as for the dressing of a vineyard, the Lord has never ceased to send out His laborers; first by the Patriarchs, next by the teachers of the Law, then by the Prophets, and at the last by the Apostles, He has toiled ill the cultivation of His vineyard; though every man, in whatsoever measure or degree he has joined good action with right faith, has been a laborer in the vineyard.

ORIGEN; For the whole of this present life may be called one day, long to us, short compared to the existence of God.

GREG; The morning is that age of the world which was from Adam and Noah, and therefore it is said, Who went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. The terms of their hiring He adds, And when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day.

ORIGEN; The denarius I suppose here to mean salvation.

REMIG; A denarius was a coin anciently equal to ten sesterces, and bearing the king's image. Well therefore does the denarius represent the reward of the keeping of the decalogue. And that, Having agreed with them for a denarius a day, is well said, to show that every man labors in the field of the holy Church in hope of the future reward.

GREG. The third hour is the period from Noah to Abraham; of which it is said, And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing in the market-place idle.

ORIGEN; The market-place is all that is without the vineyard, that is, without the Church of Christ.

PSEUDO-CHRYS; For in this world men live by buying and selling, and gain their support by defrauding each other.

GREG; He that lives to himself, and feeds on the delights of the flesh, is lightly accused as idle, forasmuch as he does not seek the fruit of godly labor.

PSEUDO-CHRYS; Or; The idle are not sinners, for they are called dead. But he is idle who w works not the work of God. Do you desire to be not idle? Take not that which is another's; and give of that which is your own, and you have labored in the Lord's vineyard, cultivating the vine of mercy. It follows, And he said to them, Go you also into my vineyard. Observe that it is with the first alone that He agrees upon the sum to be given, a denarius; the others are hired on no express stipulation, but What is right I will give you. For the Lord knowing that Adam would fall, and that all should hereafter perish in the deluge, made conditions for him, that he should never say that he therefore neglected righteousness, because he knew not what reward he should have. But with the rest He made no contract, seeing He was prepared to give more than the laborers could hope.

ORIGEN; Or, He did not call upon the laborers of the third hour for a complete task, but left to their own choice, how much they should work. For they might perform in the vineyard work equal to that of those who had wrought since the morning, if they chose to put forth upon their task an operative energy, such as had not yet been exerted.

GREG; The sixth hour is that from Abraham to Moses, the ninth that from Moses to the coming of the Lord.

PSEUDO-CHRYS; These two hours are coupled together, because in the sixth and ninth it was that He called the generation of the Jews, and multiplied to publish His testaments among men, whereas the appointed time of salvation now drew nigh.

GREG; The eleventh hour is that from the coming of the Lord to the end of the world. The laborer in the morning, at the third, sixth, and ninth hours, denotes the ancient Hebrew people, which in its elect from the very beginning of the world, while it zealously and with right faith served the Lord, ceased not to labor in the husbandry of the vineyard. But at the eleventh the Gentiles are called. For they who through so many ages of the world had neglected to labor for their living, were they who had stood the whole day idle.

But consider their answer; They say to him, Because no man has hired us; for neither Patriarch nor Prophet had come to them. And what is it to say, No man has hired us, but to say, None has preached to us the way of life.

PSEUDO-CHRYS; For what is our hiring, and the wages of that hiring? The promise of eternal life; for the Gentiles knew neither God, nor God's promises.

HILARY; These then are sent into the vineyard, Go you also into my vineyard.

RABAN; But when they had rendered their day's task, at the fitting time for payment, When even was come, that is, when the day of this world was drawing to its close.

PSEUDO-CHRYS; Consider, He gives the reward not the next morning, but in the evening. Thus the judgment shall take place while this world is still standing, and each man shall receive that which is due to him. This is on two accounts. First, because the happiness of the world to come is to be itself the reward of righteousness; so the award is made before, and not in that world. Secondly, that sinners may not behold the blessedness of that day, The Lord said to his steward, that is, the Son to the Holy Spirit.

GLOSS; Or, if you choose, the Father said to the Son; for the Father wrought by the Son, and the Son by the Holy Spirit, not that there is any difference of substance, or majesty.

ORIGEN; Or; The Lord said to his steward, that is, to one of the Angels who was set over the payment of the laborers; or to one of those many guardians, according to what is written, that The heir as long as he is a child is under tutors and governors.

REMIG; Or, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself is the master of the household, and also the steward, like as He is the door, and also the keeper of the door. For He Himself will come to judgment, to render to each man according to that he has done. He therefore calls His laborers, and renders to them their wages, so that when they shall be gathered together in the judgment, each man shall receive according to his works.

ORIGEN; But the first laborers having the witness through faith have not received the promise of God, the lord of the household providing some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. And because we have obtained mercy, we hope to receive the reward first, we, that is, who are Christ's, and after us they that wrought before us; wherefore it is said, Call the labors, and give them their hire, beginning from the last to the first.

PSEUDO-CHRYS; For we always give more willingly, where we give without return, seeing it is for our own honor that we give. Therefore God in giving reward to all the saints shows himself just; in giving to us, merciful; as the Apostle speaks, That the Gentiles might glorify for his mercy; and thence it is said, Beginning from the last even to the first. Or surely that God may show His inestimable mercy, He first rewards the last and more unworthy, and afterwards the first; for of His great mercy He regarded not order of merit.

AUG; Or; The lesser are therefore taken as first, because the lesser are to be made rich.

GREG; They get alike a denarius who have wrought since the eleventh hour, (for they sought it with their whole soul,) and who have wrought since the first. They, that is, who were called from the beginning of the world have alike received the reward of eternal happiness, with those who come to the Lord in the end of the world.

PSEUDO-CHRYS; And this not with injustice. For he who was born in the first period of the world, lived no longer than the determined time of his life, and what harm was it to him, though the world continued after his leaving it? And they that shall be born towards its close will not live less than the days that are numbered to them. And how does it cut their labor shorter, that the world is speedily ended, when they have accomplished their thread of life before? Moreover it is not of man to be born sooner or later, but of the power of God. Therefore he that is born first cannot claim to himself a higher place, nor ought he to be held in contempt that was born later.

And when they had received it, they murmured against the good man of the house, saying. But if this we have said be true, that both first and last have lived their own time, and neither more nor less; and that each man's death is his consummation,

what means this that they say, We have born the burden and heat of the day? Because to know that the end of the world is at hand is of great force to make us do righteousness. Wherefore Christ in His love to us said, The kingdom of heaven shall draw nigh. Whereas it was a weakening of them to know that the duration of the world was to be yet long. So that though they did not indeed live through the whole of time, they seem in a manner to have borne its weight. Or, by the burden of the day is meant the burdensome precepts of the Law; and the heat may be that consuming temptation to error which evil spirits contrived for them, stirring them to imitate the Gentiles; from all which things the Gentiles were exempt, believing on Christ, and by grace being saved completely.

GREG; Or; To bear the burden and heat of the day, is to be wearied through a life of long duration with the heats of the flesh. But it may be asked, How can they be said to murmur, when they are called to the kingdom of heaven? For none who murmurs shall receive the kingdom, and none who receives that can murmur.

CHRYS; But we ought not to pursue through every particular the circumstances of a parable; but enter into its general scope, and seek nothing further. This then is not introduced in order to represent some as moved with envy, but to exhibit the honor that shall be given us as so great as that it might stir the jealousy of others.

GREG; Or because the old fathers down to the Lord's coming, notwithstanding their righteous lives, were not brought to the kingdom, this murmur is theirs. But we who have come at the eleventh hour, do not murmur after our labors, forasmuch as having come into this world after the coming of the Mediator, we are brought to the kingdom as soon as ever we depart out of the body.

JEROME; Or, all that were called of old envy the Gentiles, and are pained at the grace of the Gospel.

HILARY; And this murmur of the laborers corresponds with the forwardness of this nation, which even in the time of Moses were stiff-necked.

REMIG; By this one to whom his answer is given, may be understood all the believing Jews, whom he calls friends because of their faith.

PSEUDO-CHRYS; Their complaint was not that they were defrauded of their rightful recompense, but that the others had received more than they deserved. For the envious have as much pain at others' success as at their own loss. From which it is clear, that envy flows from vain glory. A man is grieved to be second, because he wishes to be first. He removes this feeling of envy by saying, Did you not agree with me for a denarius?

JEROME; A denarius bears the figure of the king. You have therefore received the reward which I promised you, that is, my image and likeness; what desires you more? And yet it is not that thou should have more, but that another should have less that you seek. Take that is yours, and go your way.

REMIG; That is, take your reward, and enter into glory. I will give to this last, that is, to the gentile people, according to their deserts, as to you.

ORIGEN; Perhaps it is to Adam He says, Friend, I do you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours, and go your way. Salvation is yours, that is, the denarius. I will give to this last also as to you. A person might not improbably suppose, that this last was the Apostle Paul, who wrought but one hour, and was made equal with all who had been before him.

AUG. Because that life eternal shall be equal to all the saints, a denarius is given to all; but forasmuch as in that life eternal the light of merits shall shine diversely, there are with the Father many mansions; so that under this same denarius bestowed unequally one shall not live longer than another, but in the many mansions one shall shine with more splendor than another.

GREG; And because the attainment of this kingdom is of the goodness of His will, it is added, Is it not lawful, for me to do what I will with my own? For it is a foolish complaint of man to murmur against the goodness of God. For complaint is not when a man gives not what he is not bound to give, but if he gives not what he is bound to give; whence it is added, Is your eye evil because I am good?

REMIG; By the eye is understood his purpose. The Jews had an evil eye, that is, an evil purpose, seeing they were grieved at the salvation of the Gentiles. Whereto this parable pointed, He shows by adding, So the first shall be last, and the last first; and so the Jews of the head are become the tail, and we of the tail are become the head.

PSEUDO-CHRYS; Or; He says the first shall be last, and the last first, not that the last are to be exalted before the first, but that they should be put on an equality, so that the difference of time should make no difference in their station. That He says, For many are called, but few chosen, is not to be taken of the elder saints, but of the Gentiles; for of the Gentiles who were called being many, but few were chosen.

GREG; There be very many come to the faith, yet but few arrive at the heavenly kingdom; many follow God in words, but shun Him in their lives. Whereof spring two things to be thought upon. The first, that none should presume ought concerning himself; for though he be called to the faith, he knows not whether he shall be chosen to the kingdom. Secondly, that none should despair of his neighbor, even though he see him lying in vices; because he knows not the riches of the Divine mercy.

Or otherwise. The morning is our childhood; the third hour may be understood as our youth, the sun as it were mounting to his height is the advance of the heat of age; the sixth hour is manhood, when the sun is steady in his meridian height, representing as it were the maturity of strength; by the ninth is understood old age, in which the sun descends from his vertical height, as our age falls away from the fervor of youth; the eleventh hour is that age which is called decrepit, and doting.

CHRYS; That He called not all of them at once, but some in the morning, some at the third hour, and so forth, proceeded from the difference of their minds. He then called them when they would obey; as He also called the thief when he would obey. Whereas they say, Because no man has hired us, we ought not to force a sense out of every particular in a parable. Further, it is the laborers and not the Lord who speak thus; for that He, as far as it pertains to Him, calls all men from their earliest years, is shown in this, He went out early in the morning to hire

labors.

GREG; They then who have neglected till extreme old age to live to God, have stood idle to the eleventh hour, yet even these the master of the household calls, and oftentimes gives them their reward before other, inasmuch as they depart out of the body into the kingdom before those that seemed to be called in their childhood.

ORIGEN; But this, Why stand you here all the day idle? is not said to such as having begun in the spirit, have been made perfect by the flesh, as inviting them to return again, and to live in the Spirit. This we speak not to dissuade prodigal sons, who have consumed their substance of evangelic doctrine in riotous living, from returning to their father's house; but because they are not like those who sinned in their youth, before they had learnt the things of the faith.

CHRYS; When He says, The first shall be last, and the last first, He alludes secretly to such as were at the first eminent, and afterwards set at nought virtue; and to others who have been reclaimed from wickedness, and have surpassed many. So that this parable was made to quicken the zeal of those who are converted in extreme old age, that they should not suppose that they shall have less than others.

Oremus

2009-02-05T10:20:00.002Z

Discite a Me

2008-12-09T11:04:00.003Z

Dear all...

2008-11-23T20:37:00.002Z

Please pray for me.

I still exist. Honestly.....

Please thank the Lord for countless blessings bestowed upon me in recent years. And ask Him to provide a nice, flashing neon sign to tell me what to do next.

Meanwhile, pray for my friend L who has vanished off to join a monastery in Spain.

JMR Xx

From Juventutem - Archbishop Hart

2008-10-05T10:01:00.002Z

Screen capture - Archbishop Hart offers Solemn Pontifical Mass during Juventutem's Days in the Diocese programme, in Melbourne.

A good friend

2008-10-01T00:38:00.005Z

I don't mean to be presumptuous, but it is a happy thing to consider Mgr Ronald Knox as a friend in the Communion of Saints. Thank you, Lord, for your good friends, particularly in the midst of many pieces of paper.

Sicut Cervus Desiderat

2008-09-25T10:11:00.002Z

October 5th. Be there.

Please pray for those attending the Challenge 2008 weekend in Albury. It's very exciting.

Juventutem Interview: Fr Glen Tattersall

2008-09-13T14:28:00.006Z

Interview by Mr Michael Sternbeck with Fr Glen Tattersall, priest of the Archdiocese of Melbourne and Spiritual Director and Advisor to Juventutem Australia Inc.

Q. What is ‘Juventutem' and what role did it have at WYD 2008?

Fr Tattersall: ‘Juventutem’ is an international movement of those Catholic youth who are attached to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. It was formed in 2004, and made its debut, if you like, at World Youth Day in Cologne in 2005. The traditional liturgy provides the foundation for the spiritual formation of the youth of Juventutem. The general cultural formation of young people is also intimately linked to this liturgy.

Juventutem chapters in different countries have their own ongoing and autonomous activities, but they come together to form an international chapter for World Youth Day. This happened for the second time at World Youth Day 2008 in Australia.

WYD provides an opportunity for the members of Juventutem to express their fidelity to the Holy Father, and for new friendships and connections to be forged among young Catholics of different nations who are united in their commitment to the traditional liturgy. The Juventutem WYD chapter is also an occasion to introduce other young Catholics to their liturgical heritage – for many are still unaware of this liturgy, or lacking in their experience of it. Even more broadly, we believe that this liturgy has an evangelical role: and so its presence at WYD and other Ecclesial events is a call to conversion which can and does touch hearts.

Juventutem Australia (JA) was of course the host body at WYD 2008. We welcomed Juventutem pilgrims from Kenya, Hong Kong and Macau, Singapore, the Philippines, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United States and France. JA was privileged to have as its patrons the Most Rev Basil Meeking, Bishop Emeritus of Christchurch, New Zealand, and the Hon. William Cox, recently retired Governor of the State of Tasmania. A week of preparation was held in Melbourne as part of ‘Days in the Diocese’ (DID). Particular emphasis was given to Chant workshops under the superb direction of our guest from the US, Scott Turkington. These workshops continued in Sydney during the second week. Bishop Meeking opened DID for us with Pontifical Mass, and Archbishop Denis Hart of Melbourne celebrated Mass at the Throne for Juventutem. Pilgrims were welcomed into the life of the traditional Mass community of Melbourne for this week, centred at St Aloysius’ Caulfield. In Sydney, we were allocated a splendid and central Church in an historic precinct: St Augustine’s Balmain. The kindness of the Parish priest and community of St Augustine’s during this entire week was exceptional. His Eminence, George Cardinal Pell, Archbishop of Sydney, graciously agreed to celebrate Solemn Pontifical Vespers at the Throne, to preach, and give Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament: a magnificent and prayerful occasion. His Eminence returned to the Cathedral direcly after this to receive the Holy Father; and the Cardinal assured us he would convey personally to Pope Benedict our loyalty, our prayers, and our gratitude for the Motu Proprio, Summorum Pontificum. That evening Cardinal George of Chicago led Juventutem pilgrims through the Rosary, prayed for Pope Benedict’s intentions.

As was the case with other Chapters, in Sydney we had three days of catechesis, ending each morning with Pontifical Mass: we were blessed to have for these three days Bishop Geoffrey Jarrett (Lismore, NSW), Bishop Peter Elliott (Auxiliary, Melbourne) and of course Bishop Meeking. Pilgrims were grateful to each of these both for the depth of their teaching, and their beautiful celebration of the liturgy. On the final day, before departing for Randwick and the Vigil with the Pope, we were privileged to hear a talk from Cardinal Zen of Hong Kong on the state of the Church in China. Juventutem pilgrims were of course present at all the Papal functions: the Pope’s official arrival in Sydney, the Stations of the Cross, the Eucharistic Vigil and the final Mass at Randwick. Everyone who was present at WYD 2008 recognised it as a time of extraordinary grace: to quote the Holy Father, it is an experience of the Church as She truly is, full of evangelical zeal. And we might add, an experience of the Divine origin of the Papacy….The evident humility of Pope Benedict only adds to his magisterial authority. For those of us in Juventutem, like so many others, we can only stammer: “It was good for us to be there.”

Q. And yet there has been significant criticism in various “traditionalist” quarters of WYD itself, and - from some – of Juventutem’s involvement in it. What do you say to the critics?

Fr Tattersall: Together with the other members of Juventutem Australia, I have been committed to WYD 2008 since experiencing the grace of WYD 2005 in Cologne. There were critical voices then, too. At that time, I simply went because I was answering a request from Fr Armand de Malleray, Ecclesiastical assistant to the International Federation Juventutem, for priests to assist. Fr de Malleray was also Secretary General of the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter, and at that time I was a priest of the FSSP (since then I have joined the Archdiocese of Melbourne, meanwhile continuing my pastoral work in the Extraordinary Form). The experience of Cologne was in itself enough to persuade me that WYD is a grace for the Church, and that the traditional movement needs to be a part of it. However, subsequent events provided even more compelling reasons, in my opinion. WYD 2008 was the first World Youth Day held since the promulgation of the Motu Proprio, Summorum Pontificum. And in the accompanying letter to the Bishops let us recall that Pope Benedict had this to say: “…it has clearly been demonstrated that young persons too have discovered this liturgical form, felt its attraction and found in it a form of encounter with the Mystery of the Holy Eucharist, particularly suited to them.” Didn’t this simply create an obligation on the part of such youth to demonstrate before the whole Church the truth of these words of the Holy Father, and to express their fidelity and gratitude to him for this recognition? Juventutem and WYD 2008 was perhaps the premier opportunity to do this. I am astonished that anyone considering himself to be a faithful Catholic could think otherwise!

The support and involvement of Cardinal Pell, Archbishop Hart, and so many other distinguished prelates, demonstrated clearly that Juventutem and what it represents was regarded as a valued and vital part of the Church. It is then a great shame when those who claim to be promoting our liturgical tradition find a reason not be part of its renaissance. It would be futile to argue with them. But I would pose of them a question: what contribution are you making to the life and unity of the Church?

Q. Where to from here?

Fr Tattersall: No doubt there will be a Juventutem presence at Madrid in 2011 - but I am glad Juventutem Australia will not have to organise it! I think the thing that most encouraged and moved us in Juventutem Australia was the presence of Juventutem pilgrims from Africa and Asia. We must realise that the traditional liturgy is not – nor is it meant to be – only a European and North American phenomenon. It is truly something that has universal appeal and value, and in my view this liturgy has a great future ahead of it in Africa and Asia. Those of us associated with Juventutem Australia feel a prompting by the Holy Spirit to assist our brethren, especially in China and Kenya, to recover, or discover, this liturgy, and to be formed in it. So in practical terms I think there might be a few missionary endeavours by Juventutem Australia members and associates in the years ahead. Please pray for the success of these.

Interview courtesy of Mr Michael Sternbeck, and Rorate Caeli.

Juventutem Interview: Dr Chris Steward

2008-09-13T14:22:00.004Z

(Interview by Mr Michael Sternbeck with Dr Chris Steward, President of Juventutem Australia Inc)

Q. What was involved in organising the Juventutem programme for WYD 2008?

Dr Steward: Well, the process was fairly complex and arduous, stretching over nearly three years, and involved working closely with the WYD committee in Sydney, the Days in the Dioceses (DID) committee in Melbourne, as well as the Extraordinary Form (EF) communities around Australia. There were really three key aspects though through which everything else pivoted.

Firstly, it was important to try and assemble a team of young people who were willing to give up a considerable portion of their spare time for a duration of perhaps two years – that’s not easy, as many of the young are in unstable situations themselves with work, home, and study. In the end, the small team that coalesced together worked very well, and were ably supported by a very experienced music subcommittee and the tireless efforts of some clergy in Sydney such as Fr Terence Naughtin OFM and Fr Michael McCaffrey FSSP.

Secondly, we needed to ensure there was an adequate financial base to not only undertake the preparations beforehand, but also to cover all the expenses of the events themselves. This involved widespread promotion (on the web, locally, mailouts, flyers, talks etc) as well as seeking out beneficiaries both within and outside the Catholic community. We organised a number of fundraisers over the last few years, and were fortunate to obtain financial support from groups such as the Ecclesia Dei Society of Australia, the Institute of Christ the King, as well as some very generous private donors. Our other main source of income though had to derive from Juventutem registrations, otherwise the events themselves could never have been held – some people did question the need for a Juventutem registration fee, but I hope they can understand the considerable number of expenses involved in staging an event like this. We certainly made no profit from this.

Finally, semper paratus – we knew we needed to start early – we began only a few months after WYD 2005 finished in Germany and it was literally a day-to-day job from then on. Our website was up over two years before WYD 2008 and through it we could not only promote ourselves, but also gain feedback from pilgrims on what they would like to see in the programme. We approached all our prelates over a year before WYD 2008 to maximize our chances of securing them, and just tried to work at a steady pace and stay on top of things as much as we could – although it definitely wasn’t smooth sailing all the way, often encountering significant resistance, and occasionally feeling we were stumbling along in the dark, but I think all that early preparatory work really did pay off in the end.

Q. Were you pleased with the eventual programme?

Dr Steward: Very much so. The programme went through several different versions stretching back to early 2007. We were mindful of not wanting to overload each day for the pilgrims – after all, Juventutem was only one of 2000+ groups at WYD, many of whom had excellent events themselves, so it was important to allow time for pilgrims to explore these other activities. On one particular day, Wednesday July 16, we did have a very full programme stretching from morning till evening, but this was unavoidable in order to accommodate the busy schedules of the Cardinals involved. Our programme was in fact the only one from any WYD group involving both the Archbishops of Melbourne and Sydney (there were three Bishops, three Cardinals, and one Archbishop in the Juventutem programme). Such support for the EF from our key prelates in Australia was very encouraging to see – we really did feel in medio Ecclesiae at Juventutem 2008 and it was important that everyone saw that.

Q. What do you think of those traditional groups or individuals who chose not to attend or support WYD 2008?

Dr Steward: This was very disappointing to see - WYD is a Papal Mandate and that should really be enough for any Catholic. Juventutem Australia made a very deliberate decision early on not to divert any time and energy debating these issues with those opposed to WYD – it would only serve as a distraction to the organisation of our programme. We conducted a two year survey from late 2005 on our website and obtained very positive responses from hundreds of young people from all over the world – one only has to read their moving comments to see the need and importance of having the EF liturgy at WYD. Australia had never seen anything like this before, with the liturgy receiving so much positive exposure in the wider media and public - in hindsight now, the outstanding success of WYD 2008 makes any such reservations from these groups or individuals look quite misplaced.

Q. Were you happy with the overall numbers attending Juventutem events?

Dr Steward: Yes, we were thrilled with them. The liturgies in Sydney at St Augustine’s were packed out (especially Solemn Vespers with Card Pell), and there were many visitors and clergy from other groups in attendances as well as people from the local area. So, the officially registered Juventutem pilgrims only made up a fraction of the congregation each day – if however, showcasing the EF liturgy to our own pilgrims was all we managed to do, we’d really be missing the mark – our Mission Statement made it clear that we make it a priority to use WYD 2008 to introduce the EF liturgy to others - and so we did. On the flip side, we were very surprised at the low numbers of pilgrims from Europe, and especially the UK - when there are 4 pilgrims from Kenya, and none from the UK, Germany or Spain you realise there is something clearly wrong here. The contribution from the Juventutem groups from Kenya and Hong Kong was really a highlight for all of us. I’d also like to single out the marvelous work of Indira Sweeny, the USA Juventutem contact, in organising the their chapter, including the 4 sisters from the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church who were such a big hit with everyone over the fortnight.

Q. Will Juventutem Australia have any presence at Madrid in 2011 and do you have any suggestions for those organizing that?

Dr Steward: No, not as such. I’m sure there will be Australian pilgrims there attending the programme provided by the Spanish Juventutem group, and if necessary, we’ll be more than happy to offer any advice to them in the interim. We feel that anyone organising the Juventutem chapter at WYD should focus mainly on the liturgical aspects of their programme - a first class schedule of liturgies/music will always form the apex of any Juventutem programme and stand on its own merits. Any other planned events such as catechesis, doctrinal talks or workshops are really very much secondary to this. In our case, we never envisaged Juventutem 2008 as a camp or retreat for traditional Catholics – this would’ve involved further expenses, greater organisation and only detracted from our efforts to offer the best liturgical programme possible. WYD is an unparalleled opportunity for unifying Catholics and really not the place for such approaches anyway. A sensible balance is needed here to give pilgrims plenty of time to attend their own events as well as events from other groups, but whatever balance is struck, Juventutem must always strive to be fully integrated into WYD, and never run as a parallel programme – we are living in a post Motu Proprio world and this is the only future direction possible.

Q. What then is the future of Juventutem Australia?

Dr Steward: Formally, Juventutem Australia as a incorporated entity will be dissolved soon. It is up to the young Catholics in this country if they wish this concept to continue and in what form. I think its important that not only a clear vision and clear goals exist on paper, but that events/projects are planned and take place - rather than just using the guise of a group as an excuse to meet up for discussions and afternoon tea. The events that took place in Melbourne and Sydney in July didn’t happen by magic – they took an incredible amount of hard work over years from a small number of volunteers who are already fully engaged with professional careers, study and family commitments –they rely solely on the loyalty, and long-term sacrifice of such people– it might seem too great a challenge at times, but there are always ample rewards and graces from being involved in something like this. We also feel valuable work in promoting the EF liturgy can be achieved without necessarily acting under the Juventutem banner – for example, we have a number of possible missionary projects next year that will involve some key people involved with Juventutem Australia. So, the work will go on - there’s always plenty to do and even more that needs done.

Quam felix est, quem satias!

2008-08-06T12:09:00.001Z

Happy Feast of Our Lord's Transfiguration.

Credo in... sanctorum communionem...

2008-08-05T09:38:00.002Z

Dear all,

I MISS YOU.

It's strange. Every time, every place that the Holy Sacrifice is offered to our Heavenly Father, we are together. More than that, since as members of Christ we partake of one Spirit. And still, it is possible to feel cut off for no good reason.

Maybe I should point out a few things. Yes, I missed out on all the wonderfulness of being present at this year's WYD. But I am sure that the graces will not leave me untouched. Not least, I have had the most wonderful opportunity to grow spiritually over the last year (and I hope that I have benefitted from that opportunity!). The graces of WYD are not just for those present; chaque ame qui s'eleve eleve le monde. Noone reaches heaven in isolation, but we pull the whole Church closer to Him.

The union that we have in prayer is so close. We don't take enough time to contemplate it. The communion of saints isn't just about the Church Triumphant, but about every Christian who walks the earth, or did, or will. A unity which does not, however, just transcend time, but transcends space as well. And it has to be said that I feel closer to you guys, some of whom I haven't heard from since 2005, some of whom, dear readers, I may never have met, than I do to my own biological family. Natural responsibilities notwithstanding.

Of course, some of this is totally subjective, but the objective truth of our communion remains. How we should long for its fulfilment!

I am glad that others have had the opportunity to realise that communion this year - particularly our dear Juventutem pilgrims, who in a very real sense have reminded other WYD attendees of the communion in the Church stretching both through space and time (in what I always imagine to be a neat Cross shape). I thank the Lord for your faithful witness.

Praying for you all. Even if I don't know you at all.

God bless.

Julie Michelle

Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church

2008-07-31T22:35:00.002Z

The Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church have a beautiful new website. It can be accessed here, http://www.sistersofmarymotherofthechurch.org. The Sisters will be appearing on EWTN's 'Life on the Rock' in a little over an hour, so we are about to start scrambling to vantage points.

The Hand of Peter

2008-07-26T11:18:00.004Z

I might mention that going to Mass the other day I realised that the Mass previous I had attended was via the hands of Successor of St Peter himself! Goodness, what a thing! Of course there being the one Priesthood and all, but looking at it according to the sacred structure of things, goodness!

Sancta Anna

2008-07-26T10:56:00.004Z

Today a Solemn Mass in the Extraordinary Form was celebrated in the church in which I made my first confession and first Holy Communion. I caught the faith in that beautiful church, so it is a very happy day in Bondi. The first news of such a thing was rather breathtaking. Thank you, Lord.

Our American pilgrims, with Sisters and Father B. made their way, today. I pray that they had a fruitful pilgrimage, and give thanks for having come to know such wonderful friends of the Lord.

I suppose that I am trying to bottle the experience, as it were. But then again, I don't think that that is necessary, because it wasn't a private thing. The only bottle is the jar of peanut butter that I bought today after having taken a liking to it again during breakfasts and lunches at Balmain!

Today too was the first post-WYD public witness experience, being at a small cafe and having the Italian proprietors tell of how moved they were by the television coverage, and visits to their business by pilgrims during the Melbourne stay. They had so much praise for the Holy Father that they almost had tears in their eyes, particularly when they turned to speak of Catholic youth. C. and I were also asked a very nice question, but I am not going to say what that was!

Oh, worthy of mention is the heart of a sermon given by a visiting priest at the Cathedral - what greater sign could there be than that which we have just experienced? If the Lord is calling you to whatever state, if He has shown you something, then go and act and do something! Ears and eyes of holy men and women of old waited to see what you have now seen.

This talk of a 'new Pentecost' is no joke. The Lord is very good.

From Melbourne

2008-07-25T22:02:00.002Z

Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church with His Grace, Archbishop Hart during Days in the Dioceses in Melbourne. The Sisters will be featured on EWTN's Life on the Rock programme on the 31st of July.

Cum Petro

2008-07-23T07:28:00.001Z

2008-07-17 Juventutem with Pope Benedict
by Juventutem

From Juventutem.org

On Religious

2008-07-22T09:03:00.002Z

I don't want the Sisters to leave. I know that they must return home, but their presence is something that we shouldn't be without. It's only a natural thing that our streets be filled with habited Sisters, and Brothers, and Priests in collars and cassocks, and beautiful families, and children, and lay people devoted to the Church. I'm very hopeful about everything, because things are not the same as they were two weeks ago.

Deo Gratias

2008-07-21T13:41:00.003Z

It was a pilgrimage from the beginning, right until the very end. Luggage, and tim tams, and the Holy Father's smile. Much to write of course, pictures to explain, but that will all come later. Deo gratias in excelsis.

Days in the Dioceses come to a close

2008-07-13T12:32:00.003Z

Clergy and servers after Mass

At Vespers

Procedamus in Pace

2008-07-13T11:05:00.002Z

So, off we go in the early hours tomorrow morning, making our way to Sydney. Please pray for us, and for all pilgrims on the journey.

Our taxi will be making stops on all sides of Melbourne before we even board the bus. I must remember my pilgrim primer so that I might share some hymns in English, and I'm willing to learn some French.

Got my rosary
Got my primer
Got-ta pack my bag
Not much time-er!

Give me my missal, and I will be happy. For now, I'm thinking that everything is a little bit mad. I think Juventutem will be mentioned on Compass this evening, the religious affairs show on the ABC.

Photos - Solemn Pontifical Mass with Archbishop Hart

2008-07-12T22:52:00.002Z

Really, most beautiful quite ever.

O Felix Dies

2008-07-12T12:54:00.003Z

Today's Solemn Pontifical Mass with Archbishop Hart was the most beautiful that I have ever attended. Thank you, Lord.

Juventutem pilgrims can be seen on Melbourne's streets fit with sashes, and flags, and fliers. It is extremely wonderful. What a thing to walk down the street with your pilgrims, and with Sisters! It's so good!

Was treated with cakes and tea at the Monastery, then a pilgrim festive dinner according to Polish tradition. It's so good. So good.

Indeed, today's Mass, the most beautiful ever.

Deo gratias, but more.

It's hard to get a taxi in Melbourne

2008-07-11T13:23:00.003Z

This evening our visiting Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church needed a taxi booked to take them home to their accommodation, a beautiful Melbourne convent. Dane made the telephone call, which went something like this:

"Good evening, I would like to book a taxi from [the church]. We would like a MaxiCab."
...
"Four people."
...
"Because they're nuns."
...
"They're nuns."
...
"I assure you, this isn't a prank, they are going [to the convent]."

It so happens that the driver who received the request declined it, after we called back to see what the significant delay was. Soon after, another suitable taxi arrived, and took the lovely Sisters home.

All in all, we are having a lovely time. Please pray for us, especially as we welcome His Grace, Archbishop Hart tomorrow. Happy Melbourne.

Some first photographs

2008-07-11T12:53:00.002Z

Pilgrim welcoming ceremony

Mr Scott Turkington directing a Gregorian Chant workshop

Solemn Pontifical Mass at the faldstool - His Lordship, Bishop Basil Meeking (10/7/08)

Recessional

Update on the FSSP programme of discernment for young ladies

2008-07-08T20:57:00.002Z

+ sub Petro

I'm not sure that I can explain everything that has passed over the last year. For me, most of what happened was intensely interior; which is to say that God did a lot of stuff and I did rather less. Perhaps that is, in fact, the whole point. To recognise our own helplessness and need for His grace. Anyway, that's my excuse for failing to write about anything that's happened.If you want an actual update on the 'Demoiselles de l'année de discernement', read on. I warn you, we have no precise information to give!

As a year for discernment, it was pretty successful. Jessica (USA) is planning to enter Carmel. Jenny (Switzerland) is also thinking seriously about joining an existing congregation. Marie (France) is working on a project with the Institut du Bon Pasteur, her brother being one of their seminarians and the Institut suiting her personal spirituality more precisely, I think.

That leaves Laurianne (France), Marie-France (Canada) and myself (Great Britain). The three of us, ah... Suffice to say that we would very much like to continue formation in connection with the FSSP. The Fraternity is supportive. There are, however, slight technical problems there. For the formation of sisters, you need sisters. Yes, I know that every community has started somewhere, but it would really help if there were experienced religious willing to aid. The impracticality is that most traditional communities are contemplative, and most apostolic communities would be hesitant to associate themselves with so-called 'trads'. At any rate, we haven't found that sort of help so far. Second technical problem is the need for a house, funding etc.

The superiors of the FSSP are actively seeking a way to continue more... formally. However, any project for next September or next January would be premature and badly planned - even if one could be devised. So they are continuing over the next year with their own programme of discernment - because we have to recognise that this may still not be the Lord's will.... If anything happens it will be from September 2009. And that's an IF with capital letters.

In the meantime, the plan is for us to aid the Fraternity in some way that suits our personalities. I can't be more specific because it isn't figured out yet. Suffice to say that we're keen to help out and that the FSSP certainly isn't going to leave us out on the streets!

We have the intention of remaining free should anything come to fruition for the year after next. Otherwise there would be no point in the Fraternity continuing their efforts for us!

Please pray that God's will be done in all of this. And give thanks for the amazing opportunity I have received this last year to develop my relationship with Him. Or to let Him do it. Or whatever...

In Caritate Xi,

Julie Michelle Robinson.

A Seminarian's thoughts on studying Gregorian Chant

2008-07-08T00:02:00.000Z

Nicholas Rynne, 27, has been in the Good Shepherd Seminary, Sydney, for the past 3 and a half years and recently completed the Juventutem Gregorian chant workshops taught by David Molloy.

"I love the music," Rynne says. "Chant encapsulates the artistic/aesthetic and spiritual traditions of the Catholic Church and I wanted to learn more about it."

He'd first studied Gregorian chant at a workshop given by Tony Vaughan in Brisbane several years ago. "Then I joined the Schola Cantorum of Brisbane, directed by Vaughan, and we sang at various religious services. When I joined the seminary in Sydney, in 2006, I became a member of the Seminary Schola and was keen to sing as much chant as I could, especially since the Second Vatican Council had asked that chant be given 'pride of place' in the Church's liturgy.

"I am excitedly anticipating the Mass at St Mary's Cathedral during World Youth Day for the dedication of the new altar when seminarians from Melbourne's Corpus Christi Seminary and Sydney's Seminary of the Good Shepherd will be singing all of the chant.

"This means we will chant for the reception of the Holy Father; the procession to the sanctuary; the antiphon and psalm when the relics are deposited in the new altar; the antiphon and psalm for the anointing, incensing and lighting of the new altar; and during communion and at the end of Mass."

Rynne says he attended the Juventutem workshops because he wanted to learn how to read the medieval notation and review the "Sol-fa" system.

"An important thing I learnt was the use of tempo and phrasing (called the 'arsis' and 'thesis'). A big problem is that many people perform chant slowly and without any dynamics – there's no undulation in the sound. Consequently, many people think all Gregorian chant is depressing and dull. But the music is alive and full of subtle nuance if it is read and performed properly.

"When I sing Gregorian chant I feel it's a deeply aesthetically and spiritually pleasing exercise."

Rynne said he would like to further his chant studies by doing more work on the "Sol-fa" system, and learning the Gregorian "modes".

"I'm being sent to a new seminary after World Youth Day - the Pontifical North American College in Rome, so I am hoping the Schola at the College practises a bit of chant and that there might be opportunities for further study in Rome."

More details: Juventutem, visit http://juventutem-australia.com. To study Gregorian chant in Sydney after WYD, contact David Molloy, davidmolloy@bigpond.com.

From Juventutem Australia's media correspondents.

It has begun

2008-07-07T02:51:00.003Z

Our Kenyan pilgrims arrived safely and full of joy, and with that, the experience has begun. I think it more appropriate to keep a paper record of the more profound things, one of which I might mention. That is, pilgrims finally taking rest in St Patrick's Cathedral, with heads bowed in thanksgiving to God for bringing them half-way round the world - and being there to greet them again so gloriously. Any anti-WYD sentiment is terribly misplaced.

Please pray for us

2008-07-04T13:30:00.002Z

Our first interstate pilgrim is already in our midst, and our first pilgrims from overseas will land in under twelve hours, after traveling from Kenya. More arrivals on Monday, with a large contingent coming on Wednesday. Please pray for us. The Lord is so good, and we will be happy to keep you up to date via this blog, and I'm sure too by anyone else around the place who usually covers events like this.

The EnCHANTment Project - WEEK 2

2008-06-28T10:49:00.001Z

We started the lesson with a prayer, then, because we had a few new people in the class, teacher David Molloy went over a bit of the history.

This included how the Monastery Library of Sankt Gallen in Switzerland has surving remnants of the earliest forms of chant notation and how the monks of Solesmes were the first ones to clean up chant in the 1880s and produced a Gregorian Missal.

In the US, Justine Ward, established a method for teaching chant and donated money to the Catholic University in the US so chant courses would continue to be taught.

In Australia, Dr Percy Jones and Fr Albert Lynch learnt the Ward method when they went to Rome for priesthood studies, and they came back and taught it at St Mary's Cathedral and St Patrick's Cathedral choirs in Sydney and in Perth, WA.

Then we learnt how to sing a torculus, as it says in the "Square Notes Workbook", so it "floats like a feather in the breeze". When singing a dotted podatus, we had to imagine "letting your feather float away".

Other points included:

+Speed up unaccented notes and slow slightly at accented notes.

+Quicken up in the middle of the phrase and slow down towards the end, because that's the pace of the language.

+Even though a porrectus is drawn like "swooping" notes, don't swoop.

"We sing some words slower to highlight a theological point in the text. For example, 'The Lord said to me, you are MY son," Molloy said.

We practised the O Salutaris, Pie Jesu, Confirma Hoc, and Alma Redemptoris.

Some good websites to check out include the Church Association of America (www.musicasacra.com) and the New Liturgical Movement (http://thenewliturgicalmovement.blogspot.com/).

Molloy recommended some chant CDs – FSSP in the US (http://www.fssp.com/main/chant.htm) and Sublime Chant by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers (www.richardproulx.com).

For homework, we have to practice the Alma Redemptoris and finish the exercises in the workbook.

Fr T dropped in from Melbourne, along with a newly ordained deacon, Andrew.

We finished class with the Angelus, then went to lunch at the London Hotel, where the bartender looked amazed when 20 people ordered tap water and soft drinks with our meals.

Discussion included a Gregorian chanter's nightmare situation: after days of hard slog rehearsals, singing at a Mass where the priest leaves his microphone switched on and sings the chant at a s-l-o-w pace. "Priests, please switch off your microphones when the choir sings."

Afterwards, the Juventutem choir members went back to rehearse for a few hours.

The next chant class will be held this Saturday, from 9am to 12.30pm, at St Augustine's Church, 3 Jane St, Balmain, and costs $30, which includes a chant textbook. The workshops are being sponsored by Juventutem in preparation for the group's big WYD08 event on July 16 - a chant masterclass by US Gregorian chant expert, Scott Turkington, followed by Vespers with Cardinal George Pell, at the church in Balmain.

The EnCHANTment Project - WEEK 1

2008-06-28T10:44:00.003Z

A diverse group of 30 people, of varying ages and nationalities, braved the cold last Saturday, from 9am to 12.30pm, to learn Gregorian chant at St Augustine's Church, Balmain.

Four workshops are being sponsored by Juventutem in preparation for the group's big WYD08 event on July 16 - a chant masterclass by US Gregorian chant expert, Scott Turkington, followed by Vespers with Cardinal George Pell.

The first lesson began with a prayer. Then teacher David Molloy played the well-known Do-Re-Mi song from The Sound Of Music. The Do-Re-Mi scale (known as the So-Fa System) is used for Gregorian chant and for homework we have to memorise it forwards and backwards. Also, we learnt some of the history from our textbook, "Square Notes Workbook In Gregorian Chant" by Sister Judith OP. We were also given photocopies of early manuscripts made by monks – before music notes had been invented – where they drew the hand movements of choir masters as various swirls and arches at various heights to indicate the tune.

Other points included:

+Gregorian chant is named after St Gregory because he was the first person to standardise it.

+"Do" isn't as in "Doe, a deer" – it's as in "Do-minus." "Re" isn't a drop of golden sun, it was the first syllable of "Resonare".

+Chant notes are square because they were drawn with quills.

+There are many technical terms, including punctums, neums and porrectus.

+Always soften the final syllable of each sentence so the sound dies away ("mora vocis").

+You have to roll the "r" in Latin otherwise other Latin speakers can't understand it.

+Alleluias and consonants shouldn't be punched out and sung like Pavarotti – keep the words soft and smooth.

We practised a few rounds of Do Re Mi, then had a break for tea with jam and bread. Plus some freshly baked scones with cream.

In the second half, there was an emphasis on singing the chant by placing emphasis on the right words so it's a meaningful prayer. "There needs to be internal participation – bubbling out," Molloy said.

"Think about the words when you're singing to keep your mind and heart engaged."

It's preferable to sing in old churches because the resonance smoothes out the flaws.

"Buildings constructed in the 1970s and 80s with low roofs, carpet, and cork tiles on the ceilings suck up the sound so the choir have to wear microphones.

"People feel more comfortable singing in older churches where the building is like an extra instrument and helps the choir sound its best."

He says it's a mistake to think Gregorian chant should always be slow.

"It can be sung fresh and brightly. The things that slow chant down include taking breaths and the congregation. It's important to lock in the rhythm to counteract that.

"You have to fight against letting chant get slower and slower."

Then we finished with a prayer and adjourned to the nearby London hotel for lunch and further discussion, which included a debate on whether it was better to drink plain water or hot chocolate when preparing the voice for further choir practice.

After lunch, the experienced choir members returned to the hall to do several hours of rehearsal for an upcoming ordination.

Hindu Gentleman Studying Gregorian Chant

2008-06-22T06:53:00.002Z

Hindu Prasad Kota, 30, has been attending Juventutem's Gregorian chant classes to "see what it's about".

"I'd never heard it before I set foot in the door. It's a beautiful experience," Kota said. "The music has so much depth. But I'm not a good singer – I mainly listen during the class."

He attends a Hindu temple and has also been going to St Joseph's, Camperdown, for the past six months.

Kota moved here from Andhra Pradesh, India, four years ago and is doing a PhD in pharmacy at the University of Sydney. "I'm interested in Christian culture and traditions."

He's finding it difficult to pronounce Latin words and is interested in studying ecclesiastical Latin. "We have a liturgical language, Sanskrit, which we use for all our chants. Latin is not an easy language for me – it's a completely new experience. I'd like to study it further."

Kota has also registered as a volunteer for WYD08. "I'd like to go to Juventutem Vespers on July 16 but I'm not sure what my volunteer duties will be."

Juventutem's two official WYD08 events will be held on Wednesday, July 16, at St Augustine's Church, Balmain. US chant expert, Scott Turkington, will teach a Gregorian chant masterclass from 2pm, and then the group will sing Vespers with Cardinal George Pell at 4pm.

In preparation for the chant masterclass, 30 people from different parishes throughout Sydney, of various ages and nationalities, have been learning Gregorian chant on Saturday mornings, 9am-12.30pm at St Augustine's, Balmain.

The sessions, $30 each (which includes a textbook), are being run by Australian church musician, David Molloy, an experienced organist, choir director and teacher who has spent more than 40 years learning sacred music. Over the years, his studies have taken him to Austria, France, Hungary, Italy, England and America.

Parishioners are learning the technical terms, Latin pronunciation and the So-Fa (Do Re Mi) scale. The singing is taught with emphasis on the right words so it has a prayerful meaning and encourages internal participation with the heart and soul.

Once WYD is over, as a long-term goal, it's hoped there will be enough interest generated to start a Gregorian chant organisation so sacred music could be taught on a larger scale.

"Pope Pius X in his famous motu proprio on Sacred Music written in 1903 requested that Higher Institutions of Sacred Music be established for the proper teaching of Sacred Music," said David Molloy. "This request was reiterated by the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s. It has been taken seriously in some other countries.

"In Austria, each diocese has its own church-run Conservatorium of Music to teach liturgical music. In Germany there are several church music schools – the most famous one being in Regensburg. Paris has its Gregorian Institute as well as the Schola Cantorum, and in the US, courses are taught at places such as the Catholic University of America. Rome has the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music - but Australia doesn't have similar schools. Perhaps it's time to take this very seriously and establish schools of liturgical music. Perhaps such schools could be attached to seminaries, Catholic universities or other established Catholic institutions."

From Juventutem Media Correspondents.
http://www.juventutem-australia.com

Juventutem Merchandise for World Youth Day

2008-06-06T23:51:00.000Z

Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church to join World Youth Day with Juventutem

2008-06-06T02:51:00.003Z

From Juventutem Australia's media correspondents:

Four sisters from the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church, in Spokane, Washington, have been sponsored by Juventutem to attend WYD08.

These women had lived in a sedevacantist community for several decades, and have recently returned to the bosom of Holy Mother Church. They will become an approved Public Association of the Faithful on June 24. Formerly, the Sisters were members of the Congregation of Mary Immaculate Queen.

Their website tells why the Sisters decided to leave their community and accept the authority of the Pope.

http://www.sistersofmarymc.org/

Pentecost Vespers and Benediction

2008-05-13T09:45:00.000Z

Mr Michael Sternbeck's 'Order of Mass'

2008-04-20T11:08:00.005Z

Mr Michael Sternbeck's 'Order of Mass' was launched today by the Most Reverend Peter J. Elliott, auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne. It was an entirely lovely day. I strongly suggest that one considers purchasing a copy of this beautiful edition, published by Ignatius Press.

I have rather enjoyed this break in posting, and our beloved Archdiocese is as happy as ever, but please pray for the repose of the soul of Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Francis Little, who was laid to rest in the Cathedral Crypt during the week.

Message from Juventutem Kenya

2008-04-19T18:19:00.001Z

I have received the following message from Fr Charles Mwongera in Kenya:

About the WYD,we want to register this week and book Tickets for those who might be going to Australia. We are asking all our friends to just send the little they have fund-raised because we are Just send to us so that we make the travel arrangements.
God bless all your good intentions.Say hello to all the friends over there. already late. So don't mind the little that you have been able to raise for us, we will appreciate.

From Kenya,

Fr.Charles.

If you would like to help Fr Charles and the pilgrims from Kenya reach Sydney for World Youth Day please send a donation to the Latin Mass Society at:

The Latin Mass Society,
11 - 13 Macklin Street
London WC2B 5NH
United Kingdom

Juventutem Announcements

2008-03-27T08:27:00.002Z

Juventutem Australia would like to happily announce that they have been allocated St Augustine's Church, Balmain, Sydney, for use during the World Youth Day week from the 14th of July. Professor Scott Turkington will be the director of music over the two week program of events. Register now. Deo gratias.

Deo gratias - later this wonderful day

2008-03-23T10:59:00.002Z

An attempt at a small evening supper. The 'Alleluia' remains, it seemed a shame to cut it up.

Surrexit Christus, spes mea

2008-03-22T22:07:00.003Z

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Feast, rejoice, and give thanks, Christiani! What Life we share! O how Great a Redeemer! Rejoice, rejoice.

The Easter Passion of the Iraqi Church

2008-03-19T23:28:00.008Z

Archbishop Paulos Rahho, Martyr of the 'New Iraq'

The Archbishop of Mosul, Paulos Faraj Rahho, has been found dead. It is not clear whether he was killed by his kidnappers or whether he died from his very poor health. If the latter this does not mitigate the kidnappers guilt, since by kidnapping him they deprived him of the medicine which he required on a daily basis.

Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly celebrated his requiem Mass in the Christian town of Kremlis, a short distance from Mosul. Cardinal Delly described Archbishop Rahho as "...a man of honesty, loyalty and peace. He was loved by all Iraqi people." Pope Benedict presided over a requiem Mass for the Archbishop on Monday 17 March in the Redemptoris Mater Chapel in St Peter's Basillica.

Pope Benedict said "The Servant faced with an unjust condemnation bears witness to the truth, remaining faithful to the law of love. On this path, Archbishop Rahho took up his cross and followed the Lord Jesus, thus he contributed to bringing justice to his martyred country and to the whole world, bearing witness to the truth. He was a man of peace and dialogue ... with a particular fondness for the poor and the disabled. ... May his example sustain all Iraqis of good will, Christians and Muslims, to build peaceful coexistence founded on human fraternity and mutual respect".

The death of Archbishop Rahho brings the total number of clergy martyred in Iraq since the war in 2003 to seven. Two Chaldean Catholic priests, three Chaldean Catholic sub-deacons and one Syriac Orthodox priest. All but one of these have been killed in Mosul and there are now real fears for the Christian community there.

I am reminded of the words of Archbishop Romero of El Salvador – another martyr for the faith – which although they relate to another situation and another time are no less applicable to the Iraq of today.

"How sad it would be, in a country where such horrible murders are committed, if there were no priests among the victims! A murdered priest is a testimonial of a church incarnate in the problems of the people... It is the glory of our church to have mixed its blood - the blood of its priests, catechists, and communities – with the massacres of the people, and ever to have borne the mark of persecution... A church that suffers no persecution, but enjoys the privileges and support of the powers of this world – that church has good reason to be afraid! But that church is not the true church of Christ."

On the Aid to the Church in Need website, ACN’s Ecclesiastical Assistant, Fr. Joaquin Alliende, expressed gratitude for the life of this “good shepherd and successor of the apostles, whose only desire was to serve his people. His death is symbolic of all the innocent people who have lost their lives in Iraq.” Fr Alliende called on Christians in East and West to “pray in a particular way during the coming days of Holy Week for an end to this absurd war. Again and again, resolutely and forcefully, we must call on Cain to finally stop killing his brother Abel. May the blood shed by this disciple of Christ serve the re-establishment of unity among the people of Iraq.”

Paulos Faraj Rahho, Archbishop of Mosul

1942-2008

Réquiem ætérnam dona eis, Dómine. Et lux perpétua luceat eis.

The Bridal Party makes its Way

2008-03-16T06:11:00.002Z

It is Holy Week - and it is hot. The schedule is here. Ensure lamps are trimmed for the journey. They will come in handy at Tenebrae.

Greetings

2008-03-05T10:44:00.002Z

I am tired. Lent is different than last year. My count is that there are less than two weeks until Tenebrae, and that is an awfully good thing. On things 'World Youth Day', I came up with the following at an early hour of the morning the other day, 'Fruit that can leave the country'. You really must be familiar with Australian quarantine procedures, but I think the little sentence has some potential.

Things are 'intensely' well, with opportunities to help little children grow in their faith - and watch them watch you, and then study and copy your every gesture, down to the particularities of one's thumbs.

Juventutem registrations and payments will be due by May 9th. Until then, you are able to pay in installments. We do need to finalise domestic transport as soon as possible. As ever, do consider registering.

Goodness, for the Lord's Goodness.

Archbishop Paulos Rahho, Mosul

2008-02-29T17:13:00.001Z

The Catholic Archbishop of Mosul Paulos Rahho, has been kidnapped by gunmen. Three of his aides were murdered during the kidnapping.

Please keep the Archbishop in your prayers at this time.

Juventutem Kenya Donations

2008-02-25T21:09:00.001Z

Fr Charles Mwongera in Kenya is still seeking donations to help send Kenyan pilgrims to accompany Juventutem at World Youth Day 2008. If you wish to help please send donations c/o the LMS to:

The Latin Mass Society,
11 - 13 Macklin Street
London WC2B 5NH
United Kingdom

Please make cheques/postal orders payable to the LMS. They will then forward the money to Fr Mwongera.

Requiescat in Pace

2008-02-20T10:05:00.004Z

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father John Wilkinson, CM who fell asleep in the Lord on the evening of Monday, 18th February AD 2008. I came to know Father Wilkinson through his visits to the Library. Father was one of those priests that you could be assured would be in attendance at all the best events in the Archdiocese if he was at all able. I liked sitting next to him during Library events very much. His countenance warmed the room, that which the picture above does not quite capture. Father was in his 93rd year, the 70th of his sacred Priesthood.

Sacerdos in aeternum, requiescat in pace.

Euge, serve bone. Priests to the front row, Father.

Local Fundraisers

2008-02-17T11:06:00.003Z

If anyone is interested in holding local fundraisers to assist Juventutem Kenya pilgrims to attend World Youth Day in Sydney, please leave a comment. These could take any number of forms, and the funds then directed accordingly. Each pilgrim's return airfare works out to be about A$2550.

From Kenya

2008-02-15T11:33:00.002Z

Please pray for Kenya. Please pray that members of Juventutem Kenya will be able to attend World Youth Day in July. This photo is courtesy of Rev Fr Charles Mwongera, who attended the World Youth Day in Germany with Juventutem during 2005. This photograph pictures some of Father's young people.

On Little Children

2008-02-14T09:31:00.001Z

Today I was in the midst of an infant at prayer, with her senses engaged, and it was a beautiful thing.

Compline Tract

2008-02-10T06:40:00.000Z

Please pray for those members of Juventutem who are meeting at Bern, Switzerland over this weekend. I am still looking for the article that I mentioned below, so if you do happen to find it, please let me know.

I am very happy with the revised Good Friday prayer, I think it is beautiful, and look forward to praying it in the heart of Jewish Melbourne in a few short weeks, Tenebrae preceeding - and following. Tenebrae! It is a particular grace to have the Holy Father's fingerprint in the Missal.

Quinquagesima

2008-02-03T10:03:00.000Z

I hope everyone has blessed throats and happy ears after Requiem tones on Sunday, and Candlemas, also.

On Candlemas

2008-02-02T08:36:00.000Z

I hope that everyone has had a blessed Candlemas. Our Lord and Our Blessed Mother - Lumen ad revelationem gentium, et gloriam plebis tuae Israel. I'm sure was felt tinges of Baptism and professions, and the next procession that will come along soon enough. Holy Lenten exercises to all.

Looking for an Article

2008-01-30T10:32:00.000Z

I am presently looking for a copy of the article, 'Edith Stein: An Apostate Saint?' by Alice von Hildebrand, published in Crisis Magazine during 2000. I can't seem to find a copy online, nor in the library. Help would be kindly appreciated.

On Vocation

2008-01-30T08:14:00.000Z

What a marvelous thing to be in the midst of someone who is utterly living out their vocation.

Besides that highlight during the day, more wonderful news of another baby in our midst. Please pray an Ave for Mr and Mrs Marcel and Melissa White, particularly for Melissa's health at this time. Baby is due to be born in September. Deo gratias!

Finally, please pray a Gloria Patri for little Clare Mary, who will be baptised this Sunday - very fittingly the day following Candlemas.

Confitemini Domino, quoniam bonus, quoniam in saeculum misericordia ejus.

Slightly on Holiday

2008-01-29T03:23:00.000Z

I am, as it were, slightly on holiday. My words or any composition are like water, and nothing is really sticking together or meaning much. My one concern is that Lent begins next week. I am happy about this early Easter, very happy, but it makes one feel a little bit unsettled.

Goodness, Lent.

Dies appropinquat

2008-01-24T00:43:00.000Z

The days are drawing very near when we can begin to announce the confirmed July program. Allocation of churches is beginning, and so too a much more firm idea of times and events. It is going to be most enjoyable, and give great glory to God. The excitement here is certainly building, and we can't wait to welcome pilgrims. Please continue to register - as always, emphasis is placed on sooner the better.

Sounds all still a bit up in the air, but please continue to pray for this intention because the Lord is very kind, the Master of all this - and it will be beautiful.

St Agnes in the season of tracts

2008-01-21T04:29:00.000Z

Happy Feast of St Agnes, which this year falls within the season of tracts. The introit for Septuagesima and today's Epistle run together quite nicely. Please pray an Ave for me, and God bless you.

All things Juventutem seem to be happy, with the event now less than six months away. Please pray a Gloria Patri for it.

Ecce, Sponsus venit.

Post St Laurence BBQ

2008-01-15T03:14:00.001Z

Here is a happy photo of myself with Omar, following the Guild of St Laurence BBQ on Sunday, following their National Conference, following Pontifical Vespers and Benediction on Saturday by His Lordship, the good Bishop Elliott. There are some photos posted at the NLM, and some by Peter.

An Appeal from Juventutem Kenya

2008-01-09T10:03:00.000Z

JUVENTUTEM KENYA,WORLD YOUTH DAY 2008 FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN.

Dear friends,

Receive Christmas and New year greetings from Juventutem Kenya Members.

Juventutem Kenya is a group of young kenyans,catholics aged between 15 and 36,who are interested in the Extra-ordinary rite of the Mass and other traditions of the Roman Catholic Church.It was founded by Rev.Fr.Charles Mwongera,who after attending the Juventutem 2005 in Germany for the WYD,came with the good idea.We are affilliate member of the International Juventutem Federation.

After many struggles and challenges to get the young people who are COMMITTED,we are proud to have around 20 who are serious.We are able to meet occasionary and pray together.Still we have problems with the Latin language because we have never studied Latin in our Schools here in Kenya.

Now,we are interested in joining the rest of the Juventutem from other countries all over the world for the WYD,Sydney 2008.

We are humbly appealing to well wishers both locally and internationally to help us so that afew of us can travel to Australia next year July for this holy Pilgrimage.

The most intimidating challenge remaining is geting the money to care for the AIR TICKET.According to the International Airlines,Route,NAIROBI-SYDNEY,the cost of the lowest economy class,Return Ticket is around 2,500 USD,or 1,300 Sterling Pounds.This you can confer from the international carriers like,Virgin Antlatic,Kenya Airways,Emirates,KLM Royal Dutch and others.

May God continue to bless us all and remember each other in prayer.

In Domino,
Juventutem Kenya.

If you would like to help please mention in the com box and I will see what can be done.

From Christmas Matins

2008-01-08T00:58:00.001Z

Ex LMM.org

Press Release from Juventutem USA

2008-01-08T00:43:00.000Z

Press release from Juventutem USA on preparations for World Youth Day can be viewed here.

Juventutem USA has organized a WYD 2008 group package, led by Rev. Fr. Denis Buchholz of the Institute of Christ the King, Sovereign Priest. This priestly order, founded in 1990, is entirely devoted to the liturgical forms of the extraordinary rite. Fr. Buchholz was part of Juventutem at WYD 2005 and is currently pro rector of Old St. Patrick Roman Catholic Oratory in Kansas City, MO. The schedule of events includes daily Mass according to the extraordinary rite; lauds, vespers, and compline on most days; catechesis and rosary; attendance at the Papal Mass; and of course, some days to explore Australia. All Catholics aged 16-30 are welcome to join the group.

For more information on joining Juventutem USA in Australia for WYD 2008, please visit www.juventutemusa.org.

Updates Soon

2008-01-05T01:59:00.000Z

Firstly, bless the Lord for another Year of Grace. I trust that Christmastide has been filled with grace and peace. There is much going on. From the 9th to the 13th of January, the Servers' Guild of St Laurence will be holding a Conference in Melbourne. This will include Pontifical Vespers and Benediction celebrated by His Lordship, Bishop Peter Elliott on the 12th January at 5pm. More details here, and I am sure they will follow. There are also more photos from the Gaudete Pontifical available at that same site.

Hooray for Babyhood!

More from Gaudete

2007-12-21T04:02:00.001Z

The Lord blessed us with very lovely weather.

With Bishop Elliott.

With Jude.

Getting caught out during a game of cricket. Very good catch.

Jude cleaning up.

There will be more photographs. There are some lovely shots from the liturgy itself over at the NLM. I hope that these last days of Advent are fruitful for everybody and that the Great Os are particularly great. Veni Domine, et noli tardare.

The December edition of New Springtime is available to view online. This edition includes some great suggestions for reading over the 'Tide and beyond.

Gaudete in Domino semper

2007-12-17T01:33:00.000Z

Iterum dico, gaudete. Photo from latinmassmelbourne.org. More will follow. A very happy day was had by all. Deo gratias.

Dominus prope est!

Gaudete Pontifical Mass

2007-12-10T02:37:00.000Z

Solemn Pontifical Mass will be offered by Bishop Peter J Elliott on Gaudete Sunday, 16th December, at St Aloysius' Caulfield at 11am. Community picnic with His Lordship to follow.

Your attendance on this occasion is of great importance, and all are welcome. More information here.

Quickly

2007-12-03T02:32:00.000Z

It is particularly important for those concerned that they register now for World Youth Day with Juventutem. Important dates for organisers and transport are approaching fast, and your registration would be appreciated as soon as possible. Please click the link above for details.

Excita quaesumus, Domine, potentiam tuam, et veni! Nunc enim propior est nostra salus, quam cum credidimus.

Finally, a link to Spe Salvi.

PPS

2007-12-02T16:29:00.001Z

For those who might actually want to contact me, as I think I mentioned email is possible. Precentrix(at)gmail(dot)com. It's free and much quicker than the probably more-appropriate snail mail.

CIX!

2007-12-02T15:55:00.000Z

Laudetur Ihesus Christus!

Sorry... a friend of mine used to write 'CIX' and it took me a while to realise he didn't mean 109. Greetings all. I am returnèd unto this sceptred isle (Jersey) for the not-exactly-joyful occasion of my grandfather's funeral. For those who may wonder, there has been email access in France on account of a wonderful local library (free interweb) but no access to blogger, hence no posts.

So, after two months of... umm... 'playing at nuns'... I am in deep cultural shock at being turfed out into the world, albeit temporarily. I can only sympathise with our dear seminarians, who presumably get this every year and not least when they are finally elevated to the diaconate and then sent out to far-flung corners of the world. Anyway, it gives my an opportunity to update my dear readers on the last few months, which is a blessing (assuming you're reading this of your own free will...???).

So... two months into our little experiment. What is there to tell? Actually, it's about as exciting as doing-the-same-thing-every-day tends to be. Wake up in the morning. Pray. Eat food. Wash and iron clothes (my job). Wash and iron napkins. Iron altar linen. Courses on la vie spirituelle, la vie de prière, la vie en commun. Latin class for those who need it. Sounds incredibly boring, really. EXCEPT...

1) The Holy Spirit is blatently working His metaphorical socks off in the midst of all of this. I now have a probably-blasphemous image in my head of the Holy Spirit as a dove wearing big wooly bedsocks. This may need to be confessed... But you get the idea. It may just be illusion, but there have been huge clarifications already for me and I can already see the little beginnings of progress in myself and, more clearly, in the others. Part of this is slightly sad, in that we've already lost two of the original seven from the house - but let us rejoice rather that they have followed His will.

2) His work is being made considerably easier by several factors:
a) The fact that although we are all relatively young, not used to regular life at all and... umm... are suffering from all the problems to be expected from first-years without a balancing contingent (ahem) we all actually have something in common with all of the others, including for example me being able to share my passion for music with several. There have been no huge falling outs. As far as I can tell, we all actually like each other, which makes fraternal charity a lot easier!
b) We have been blessed with the presence of Fr. V, whose reputation is undeniably borne out IRL. I probably don't have to worry about him reading this, but still should not elaborate. At any rate, let us say that when the Good Lord presents one with a guide who is half the Curé d'Ars and half the Little Flower, with a good, sound Thomism thrown in for balance, one is exceptionally grateful.
c) The opportunity to confess to someone else. Sanctity freaks me out.
d) The presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the house most of the time. Even when the chapel was in a corridor, causing the joyous necessity of finding a mantilla in order to visit the bathroom.

There has, of course, been the blessing of Sunday Mass in the parish, daily Adoration and all on top of this. And various trips out (very local so far), usually on Sunday afternoons. I have seen my first incorrupt body (not St. Bernadette, though we're hopeful!). Further afield, next Monday we appear to be headed off to Spain to visit a real (ahem) community for the week. This will hopefully do us some good :D

It's actually really hard to write, because nothing particularly exciting has been going on, in mundane terms at any rate. Inside... ahem... that's between Him and me, mainly... but in brief I am learning to listen, learning to be free. Learning quite slowly, admittedly! Blessed be God, for that He has given me this opportunity to learn. Please pray for the Fraternity and all the kind benefactors who have helped to render it possible.

Julie Michelle

PS There are some photos of the slightly less pious moments available at www.flickr.com/photos/fsspgirls if I've got the link right...

2007-11-24T05:12:00.000Z

The last post highlighted a very important and all too neglected issue with proponents of female or married clergy: their desire to completely rewrite the faith which has been handed down to us from Christ and His apostles. It is very rare to find among these dissenters an individual for whom the priesthood alone is a point of contention. Instead the whole canon of the Catholic Church has to be brought into disrepute beginning with the person and work of Christ (Son of God and Saviour of man or Eastern sage and social reformer), and the nature and mission of the Church (mystical body and bride of Christ or mere social institution). Some would even dare go a step further to question the very nature of God (being or force).

That is but one reason why the Church stands in opposed to these dissenters because to give way to their desires will lead to the barque of St. Peter being grounded upon an iceberg.

On that Meeting

2007-11-23T23:08:00.000Z

The essential point that needs mentioning on that meeting in Camberwell is that there was no reference to the Cross. No sign of the Cross, no exhortation to embrace the Cross. No mention of prayer and penance. Ethnic diversity in the crowd was only really visible in the group of young people protesting perniciousness. No salute to Dr Collins for his comments on foreign born priests. If one consults publications coming out of the Sees of CfM's delight, and if the situation is so dire, then why is it that the very situation is praised in their pages - and not one line lies therein promoting vocations? Simple answer - but only prayer will conquer that one. You will be pleased to note that this meeting, far from being a happy discussion on theories of nature and grace, or on relationships with our separated brethren, or on methods of evangelisation, or even Catholic education, ended with a Salve Regina and, soon after, toasts to the Holy Father, and Holy Mother Church.

There are many tears to be shed over those Catholics who continue to be so easily led away, while exercising virtuous obedience, at the pull and snarl of wolves. Keep your claws off. Your candles have burnt out, your salt has ants crawling through it. Your time is over and gone. You do not make us afraid. You do not implant despair.

I suggest a response that involves singing, and prayers, and banners.

On Election Day

2007-11-23T22:54:00.000Z

Polling booths are spotted around the place, many being schools and halls attached to churches. One of the awful things about this arrangement is seeing pictures of politicians with despicable policies hanging off church gates, but of the happier includes casting a vote under a crucifix.

Three MCs

2007-11-23T08:44:00.001Z

I have been wanting to post this picture for some time, and it seems that the present moment is opportune. This picture was taken just over a month ago, and pictures the 'three MCs', or three anti-Collins-isation-ists, including the Defensor Fidei himself, in the middle.

Pray for holy vocations and for holy families.

Mass for Juventutem Pilgrims in Hobart, Tasmania

2007-11-20T23:14:00.000Z

Lots of good things to say, but Deo gratias for now. It was a very happy occasion.

Juventutem Meetup Roma 2007

2007-11-18T19:04:00.000Z

Juventutem Meetup Rome 2007

On 11 November father de Malleray held a small talk on Juventutem at the Open Forum of the general assembly of the International Federation Una Voce in Rome. This occasion was used to have a small Juventutem Meetup in Rome.

Another happy day at St Patrick's Cathedral

2007-11-17T09:37:00.000Z

Melbourne is a happy See. Today Father Paschal M Corby OFM Conv, was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood. You really had to be there. Please pray for Father Paschal. Oil of gladness. Happy Melbourne.

Tomorrow, 18th November at 6pm, a Missa Cantata will be offered according to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Liturgy at St Canice's church, Sandy Bay, Tasmania. It has been termed the 'inaugural Juventutem Mass', and will be attended by His Excellency, William Cox, Governor of Tasmania, as well as other Dignitaries. Do say a prayer for this intention.

There are other things, some which are better left unsaid, but Deo gratias for this day.

So - I can't spell - or something

2007-11-12T11:22:00.000Z

Serves me right - anyway, I repeat - falleness - it's rather ugly. As Evelyn Waugh would write, 'Goodness how sad' - or in its abbreviated form, 'G how S.' Deo gratias.

Where I first delighted in the Lord

2007-11-07T03:39:00.001Z

St Anne's Shrine, Bondi Beach.

Only the Lord remembers what was said.

A small present from the Dutch Bischops!

2007-11-06T20:05:00.000Z

A recent publication from the Dutch National Council for the Liturgy:
The Ordinary from the Extraordinary Use
prefaced with the Motu Proprio "Summorum Pontificum"

The Good Doctor Mannix

2007-11-06T02:47:00.000Z

Today is the 44th anniversary of the death of Archbishop Mannix. The Good Doctor is buried in the 'crypt' of his Cathedral. Visitors this day will note well that his beautiful Cathedral is closed. Somewhere within the territory of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, it happens to be racing day - a 'sacro-civil day of obligation'. Happily, the Mannix library is open to the public.

I suppose I'm quite liberal when it comes to this part of Melbourne 'tradition', having been born within the boundaries of the Sydney Archdiocese, and reborn out of a Parramatta font. Still, sealed with Melbourne Holy Oil, this is my home and delight.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Archbishop Mannix. Archbishop Hart will offer Mass for the repose of the souls of the Archbishops of Melbourne this Wednesday (tomorrow) at 1pm at the Cathedral.

Do note that this post is grounded in pleasant humour, and that there is no intention of poking fun at our beloved Archdiocese! I should be writing papers, anyway.

I was going to write that I was 'born into' the Sydney Archdiocese - then I realised the descent into heresy, and restructured the sentence.

Ecce Sacerdos Magnus

2007-10-31T23:02:00.000Z

There is a fitting text from the Old Testament that I can't seem to find the reference for, but it mentions that for all the splendour of sacred vesture, even more admirable, and what truly makes them beautiful, is the virtue of the priest who wears them.

This photograph is of Bishop Peter J. Elliott, taken from the Pontifical Mass for Christ the King in Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo. This and other photographs (featuring some familiar faces) can be found at the NLM. Thank you Mr Tribe! Mitre by the St Bede Studio.

Perhaps an idea for another article

2007-10-30T11:13:00.000Z

Writing papers at the last minute is like a death bed conversion. Some constancy before hand would make the outcome much more splendid. Papers, like death, shouldn't be done in a rush - but the whole composition process reflects the concupiscent condition very well.

Anyway, I do point your attention to 'New Springtime', the recently launched online journal of the Australian Catholic Students Association. It has some wonderful content, including an article on modesty by Mrs Helen Sidhu, which I highly recommend.

Latin Love Letters

2007-10-30T04:27:00.000Z

Domine,

Amo te ex toto corde meo. Et gaudebit sponsus super sponsam: gaudebit super te Deus tuus. Et vocabunt eos: Populus sanctus Redempti a Domino: tu autem vocaberis Quaesita Civitas et non Derelicta.

In Teipso,
T.

No Mere Decoration

2007-10-29T11:47:00.000Z

In Sacramentum Caritatis Pope Benedict XVI wrote, "Beauty, then, is not mere decoration, but rather an essential element of the liturgical action, since it is an attribute of God himself and his revelation." Again, "Special respect and care must be also given to the vestments, the furnishings and the sacred vessels, so that by their harmonious and orderly arrangement they will foster awe for the mystery of God, manifest the unity of the faith and strengthen devotion."

As examples of the these principles being put into practice, here are a few photos of the sacred vessels used for the Pontifical Mass yesterday, together with an image of the cathedra.

This chalice from 1894 was commissioned by Dr. Stephen Reville OSA, second bishop of Sandhurst, and made in Paris. Details for this ciborium could not be obtained but it probably dates to about the same period as the chalice.

A range of ewers and basins for the ceremonial washings throughout the Mass. On the right is a holy water bucket and sprinkler.

The cathedra or bishop's throne was carved from Austrian oak and installed in 1914. It features carvings of Sts. Augustine and Patrick, in honour of the first two bishops of Sandhurst who were Augustinians from Ireland.

Finally a photo of my fellow servers - Dane, Omar and John Paul - making one of many toasts at the table during the dinner following the Mass. The evening will be particularly remembered for a speech from one of our chaplains, who was also an organiser of the first Christus Rex pilgrimage, in which he presented a very brief history of the early years of the pilgrimage and then expressed his amazement at how it has grown in nearly twenty years. He also called upon those present to pass on to future generations this history, which is just as important as the pilgrimage itself.

The Pilgrim's Plod

2007-10-28T12:32:00.000Z

Today I was a pilgrim for 4km. Later, I traveled across three dioceses. At a most glorious Pontifical Mass, we received the Apostolic blessings of two bishops, to the eternal honour, and glory, and praise of one King, Rex Regum, Christ the Lord.

Thank you Lord for your holy bishops, priests, religious, families, and faithful souls. Thank you for making men for your praise. Thank you for beautiful vestments and splendid mitres.

Now it is late, I am back under the jurisdiction of our beloved Archbishop Hart, and I might benefit from a panadol to ease a minor complication from too much sun.

Gloria, laus, et honor tibi sit, Rex Christe, Redemptor! Rex meus, at Deus meus! Lord, bless your pilgrims!

I think 'peregrini' is a sweet word.

Prayers for the Pilgrims

2007-10-26T04:10:00.000Z

Please pray for those pilgrims who have set off this morning on a walking pilgrimage between the Cathedrals of Ballarat and Bendigo in honour of Christ the King. The pilgrimage will culminate in a Solemn Pontifical Mass offered by Bishop Peter J. Elliott - in the sight of Bishop Joseph Grech of Sandhurst - this Sunday at 3pm. All are encouraged to attend.

Christus vincit! Christus regnat! Christus imperat!

Laetatus sum eo quod dixerint mihi in domum Domini ibimus

2007-10-21T12:06:00.000Z

Yesterday while cleaning and clearing up after the Mass for those going on the Christus Rex Pilgrimage, we (John-Paul, Omar and myself) received a very special visitor, Mrs Margaret Scott. Margaret had been a parishioner and student in the early days of St. Aloysius, where she was confirmed by Dr. Daniel Mannix and later married. Her mother had worked in the school canteen and Margaret herself had been one of the ladies who prepared the flowers for Church.

During our conversation with Margaret, she recalled the horses Fr. John O'Brien, the first parish priest, kept on the land adjacent to the church, being sent out to purchase cakes for the visiting Presentation nuns, who were not allowed such extravagances in the convent, and the old spire of the church, which was subsequently removed because of structural problems. She also referred to St. Aloysius being a replica of a French church, which she had the fortune to visit during her forty years living in England, and the occasion Dr. Mannix went disguised as a nun to England, which he had been barred from visiting because of his Irish sympathies.

In the header of this post I have quoted Psalm 121, "I rejoiced when they said to me: Let us go to the house of God" and for the three of us the most memorable part of Margaret's visit was the visible joy she experienced in returning to the church of her childhood as well as knowing the Mass of her youth was still being offered in that same church.

From the Annals of St Aloysius

2007-10-21T11:06:00.000Z

Following our previous post of Omar's birthday celebrations, we wish to announce that he has been appointed sacristan for the Christus Rex pilgrimage from Ballarat to Bendigo. This is a great honour for young Omar and may finally bring him to the attention of the new Papal Master of Ceremonies in case he is looking for an apprentice.
These three pairs of episcopal gloves were purchased from the official papal outfitters, Gamarelli's. The set in the middle will be adorning His Lordship, Bishop Peter Elliott, for the final mass of the Christus Rex pilgrimage.
Our own Perpetua in conversation with the 'extraordinary' Ray: catechist, sacristan, Franciscan Tertiary, occasional joker and raconteur.

The banner procured from England for the Christus Rex pilgrimage. This was unfurled yesterday at a Mass for pilgrims and again today as a reminder of the pilgrimage.

The latest sighting of a mysterious cleric in capello and cassock, whom I have on good authority has also been spotted in Rome. We are yet to identify this figure but assume from his attire he is either a supporter of the Missal of 1962 or Father Brown impersonator, albeit without the umbrella.

Tearing through Sundays

2007-10-17T09:45:00.000Z

We're running out of Sundays after Pentecost! I'm not ready for November envelopes.

Heaven Let Down on Earth

2007-10-15T12:21:00.000Z

The beatification of John Henry Cardinal Newman (1801-90) may be a step closer courtesy of the cure of an American deacon who had suffered from a spinal injury which left him bowed over and who had invoked the intercession of the Cardinal. So in honour of this good news I present a quotation from Cardinal Newman's Occasional Sermons which presents a vision which I am sure all those supporting Juventutem would themselves entertain:

The fair form of Christianity rose up and grew and expanded like a beautiful pageant from north to south; it was majestic, it was solemn, it was bright, it was beautiful and pleasant, it was soothing to the griefs, it was indulgent to the hopes of man; it was at once a teaching and a worship; it had a dogma, a mystery, a ritual of its own; it had an hierarchical form. A brotherhood of holy pastors, with mitre and crosier and uplifted hand, walked forth and blessed and ruled a joyful people. The crucifix headed the procession, and simple monks were there with hearts in prayer, and sweet chants resounded, and the holy Latin tongue was heard, and boys came forth in white, swinging censers, and the fragrant cloud arose, and mass was sung, and the saints were invoked; and day after day, and in the still night, and over the woody hills and in the quiet plains, as constantly as sun and moon and stars go forth in heaven, so regular and solemn was the stately march of blessed services on earth, high festival, and gorgeous procession, and soothing dirge, and passing bell, and the familiar evening call to prayer: till he would think it all unreal what he beheld and heard, and would conclude he did but see a vision, so marvellously was heaven let down upon earth, so triumphantly were chased away the fiends of darkness to their prison below.

Fidelis servus, quem constituit Dominus super familiam suam

2007-10-14T08:53:00.000Z

Today was an extra special day here at Caufield as we celebrated the birthday of our very own "man for all seasons" - Omar. In addition to his duties as a master of ceremonies and server, Omar is a sacristan, member of the Schola, custodian of the sacred vestments, and possessor of arguably the most amazing memory for all things historical and liturgical.

After the morning Mass, Perpetua organised a wonderful chocolate cake for the occasion and then it was off to lunch at a nearby Italian restaraunt.

Omar setting out and taking great delight in a Roman set for tomorrow morning's Mass.The cake which Perpetua procured for the occasion and which went down particularly well.

Omar doing the honours of blowing out the twenty candles on the cake. (It's so hard to believe that he is no longer a teenager now.)

Omar with one of his many young admirers, who are a testimony to the generosity and joy which he brings to the sacristy and sanctuary.

The luncheon party at Uffizi.

A Dialogue on Church Music

2007-10-13T04:02:00.000Z

When Sister Consolata told her that she had been drafted to take over the children's choir she had promised to go to Father Cooney and lay down the law about what kind of hymns would be sung.

"But you can't just tell the pastor, can you?" Sister Consolata had asked.

"Yes. Doesn't the Pope want the right kind of music? And isn't the Bishop doing his best to get it?" Sister Gervaise replied.

"Yes, but ..."

"If a higher superior commands something it is the duty of the inferior to enforce it. That's right in the Rule."

Armed with the Holy Rule she went forth to do battle with Father Cooney in the cause of Sister Consolata and the motu proprio. The only difficulty was that the pastor had anticipated her and bore down on her, his usual smile of greeting at half mast.

"I understand that you have asked Sister Consolata to take over the choir. She will if she can have the proper hymns."

The pastor interrupted her, "What kind of way is that to stack chairs?" he called.

"What way?" How did she know how they were stacked? She hadn't turned the lights up again in the auditorium. She could trust Mrs. Doyle.

"Right plank up against the stage. How do you expect us to get the head table there for the CYO supper?"

It was incredible that ... If you wanted something done right you had to ... What could she say?

Father Cooney sighed and shook his head. His chin settled into the fold of his neck. "If you want something done right you have to do it yourself," he said. "Now I've got to get those blackguards of boys to take all those chairs out of there. We never had this trouble when we ran the parish shows. The men always did up the chairs after, and we had a nice dance for ourselves, too."

"I know. Mr MacGill told me."

"He was right. Well - wasn't he?"

"Yes. I ... I think he was."

"So now I'm telling you - I'm not asking you, mind you - you'll have a dance after the St. Patrick's show, and I'll see to the way the chairs are stacked myself."

Who said there was going to be a St. Patrick's show?

"Look, Father," she said, "if there's going to be a St. Patrick's night, then the young people can do it themselves. They won't need me. They can put on any old thing they want."

"Oh, they can, can they? Not while I'm around here, they can't. There'll be supervision of things in this parish while the Bishop keeps me here. And that's what you're supposed to be doing."

"I'm [only] supposed to put on the high-school plays."

"... and you with a vow of obedience, I hear."

"All right, Father," she replied, "I'm sure it'll all be very well nice, and I am very sorry about the chairs, but as far as obedience goes, that's just what I cam to talk to you about."

"You did, did you?"

"I did, Father. It's about this church music. I told Sister Consolata I would speak to you. You see, if she has the children's choir, they've got to sing the right things."

"Of course they do. Don't they?"

"Well, they don't now. That's sure."

"They sing better than the big choir. At least the kids don't stop me when I'm getting to the Consecration. Now you take that Gregorian. You have her teach that."

"Why, I didn't know ..."

"There's a lot of things you don't know about me. Tell her to teach them a Gregorian Mass - that Mass of the Angels, for instance. That's a nice short one. But no Credo."

"You like Gregorian because it's short?"

"There's worse reasons. If you've got to get the people in and out of church, there's things you have to think about if the next crowd's going to come in. That young fellow there of mine - he preaches too long."

He did. But at least Father Rolfe was interesting and he had a nice voice. This was getting nowhere. "I'll tell Sister Consolata you said to go ahead, then."

"You'll tell her no such thing. Just what I said. She can have them learn that Mass, but we're not going to throw out all the good hymns that kids get a lot of devotion out of. No, sir! Only tell her to pep them up a little bit. They sing'em too slow."

"Indeed they do. And if you pep them up, they'll all sound like what they are - fox trots."

"Fox trots, is it?" he laughed "Well, that's better than bo-peep or whatever it is the kids do nowadays, anyway."

From The Lively Arts of Sister Gervaise by Fr. John Bonn SJ (New York: Echo Books, 1966)

Easy Registration Page now Online

2007-10-11T10:34:00.000Z

Please register here.

Requiescat in Pace

2007-10-11T10:22:00.000Z

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Archbishop Ambrose De Paoli, Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, who has died. It's rather sad news, but one gives thanks for reports that His Grace died a happy death - Deo gratias. Requiescat in pace.

Register for World Youth Day with Juventutem

2007-10-03T10:17:00.000Z

Pilgrims wishing to register for World Youth Day with Juventutem can now do so. All pilgrims are requested to join group #770 'Juventutem'. This is for the sake of sanity.

Please note: There are two steps in registering as a pilgrim with Juventutem:

First, please register for World Youth Day following the link above, and when prompted, the group number. The World Youth Day registration fee is AU $395, which can be paid at a later date.

Secondly, there will be a 'Juventutem fee' of AU $300 for the two week program, or AU $150 for Sydney only. The bulk of this fee will cover pilgrim transport to Sydney by coach, and the rest will contribute to the general costs involved with planning an event of this magnitude in conspectu Dei et hominum.

The Juventutem fee will be payable on the Juventutem Australia website, again, that too can be paid at a later date, and payment facilities and applicable information will be available in the coming fortnight.

Less than ten months to go. Dear Little Flower, pray for us.

A Case for Vespers

2007-09-28T10:17:00.000Z

I find nothing stopping a group of interested friends taking to a few pews in a side chapel of a Cathedral and praying Vespers together. This could be a good option if arrangements in your diocese are a little taxing!

Feria Tertia

2007-09-26T06:33:00.000Z

The Gospel for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost is one of my very favourites, and I've enjoyed having had it repeated over the last few days. It's nice to picture oneself sitting close by the feet of Christ while He is engaged in this discourse. Can you imagine His face? A reverent smirk, and a short glance to His friends? How wonderful!

Quid vobis videtur de Christo? Cujus filius est? Dicunt ei: David. Ait illis: Quomodo ergo David in spiritu vocat eum Dominum, dicens: Dixit Dominus Domino meo: Sede a dextris meis, donec ponam inimicos tuos scabellum pedum tuorum? Si ergo David vocat eum Dominum, quomodo filius ejus est?

For those using the Angelus Press Missal, you may notice the printing error during the Gospel.

In other news, Pontificals are popping up everywhere - Perth, Bendigo, Sydney, Melbourne... Details will be provided soon - perhaps by another poster.

On the Monsignor Ronald Knox Seminar and Dinner

2007-09-25T11:11:00.000Z

Behind the Scenes

2007-09-22T11:44:00.000Z

Looking at the martyrology for tomorrow I noted one of the saints commemorated is St. Constantius of Ancona, a sixth-century sacristan of the church of St. Stephen and noted miracle-worker. While I am certain few readers will be familiar with St. Constantius, his feast does prompt one to spare a thought and prayer for those dedicated souls who prepare the altar, flowers, linens, vessels and vestments so that clergy, servers and faithful can offer the most holy sacrifice in a befitting manner. So to all those sacristans who may be reading this blog, I wish you a most blessed and happy feast!!

NB The official patron of sacristans is St. Guy of Anderlecht, whose feast was on the 12th of this month. Adopting a life of poverty from an early age, he worked as a plowman while caring for the poor and sick. His frequenting the local church prompted the parish priest to make him sacristan and he lived inside the church, often praying through the night. One day a merchant promised him great wealth and Guy accompanied him on a voyage. When the ship sank, Guy took it as a sign to return to his old life and as penance for his greed he walked to Rome, then to Jerusalem. Returning to Brussels, he died in 1012 of natural causes and his grave remained forgotten until discovered by a horse. His relics were transferred to a nearby church in 1076 and were repeatedly moved due to wars, before being destroyed by Protestants in the 18th century.

Salvete omnes!

2007-09-21T10:21:00.000Z

Well, ten days to go until my arrival in Cathar territory. Sorry, but I can't help thinking of it in those terms. It's probably the combination of knowing too many Dominicans and, umm... , having once spent my entire summer holidays reading about the Albigensian Crusade. Quite sad, really..! Anyway, 1st October is, Deo volente, arrival day for the six of us (some will get there a day earlier, two with probable jet-lag) in Perpignan. For anyone who's totally lost by now, go back to the FSSP's international site and scroll down to 'Women's Vocations' if it's still up. Scarily, I will in all probability be spending the next nine months of my life speaking French.

God has already been doing wonderful things for me here - my parents are slowly coming to terms with the situation and the fact that I am actually taking this seriously. My relationship with my parents is never likely to be close, but is better right now than it has been, well, since my conversion. For which, God be praised. Does this seem a bit odd to anyone else??? I learn very slowly sometimes, but I think that it did help that I was up-front about this right from the start.

Okay, this is now reading more like a diary entry than a public blogosphere one, but never mind. It's one of the flaws of typing as quickly as you can think - you then find that posts are really long, but can't be bothered to edit them down! The main point was to say one or two things:

1) I am going to seriously miss all of you guys. Contact will be... difficult... I suspect.
2) Ergo, guardian angel post is required. Which means I will still be praying for you all, and would appreciate your prayers (and for the other five and Fr. V.)
3) While I technically can't chicken out now, part of me wants to.
4) I still don't have my passport (it needed renewing). This is a little bit worrying.
5) If anyone knows to how many books 15kg equates, I would appreciate an indication of such.
6) AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

On the 'less-scary' side, I have already been in touch with one of the lasses via e-mail and she seems really nice and is also a musician. She is also probably less freaked out than me about this, which is quite reassuring.

On the Tram

2007-09-19T09:47:00.000Z

While I was on the tram this afternoon, a disembarking man - following the others filing off, gave me a tap on the shoulder, and with a morbid tone, dictated: "Excuse me... You're in the way!" I thought it was a horrid thing to say. It's not because I wasn't aware of taking up particularly much room, but I felt treated like a soul-less chair - to look someone coldly in the eye, and tell them that you wished that their presence did not exist? How can you do that? To anyone? Greetings, I detest you.

Anyway, something lighter courtesy of the Anglicans in Sydney - referring to next year's event as the 'World Roman Catholic Youth Day'.

As usual, lots of good things about. Father Ian Ker visiting the Institute and Library at present - nice to experience something of Oxford. I have papers to write again. It's good. O Crux, ave. Spes unica.