News Report on the TLM

Who's buried in Paul's tomb?

Pope Benedict said to plan examination of St. Paul's Tomb

Kath.net and Die Welt's Paul Badde report

According to reliable sources, Pope Benedict XVI. has given green light for an examination of the interior of St. Paul's tomb in the Basilica San Paolo fuori le Mura. The position of the stone coffin has not been altered since the year 390. Soon, it is said, archeologists will remove a plug with which the coffin had been sealed in Antiquity. An endoscopic probe is supposed to transmit images of the content. What they will show nobody knows. This alleged decision of the Pope has to be seen in the context of the Year of St. Paul which was announced yesterday for 2008, at the vigil of the Feast of Peter and Paul.

I feel pretty, oh so pretty

Ritus Narcissus:

Why Do We Sing Ourselves and Celebrate Ourselves?

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ

Pope Benedict XVI announces a jubilee year dedicated to Saint Paul, saying the church needs modern Christians who will imitate the apostle's missionary energy and spirit of sacrifice.

10, 9, 8, 7 ...

Fr. Zuhlsdorf at wdtprs posts the following today:

On Wednesday afternoon the Secretary of State, Tarcisio Card. Bertone gave the Motu Proprio to 30 bishops from around the world on Wednesday afternoon in the Apostolic Palace. The bishops were explicitly chosen and invited for this. (I am guessing that they were heads of Bishops Conferences.) Pope Benedict XVI later came to the meeting. The document is three pages long, though what the format is in not revealed. The Pope’s accompanying letter is four pages.

It is clear from the way this was done that the Holy Father wanted to make sure that bishops got this document in this way, rather than having to read about it in the paper. I assume that what will happen now is that these bishops, if they are heads of conferences, will return home and distribute the document to the bishop members of the conference.

[UPDATE: They are not only heads of conferences: H.E. Archbp. Raymond Burke of St. Louis and H.E. Sean Card. O’Malley of Boston was there, whether because of this meeting or a coincidental meeting is not clear.]

The general publication is 7 July.

Are you smarter than a catlick?

New glossary seeks to improve Catholics' literacy about their faith

by Kaitlynn Riely | Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- From "Abba" to "zucchetto," a new glossary provides definitions and background for more than 1,300 words that may arise in the Catholic vernacular.

St. Mary's Press Glossary of Theological Terms, composed by Holy Cross Father John T. Ford, evolved from a survey conducted by St. Mary's Press that indicated professors at Catholic colleges noticed a lack of Catholic literacy among their students, said John McHugh, the director of college publishing for St. Mary's Press in Winona, MN.

…The glossary gives definitions for the words and also places them in a wider context, either by explaining the significance of the word in the Catholic faith or by cross-referencing the term with another word. So users of the glossary learn not only what the word means, but also what it means in the context of Catholicism.

Take "zucchetto." The word comes from the Italian "zucca," meaning gourd or head. The zucchetto is the small, round skullcap worn by clergy. Father Ford tells readers that the color of a zucchetto indicates the person's rank. So the pope wears white, cardinals wear scarlet, bishops wear purple and priests wear black.

…Editor's Note: St. Mary's Press Glossary of Theological Terms can be ordered for $15, plus shipping and handling, on the St. Mary's Press Web site at: http://college.smp.org.

The hills are alive!

Pope to go on vacation in Italian Alps in July

The Associated Press

VATICAN CITY: Pope Benedict XVI will vacation in the Italian Alps next month in a town that was a holiday favorite of his predecessor, John Paul II.

Benedict will spend his July 9-27 holiday in Lorenzago di Cadore, in the Dolomite mountains, the Vatican said Saturday.

The private vacation was described as a "period of rest," although the 80-year-old pontiff has two scheduled appearances, on July 15 and July 22, to deliver the traditional Sunday noon Angelus prayer.

From the Alps, Benedict will head to the Vatican summer palace outside Rome in the hill town of Castel Gandolfo, the Vatican said.

John the Forerunner

O Prophet and Forerunner of the presence of Christ, we who fervently honor you cannot worthily praise you. For by your revered and glorious birth the barrenness of your mother and the muteness of your father were unbound, and the incarnation of the Son of God is proclaimed to the world. - Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone

What were they thinking?

Found at Anglo-Catholic Ruminations.

In accordance with the structure of each church and legitimate local customs, the Most Blessed Sacrament should be reserved in a tabernacle in a part of the church that is truly noble, prominent, readily visible, beautifully decorated, and suitable for prayer.

The one tabernacle should be immovable, be made of solid and inviolable material that is not transparent, and be locked in such a way that the danger of profanation is prevented to the greatest extent possible. Moreover, it is appropriate that, before it is put into liturgical use, it be blessed according to the rite described in the Roman Ritual. -- General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) 314.

Litany of the Precious Blood

Lord, have mercy on us, Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us,
Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God, the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, One God,

Blood of Christ, only-begotten Son of the Eternal Father, Save us.
Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God,
Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament,
Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in the Agony,
Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging,
Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with Thorns,
Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross,
Blood of Christ, price of our salvation,
Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness,
Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls,
Blood of Christ, stream of mercy,
Blood of Christ, Victor over demons,
Blood of Christ, courage of martyrs,
Blood of Christ, strength of confessors,
Blood of Christ, bringing forth virgins,
Blood of Christ, help of those in peril,
Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened,
Blood of Christ, solace in sorrow,
Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent,
Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying.
Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts,
Blood of Christ, pledge of Eternal Life,
Blood of Christ, freeing souls from Purgatory,
Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honour,

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.

V. Thou hast redeemed us, 0 Lord, in Thy Blood.
R. And made us, for our God, a kingdom.

Let us pray

ALMIGHTY and Eternal God, Thou hast appointed Thy only begotten Son the Redeemer of the world, and willed to be appeased by His Blood. Grant, we beg of Thee, that we may worthily adore this price of our salvation, and through its power be safeguarded from the evils of this present life, so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Grail? My Patron? Naw! Maybe!

Archaeologist sparks hunt for Holy Grail

Nick Pisa | Rome | telegraph.co.uk |21/06/2007

An archaeologist has sparked a Da Vinci Code-style hunt for the Holy Grail after claiming ancient records show it is buried under a 6th century church in Rome.

The cup - said to have been used by Christ at the Last Supper - is the focus of countless legends and has been sought for centuries.

Alfredo Barbagallo, an Italian archaeologist, claims that it is buried in a chapel-like room underneath the Basilica of San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura, one of the seven churches which Christian pilgrims used to visit when they came to Rome.

Mr Barbagallo based his claim on two years spent studying mediaeval iconography inside the basilica and a description of a particular chamber, in a guide to the catacombs written in 1938 by a Capuchin friar named Giuseppe Da Bra.

The friar describes a room of about 20 square metres with a vaulted roof ceiling. "In the corner of a wall-seat there can be seen a terracotta funnel whose lower part opens out over the face of a skeleton," he wrote.

Da Bra then explains that giving liquid refreshment (refrigerium) to the dead was part of ancient funeral rites.

According to Mr Barbagallo, who heads an association called Arte e Mistero [Art and Mystery], this funnel is the Grail.

He also points out to several beautiful mosaics and frescos in the basilica which feature images of the sacred cup.

Mr Barbagallo added that its presence in the church fits the sketchy accounts of its early guardians.

In 258 AD, during a phase of Christian persecution, Pope Sixtus V reportedly entrusted the treasures of the early Church to a deacon called Lawrence, Lorenzo in Italian. This deacon was martyred four days later and since then no one has ever seen the Grail.

Various legends have it that the cup, given the name Holy Grail in the Middle Ages, was taken to different countries - including Britain.

Mr Barbagallo said he believed it never went anywhere, and stayed with St Lawrence in his tomb.

Emperor Constantine built a shrine on the site of Lawrence’s martyrdom in the 4th Century and the main part of the Basilica of San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura was built in AD580 on the same spot.

The catacombs where Mr Barbagallo believes the cup to buried come under the authority of the Vatican’s Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology.

A spokesman said: "We are aware of the reports and a few weeks ago made an initial investigation of the area with the possibility of opening the catacombs up but as yet no decision has been made."

Play ball!

Major League Baseball Weekend Wrapup
compiled by Brian Michael Page at Christus Vincit

In National League action:

Bishop Brom took 2 of 3 from Cardinal George's Cubbies
(1-4, 1-0, 11-3)

In interleague play:

Cardinal Maida took 2 of 3 from Cardinal Rigali
(12-8, 3-6, 7-4)

Bishop Bradley took 2 of 3 from Cardinal George's White Sox
(4-2, 1-6, 8-7)

Bishop Olmstead swept Cardinal Keeler
(7-3, 8-4, 6-4) Go D-backs!

Archbishop Gregory took 2 of 3 from Bishop Lennon
(5-4, 6-2, 2-5)

Cardinal Egan took 2 of 3 from Bishop DiMarzio
(0-2, 11-8, 8-2)

Cardinal O'Malley swept Archbishop Niederauer
(10-2, 1-0, 9-5)

Archbishop Collins took 2 of 3 from Archbishop Wuerl
(7-2, 7-3, 2-4)

Bishop Vann took 2 of 3 from Archbishop Pilarczyk
(7-6, 4-8, 11-4)

Archbishop DiNardo swept Archbishop Brunett
(5-1, 9-4, 10-3)

Bishop Finn took 2 of 3 from Archbishop Favalora
(6-2, 8-9, 5-4)

Archbishop Dolan took 2 of 3 from Archbishop Flynn
(11-3, 5-2, 9-10)

Archbishop Chaput took 2 of 3 from Bishop Lynch
(12-2, 10-5, 4-7)

Archbishop Burke took 2 of 3 from Bishop Vigneron
(3-14, 15-6, 10-6)

Bishop Brown took 2 of 3 from Cardinal Mahony
(1-2, 3-0, 10-4)

Creation

I believe in the “Big Bang” theory.

God spoke and bang, it happened.

A Bishop Speaks

Thanks to Fr. Z for sharing an excerpt from the Most Rev. Arthur J. Serratelli, Bishop of Patterson, NJ, The Loss of the Sacred series.

Living in our world, we breathe the toxic air that surrounds us. Even within the most sacred precincts of the Church, we witness a loss of the sense of the sacred. With the enthusiasm that followed the Second Vatican Council, there was a well-intentioned effort to make the liturgy modern. It became commonplace to say that the liturgy had to be relevant to the worshipper. Old songs were jettisoned. The guitar replaced the organ. Some priests even began to walk down the road of liturgical innovation, only to discover it was a dead end. And all the while, the awareness of entering into something sacred that has been given to us from above and draws us out of ourselves and into the mystery of God was gone.

Teaching about the Mass began to emphasize the community. The Mass was seen as a community meal. It was something everyone did together. Lost was the notion of sacrifice. Lost the awesome mystery of the Eucharist as Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. The priest was no longer seen as specially consecrated. He was no different than the laity. With all of this, a profound loss of the sacred.

Not one factor can account for the decline in Mass attendance, Church marriages, baptisms and funerals in the last years. But most certainly, the loss of the sense of the sacred has had a major impact.

Walk into any church today before Mass and you will notice that the silence that should embrace those who stand in God’s House is gone. Even the Church is no longer a sacred place. Gathering for Mass sometimes becomes as noisy as gathering for any other social event. We may not have the ability to do much about the loss of the sacredness of life in the songs, videos and movies of our day. But, most assuredly, we can do much about helping one another recover the sacredness of God’s Presence in His Church.

Thank you, good Bishop, for beginning this much needed catechesis for laity and cleric alike!

Pope expected to OK Latin Mass

VATICAN CITY, June 18 (UPI) — Pope Benedict XVI has signed papers that would give Catholic churches the option of using the traditional Latin Mass, a newspaper reported Monday.

The upcoming motu proprio from the pope provides his personal opinion and isn't imbued with papal infallibility, the Times of London reported.

We are awaiting publication with some anxiety, a senior Vatican official told the Times. Everything hinges on the exact wording, and on the letter, which will be released along with the motu proprio, explaining the technicalities of its application by local bishops. The validity of the old Latin Rite has never been repealed, so now we have to see in what circumstances and to what extent the bishops should authorize its use.

The church replaced the old Latin Mass, which dates back to the Middle Ages, with local language masses in the 1960s. The old mass was never banned, but could only be used on special occasions with the permission from a local bishop.

The motu proprio, which expressed views consistent with the pope's when he was Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, was expected to be published in the next few weeks, the Times reported.

OLPH Novena begins Monday

First Novena Prayer

Behold at thy feet, O Mother of Perpetual Help, a wretched sinner who has recourse to thee and confides in thee. O Mother of mercy, have pity on me. I hear thee called by all the refuge and the hope of sinners: be then, my refuge and my hope. Assist me, for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth thy hand to a miserable fallen creature who recommends himself to thee, and who devotes himself to thy service for ever. I bless and thank Almighty God, who in His mercy has given me this confidence in thee, which I hold to be a pledge of my eternal salvation. It is true that in the past I have miserably fallen into sin, because I had not recourse to thee. I know that, with thy help, I shall conquer. I know, too, that thou wilt assist me, if I recommend myself to thee; but I fear that, in time of danger, I may neglect to call on thee, and thus lose my soul. This grace, then, I ask of thee, and this I beg, with all the fervor of my soul, that in all the attacks of hell I may ever have recourse to thee. O Mary, help me. O Mother of Perpetual Help, never suffer me to lose my God.---3 Hail Marys.

Second Novena Prayer

O Mother of Perpetual Help, grant that I may ever invoke thy most powerful name, which is the safeguard of the living and the salvation of the dying. O purest Mary, O sweetest Mary, let thy name henceforth be ever on my lips. Delay not, O Blessed Lady, to help me, whenever I call on thee; for, in all my temptations, in all my needs, I shall never cease to call on thee, ever repeating thy sacred name, Mary, Mary. O what consolation, what sweetness, what confidence, what emotion, fill my soul when I utter thy sacred name, or even only think of thee. I thank the Lord for having given thee, for my good, so sweet, so powerful, so lovely a name. But I will not be content with merely uttering thy name. Let my love for thee prompt me ever to hail thee, Mother of Perpetual Help.---3 Hail Marys.

Third Novena Prayer

O Mother of Perpetual Help, thou art the dispenser of all the gifts which God grants to us miserable sinners; and for this end He has made thee so powerful, so rich, and so bountiful, in order that thou mayest help us in our misery. Thou art the advocate of the most wretched and abandoned sinners who have recourse to thee: come to my aid, for I recommend myself to thee. In thy hands I place my eternal salvation, and to thee I entrust my soul. Count me among thy most devoted servants; take me under thy protection, and it is enough for me. For, if thou protect me, I fear nothing; not from my sins, because thou wilt obtain for me the pardon of them; nor from the devils, because thou art more powerful than all hell together; nor even from Jesus, my judge, because by one prayer from thee He will be appeased. But one thing I fear: that in the hour of temptation I may through negligence fail to have recourse to thee and thus perish miserably. Obtain for me, therefore, the pardon of my sins, love for Jesus, final perseverance, and the grace ever to have recourse to thee, O Mother of Perpetual Help.---3 Hail Marys.

DEO GRATIAS!

Welcome, Eric! You have been sent by God to us.

Dona eis requiem

This was an emotionally draining week. I offered five funeral services; three at the parish church and two at funeral homes. We commended the souls of -- Paul Daniel, a sixth-month premature baby boy, Patrick, a 49-year old man, Alfredo, a 61-year old man, Barbara, a 67 year-old woman, and Olga, a 76-year old woman -- to the arms of our merciful Lord. Also, I anointed Francisco, a 91-year old man who had fallen and suffered brain trauma.

Backstroking in the Tiber

Buh-bye Roman Protestants!

Traditional Latin Mass

Click on the image for a slide show of the TLM.

Sanitas bona

"May the people
who dance on your grave get cramps in their legs."

Et tu, Ricky?

Best blogline of the week:
“…there's more Latin on these 'blogs
than at a Ricky Martin concert!” found at
http://spiritofvatican2.blogspot.com/
... Jus’ living la vida locus.

Memed

ParamedicGirl tagged me with “Things that (or People who) don’t bother me”:

1. Ill people
2. People who arrive at Mass late
3. Mantillas
4. Off-key singers
5. Headon: Apply directly to the forehead
6. Spilt milk
7. A cold wet dog nose
8. Anonymous hate mail
9. Other OCD sufferers
10. A dead-fish handshake
7a. Puppy dog breath
11. Desert monsoons
12. Tejano music
13. 110 degrees in the shade
14. Anita Moore’s number 4
15. Skateboarders
16. The "two trains leave Chicago at the same time" question
7b. Oreo’s jiggy leg

I tag all anonymous pundits.

Ora pro nobis

“The firm purpose and desire which We resolved upon at the beginning of Our Pontificate to consecrate all the energy which the good Lord deigns to grant Us in the work of restoring all things in Christ, reawakens in Our heart a great trust in the all powerful grace of God. Without that grace We can neither plan nor undertake anything great or fruitful for the good of souls here below.” -- Pope St. Pius X | IL FERMO PROPOSITO | June 11, 1905

God grant him rest

The parish received this email today:

"Two weeks ago I attended a funeral Mass at your church for ... I was duly impressed with the priest who said Mass. I do not know his name. I thought he did an outstanding job having no knowledge or relationship with the deceased or his family except for a short visit prior to the service. I felt he was genuine and expressed his compassion eloquently and thoughtfully presented Christ in an outstanding manner during this mournful time. I know we are all quick to criticize, especially the clergy, but I wanted to take the time to tell he and the staff that assisted him, GOOD JOB!

It had to be a real challenge, but you handled it admirably."

I appreciate the kind sentiments. Restore all things in Christ.

From Benediction to Barnabas

Last evening the faithful celebrated Corpus Christi in grand Catholic-style. About 150 parishioners were in attendance at the hour-long service. The air was thick with the fragrance of incense, the sound of bells, and heavenly voices adoring the LORD with hymns and prayers. O Salutaris Hostia, and Tantum Ergo resounded in the church, while verses of Bendito, Bendito and Holy God We Praise Thy Name accompanied the recitation of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Five altars around the church property were replete with flowers, candles, and sacred images. Our prayers finished, we gathered in the parish hall to enjoy marble cake with whipped cream frosting. Deo gratias!

This morning, the altar was still decorated, so I chose to say the Mass in memory of the martyr Saint Barnabas ad orientem wearing a crimson gothic vestment; the white and yellow lilies, and six candles on the altar offering a beautiful backdrop for the sacred synaxis.

Working in the vineyard of the Lord

During a three-week period in late May and early June, Pope Benedict held 61 separate audiences, made 44 nominations, gave 25 speeches or sermons, presided over three major liturgies, created four new saints and approved decrees for 17 other sainthood causes.

George and Joseph

President Bush went to the Vatican for his first meeting with the Pope Benedict. "I was talking to a very smart, loving man," Bush said later. "I was in awe and it was a moving experience."

Preoccupato o pazzo?

I have been preoccupied with thoughts of eating a nice meal of Pollo alla Griglia while singing La Donna e mobile and dancing the Tarantella. ... What does it all mean?

Parish Wish List

Corpus Domini in Rome

The traditional Catholic altar setup on the steps of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for this evening's Benediction at the end of the procession was absolutely beautiful.

Blessed be Jesus Christ

in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar

Thanks, Anita!

Go on over to Anita Moore’s blog V for Victory! post Edwina Gateley: Pagan Priestess for her commentary on a Call To Action petition against the decision of a very holy and wise bishop. (Photo
Ms. Gateley at a recent CTA conference)

Breaking News

"I told you those halberds are sharp. Now get out of my car!"

VATICAN CITY - A person tried to jump into Pope Benedict XVI's popemobile during his general audience Wednesday in St. Peter's Square and was wrestled to the ground by security officers.

Benedict: The Diplomat

Pope Benedict XVI greets the President of Philippine Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Mexico's President Felipe Calderon in his private apartment at The Vatican 04 June 2007.

New Saints Simon, Charles, Anne and George

Pope Benedict canonised four new saints, people who worked in Ireland, France, Poland and Malta. The Pontiff told thousands of pilgrims braving pouring rain in St. Peter's Square that the new saints, whose lives spanned from the 15th to the 20th century, would be spiritual guides for the Roman Catholic faithful.

"May these new saints accompany you with their prayers and inspire you by the example of their holy lives," he said.

Heads of state from Ireland, Malta, Poland and the Philippines attended the canonisation - the final moment on the long path to sainthood during which the Church examines the holiness of a person's life and verifies claims of miracles attributed to their intercession with God.

The four new saints are: Simon of Lipnica, a monk who lived in 15th century Poland; Charles of St. Andrew, a Dutch preacher who worked in Ireland where he was known as Charles of Mount Argus; Anne Marie Eugenie, who gave her life to religious teaching in 19th century France; and George Preca, a Maltese preacher who died in 1962. – Reuters

Areviderci sottana!

I couldn't make it to Rome this week with my friends (sniff, sniff, tear, tear) but at least my cassocks are there. My good priest-brothers were in need of this distinct clerical garb for their trip to the Eternal City so they borrowed mine.

Be sealed with the Holy Spirit

Nearly 140 young people were Confirmed at two Masses this weekend. About three-quarters of them received Holy Communion for the first time. Many thanks to Vicar of Stewardship, Fr. Bud Pelletier for representing Bishop Olmsted.

Corpus Christi from Rome

Pope Benedict XVI presides over the Solemn Mass and Eucharistic Procession of Corpus Christi, Thursday, June 7, 1:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. (Encore) on EWTN (all times Eastern).

Passaporto?

Pope forgot his passport, papers say | cathnews.com

On their recent trip to Brazil, Pope Benedict and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone did not bring their passports, Brazilian newspapers report, resulting in airline Alitalia being fined for allowing undocumented foreigners travel to Brazil.

A respected Brazilian newspaper columnist insists the pope did not have it with him when he landed in Sao Paulo, but high-ranking officials from the Vatican to Brazil's presidential palace aren't commenting, PR Inside reports.

Merval Pereira, who writes for Rio's O Globo newspaper, reported Tuesday that the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, also showed up in Brazil without his passport.

The two were allowed to enter the country, but Pereira said the government found a way to penalise the oversight without causing a stir. It quietly fined Italian airline Alitalia SpA for allowing the two foreigners to travel without documentation to Brazil.

Pereira did not cite a source for his report, but it came a day after another Brazilian columnist also said the pope arrived in Brazil for his 9-13 May visit without his passport.

On Wednesday, federal police in Sao Paulo who oversee passport control at the airport where the papal plane landed declined comment. Asked about the case, an officer who would not give her name in keeping with department policy said "that information is secret".

According to Pereira, federal police were not sure what to do after the pope was greeted by Silva and authorities learned that Benedict and Bertone did not have their passports. The Brazilians settled on fining Alitalia an undisclosed amount, Pereira reported.

The Nuncio formally protested the fine with Brazil's Foreign Ministry, the columnist said. The foreign ministry on Wednesday said it would not comment.