There are two things I could be working on tonight. I could be writing my essay on Summa Theologiae 1 q.1 a.10, or working on lector and EMHC schedules.
The schedules are the part of my job that I hate the most. I chose to work on the schedules. What does that tell you.
For those who are wondering, the Aquinas course isn't going well.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
The Truth of Pope John Paul's Death
In an article published in MicroMega, an Italian periodical, Dr. Lina Pavanelli claims that Pope John Paul II and his doctors disregarded Church teaching by using a form of euthanasia to accelerate the pontiff’s death. This shocking claim reached the mainstream American media though an article in Time magazine, under the sensational title “Was John Paul II Euthanized?”. These articles are inaccurate because of Dr. Pavanelli’s, method of diagnosis, dismissal of the reported cause of death, misunderstanding of the teaching of the Catholic Church regarding life support, and intentions.
Dr. Pavanelli, a professor of intensive care medicine, claims that Pope John Paul II should have received a feeding tube weeks before his death. She has published this claim even though she never had access to either Pope John Paul II or his medical records. She openly admits that her claims are based on information she gained though media reports, watching the pope on television, and from a book written by the Pope’s doctor. Although doctors are not allowed to diagnose through these methods, Dr. Pavanelli not only makes a diagnosis, she accuses the pope of suicide. According to the article in Time, Dr. Pavanelli believes that the pope’s doctors recommended a feeding tube, but he refused the procedure, which she claims amounts to suicide in the opinion of the Church. On May 30, 2005, a Vatican press release stated that the pope had been given a feeding tube, but she claims that it was inserted too late. It has been argued that if Pope John Paul II intended suicide, a feeding tube would not have been inserted at any point. Furthermore, in a press conference given on September 26, 2007, the Vatican announced that the feeding tube had been inserted much earlier, but it was not reported to the media until later. In response, Dr. Pavanelli revised her accusations and now claims that the feeding tube provided was the wrong type. Because she was not present and does not have access to the pope’s medical records, these claims do not have any basis in fact.
Nonetheless, Dr. Pavanelli also claims that Pope John Paul “died for reasons that were clearly not mentioned. […] the incapacity to swallow.” All official reports state that Pope John Paul II died from septic shock and cardiovascular collapse. This was not the result of either starvation or dehydration. The incapacity to swallow and the difficulty breathing which he suffered are both symptoms of his advanced Parkinson’s disease. Difficulty breathing creates a greater risk of infection and physically weakens the patient. A tracheotomy was performed to help the pontiff breathe easier. If suicide had been his intention, he would have refused the tracheotomy.
The most disturbing aspect of the articles are the misrepresentations of the teaching of the Catholic Church. The article in Time claims that “Catholics are enjoined to pursue all means to prolong life.” This statement is false and does not appear in any document of the Catholic Church. On the contrary, article 2278 of The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
Despite that, the dying can be allowed to suffer from starvation or dehydration. Just weeks before the publication of the MicroMega article, the Vatican released a document entitled Responses to Certain Questions of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Concerning Artificial Nutrition and Hydration. The document states:
While some may interpret that passage to mean that Catholics are obliged to provide feeding tubes at all costs, the Declaration on Euthanasia which was approved by Pope John Paul II in 1980 states:
The Catholic Church teaches that feeding tubes only need to be used when they are necessary and useful. In the case of a dying person, they are to be used to ensure the comfort of the patient. That seems to be exactly what the pope’s doctors did.
Despite appearances, the pope is not the real center of this controversy. He is simply the target which Dr. Pavanelli and MicroMega have chosen. This article is really about Piergiorgio Welby, an Italian man with muscular dystrophy who died after being taken off life support. Mr. Welby was not allowed to have a Catholic funeral because his death was seen by Church law as an act of suicide. The difference between Pope John Paul II and Piergiorgio Welby is that Pope John Paul II was actively dying. Earlier insertion of a feeding tube would not have prevented the pope’s death, but Mr. Welby could have lived for some time if his life support had not been removed. In that way, Mr. Welby’s death was directly caused by the removal of the life support system. Dr. Pavanelli and MicroMega have been vocal supporters of Mr. Welby’s decision. This is simply an attempt to promote their cause.
Through her unsubstantiated accusations and gross misinformation, Dr. Pavanelli has broken the physician’s credo of “First, do no harm”. She has harmed the integrity of the medical profession, the reputation of Pope John Paul II, and the knowledge of all those who do not have expertise in Catholic teaching on end of life issues. Her arguments are not cogent because they are not based on knowledge of the patient, they ignore many disclosed facts, and present an inaccurate view of Church teaching. Moreover, she does not openly disclose her true intentions. I am disappointed that Time has given Dr. Pavanelli a means to promote her message without questioning its factuality.
Read more on this topic here:
Fr. Jonathan Morris
LifeSite News
Dr. Pavanelli, a professor of intensive care medicine, claims that Pope John Paul II should have received a feeding tube weeks before his death. She has published this claim even though she never had access to either Pope John Paul II or his medical records. She openly admits that her claims are based on information she gained though media reports, watching the pope on television, and from a book written by the Pope’s doctor. Although doctors are not allowed to diagnose through these methods, Dr. Pavanelli not only makes a diagnosis, she accuses the pope of suicide. According to the article in Time, Dr. Pavanelli believes that the pope’s doctors recommended a feeding tube, but he refused the procedure, which she claims amounts to suicide in the opinion of the Church. On May 30, 2005, a Vatican press release stated that the pope had been given a feeding tube, but she claims that it was inserted too late. It has been argued that if Pope John Paul II intended suicide, a feeding tube would not have been inserted at any point. Furthermore, in a press conference given on September 26, 2007, the Vatican announced that the feeding tube had been inserted much earlier, but it was not reported to the media until later. In response, Dr. Pavanelli revised her accusations and now claims that the feeding tube provided was the wrong type. Because she was not present and does not have access to the pope’s medical records, these claims do not have any basis in fact.
Nonetheless, Dr. Pavanelli also claims that Pope John Paul “died for reasons that were clearly not mentioned. […] the incapacity to swallow.” All official reports state that Pope John Paul II died from septic shock and cardiovascular collapse. This was not the result of either starvation or dehydration. The incapacity to swallow and the difficulty breathing which he suffered are both symptoms of his advanced Parkinson’s disease. Difficulty breathing creates a greater risk of infection and physically weakens the patient. A tracheotomy was performed to help the pontiff breathe easier. If suicide had been his intention, he would have refused the tracheotomy.
The most disturbing aspect of the articles are the misrepresentations of the teaching of the Catholic Church. The article in Time claims that “Catholics are enjoined to pursue all means to prolong life.” This statement is false and does not appear in any document of the Catholic Church. On the contrary, article 2278 of The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
“Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate; it is the refusal of "over-zealous" treatment. Here one does not will to cause death; one's inability to impede it is merely accepted.”
Despite that, the dying can be allowed to suffer from starvation or dehydration. Just weeks before the publication of the MicroMega article, the Vatican released a document entitled Responses to Certain Questions of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Concerning Artificial Nutrition and Hydration. The document states:
"The administration of food and water even by artificial means is, in principle, an ordinary and proportionate means of preserving life. It is therefore obligatory to the extent to which, and for as long as, it is shown to accomplish its proper finality, which is the hydration and nourishment of the patient. In this way suffering and death by starvation and dehydration are prevented."
While some may interpret that passage to mean that Catholics are obliged to provide feeding tubes at all costs, the Declaration on Euthanasia which was approved by Pope John Paul II in 1980 states:
“When inevitable death is imminent in spite of the means used, it is permitted in conscience to take the decision to refuse forms of treatment that would only secure a precarious and burdensome prolongation of life, so long as the normal care due to the sick person in similar cases is not interrupted”
The Catholic Church teaches that feeding tubes only need to be used when they are necessary and useful. In the case of a dying person, they are to be used to ensure the comfort of the patient. That seems to be exactly what the pope’s doctors did.
Despite appearances, the pope is not the real center of this controversy. He is simply the target which Dr. Pavanelli and MicroMega have chosen. This article is really about Piergiorgio Welby, an Italian man with muscular dystrophy who died after being taken off life support. Mr. Welby was not allowed to have a Catholic funeral because his death was seen by Church law as an act of suicide. The difference between Pope John Paul II and Piergiorgio Welby is that Pope John Paul II was actively dying. Earlier insertion of a feeding tube would not have prevented the pope’s death, but Mr. Welby could have lived for some time if his life support had not been removed. In that way, Mr. Welby’s death was directly caused by the removal of the life support system. Dr. Pavanelli and MicroMega have been vocal supporters of Mr. Welby’s decision. This is simply an attempt to promote their cause.
Through her unsubstantiated accusations and gross misinformation, Dr. Pavanelli has broken the physician’s credo of “First, do no harm”. She has harmed the integrity of the medical profession, the reputation of Pope John Paul II, and the knowledge of all those who do not have expertise in Catholic teaching on end of life issues. Her arguments are not cogent because they are not based on knowledge of the patient, they ignore many disclosed facts, and present an inaccurate view of Church teaching. Moreover, she does not openly disclose her true intentions. I am disappointed that Time has given Dr. Pavanelli a means to promote her message without questioning its factuality.
Read more on this topic here:
Fr. Jonathan Morris
LifeSite News
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Boycott Miller
Source: Fox News
The Catholic League is upset over Miller's ties to a fair promoted in an ad that shows semi-nude men and women in bondage at a table with sex toys portraying Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" painting.
"Miller is sponsoring an incredibly outrageous and palpably anti-Christian event," said Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League.
The 2007 Folsom Street Fair, which organizers promote as "fairgrounds filled with people in their most outrageous leather/rubber/fetish attire" is planned for Sunday on Folsom Street in San Francisco.
The fair will benefit a group of local charities, including an organization called the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, who call themselves "queer nuns."
"Want to put your cute leather outfit to good use and serve the community at the same time?" according to a promotion on the group's Web site.
Miller wants its logo removed from the poster, according to a statement in the New York Sun.
/**/
"While Miller has supported the Folsom Street Fair for several years, we take exception to the poster the organizing committee developed this year. We understand some individuals may find the imagery offensive," said Julian Green, a Miller spokeswoman in a statement.
Click here to read a report in the New York Sun.
Donohue called Miller's response a "lame statement of regret."
"Miller leaves us with no options," Donohue said.
Father Jonathan Morris, a Roman Catholic priest based in Rome, said the group is not nuns and wants to promote gay rights.
"What they are doing is trying to make a mockery of religion," Morris, a FOX News analyst, said.
Morris called the ad "blasphemy."
"When you take something that is sacred to somebody, you turn it into the profane and you use it for your own good," Morris said. "That's bad for society."
The Catholic League is upset over Miller's ties to a fair promoted in an ad that shows semi-nude men and women in bondage at a table with sex toys portraying Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" painting.
"Miller is sponsoring an incredibly outrageous and palpably anti-Christian event," said Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League.
The 2007 Folsom Street Fair, which organizers promote as "fairgrounds filled with people in their most outrageous leather/rubber/fetish attire" is planned for Sunday on Folsom Street in San Francisco.
The fair will benefit a group of local charities, including an organization called the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, who call themselves "queer nuns."
"Want to put your cute leather outfit to good use and serve the community at the same time?" according to a promotion on the group's Web site.
Miller wants its logo removed from the poster, according to a statement in the New York Sun.
/**/
"While Miller has supported the Folsom Street Fair for several years, we take exception to the poster the organizing committee developed this year. We understand some individuals may find the imagery offensive," said Julian Green, a Miller spokeswoman in a statement.
Click here to read a report in the New York Sun.
Donohue called Miller's response a "lame statement of regret."
"Miller leaves us with no options," Donohue said.
Father Jonathan Morris, a Roman Catholic priest based in Rome, said the group is not nuns and wants to promote gay rights.
"What they are doing is trying to make a mockery of religion," Morris, a FOX News analyst, said.
Morris called the ad "blasphemy."
"When you take something that is sacred to somebody, you turn it into the profane and you use it for your own good," Morris said. "That's bad for society."
Fellini's Roma Catholic Fashion Show
The whole thing is rather weird and very twisted, but I am waiting to see the neon vestments at Mass.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Living Biblically
Could you spend a year following every law in the Bible. One guy tried it. Read more here.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Are You Catholic 1
You know you are Catholic when you are reading posts on a message board, see another poster being referred to as OP and wonder who the Dominican is.
Btw: In this context OP means Other Poster.
To me it means Order of Preachers
Btw: In this context OP means Other Poster.
To me it means Order of Preachers
The Seven Year Marriage
For better, for worse, in sickness and in health, for the next seven years. Doesn't quite sound right? Well, one Bavarian politician thinks that is how marriage should be.
From News 24:
From News 24:
Bavaria's most glamorous politician -- a flame-haired motorcyclist who helped bring down state premier Edmund Stoiber -- has shocked the Catholic state in Germany by suggesting marriage should last just 7 years.
Gabriele Pauli, who poses on her web site in motorcyle leathers, is standing for the leadership of Bavaria's Christian Social Union (CSU) -- sister party of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) -- in a vote next week.
She told reporters at the launch of her campaign manifesto Wednesday she wanted marriage to expire after seven years and accused the CSU, which promotes traditional family values, of nurturing ideals of marriage which are wide of the mark.
"The basic approach is wrong ... many marriages last just because people believe they are safe," she told reporters. "My suggestion is that marriages expire after seven years."
After that time, couples should either agree to extend their marriage or it should be automatically dissolved, she said.
Fifty-year-old Pauli, twice divorced, is a maverick intent on shaking up her male-dominated and mainly Catholic party which has dominated Bavarian politics since World War Two.
"This is about bringing ideas into the CSU and starting a discussion," she told German television Thursday after she had unleashed a wave of criticism from other politicians.
Former foe Stoiber said she did not belong in the CSU and European lawmaker Ingo Freidrich dismissed her views.
"She is diametrically contradicting our Christian, ethical values," Freidrich said.
Peter Ramsauer, head of the CSU in Germany's parliament, compared Pauli's ideas to "the dirt under your fingernails."
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Which Classical Composer Are You?
h/t to the Disciple of the Dumb Ox
You scored as Handel, It's hard to say where you
Which classical composer are you? created with QuizFarm.com |
Banning the HPV Vaccine
Poor reporting strikes again. On first glance it seems that the Diocese of Hamilton is planning to expel students who recieve the HPV vaccine, but that is not the case. This actually isn't newsworthy since it only states that school nurses are not allowed to administer the vaccine in the school. Since when did kids get vaccinated at school anyway? Leave it to Canada to come up with weird ideas. See what free health care comes with.
Also, the HPV vaccine doesn't prevent cervical cancer because although HPV is the primary cause, it is not the only cause of cervical cancer.
From 680 News:
Also, the HPV vaccine doesn't prevent cervical cancer because although HPV is the primary cause, it is not the only cause of cervical cancer.
From 680 News:
The Halton Catholic School Board could become the first in the province to ban female students from receiving the HPV vaccine.
Trustees with the board will vote tonight on whether public health nurses should be allowed to administer the vaccine in its schools, according to a report in the Hamilton Spectator.
The human papilloma virus vaccine is offered to Grade 8 girls in Ontario, as a way to prevent cervical cancer in their future.
The ban could also cover the public health unit from counselling or giving advice on the vaccine to any student on board property.
Why Not Just Homeschool
This article puzzles me. These people are obviously on to something, but they're going about it all wrong. I wonder if these small classes were intentional, or just happened. I can't help but think they were intentional based on the fact that these parents are willing to pay $25,000 a year for tuition. That is more than most people pay for a year of college.
Only in New York!
From WCBS:
Only in New York!
From WCBS:
When school is dismissed at the end of the day, there's nothing unusual about seeing a rush of children plow through the doors in a frenzy of excitement. But instead of the student body pouring out of the new Academy of St. Joseph, little Sebastian Reardon and Intonina Machniewska-Schlussman are the only students leaving to go play.
That's because at the Catholic school in Greenwich Village, Sebastian and Intonina are the student body.
"It's a great school and we're willing to experiment, just try it out," says Gosia Machniewska-Schlussman, Intonina's mother.
And it's an experiment that costs $25,000 a year in tuition to test. But because Sebastian and Intonina are the only students in their pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes, they are receiving individual hands on attention from their teachers, which suits their parents just fine.
"I wanted a small environment for him and Catholic education would be good for him," said Emily Reardon, Sebastian's mother.
Added Mrs. Machniewska-Schlussman: "It's a great school. We went to see last Friday what she has learned in a week and it was amazing."
Right now the school only offers pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, but the archdiocese plans to add a grade each year all the way up to 8th grade.
"We have a business plan and we are confident, based on the research that we have done, that the school will succeed," said Joseph Zwelling, of the New York Archdiocese.
The archdiocese, which runs the school, blames low enrollment on the fact that parents were not able to come to any open houses before it opened.
"We were expecting 4, 5 to start in pre-k and kindergarten, but we were hampered from getting to that point because the school was under construction," Zwelling said.
Machniewska-Schlussman says she's not worried about Intonina not being surrounded by other students and missing out on the ability to socialize. "We are going to the park. She will have plenty of interaction with plenty of classmates from previous school," she says.
The renovations are expected to be complete by the end of the month and open houses will begin in October. Each classroom will have Internet access for its students, who aside from the basics will learn French, Italian, Latin, architecture, and principles of character.
Friday, September 14, 2007
High Mass on EWTN
Ok, I watched the High Mass on EWTN. Well, I watched until the offertory then my son demanded my attention and I was unable to watch the rest. I should have taped it.
Now, I must admit that I didn't particularly like it. That surprised me. I expected to see it and fall in love. Maybe it was because it was on TV, maybe it was because I am not used to it. I don't know. I am planning to attend one in person in the beginning of October and I hope that one will be better.
Please don't take the following statement the wrong way, but I couldn't get used to all the bowing and biretta on...biretta off...biretta on again. Finally, with my mouth hanging open I said, "Did the deacon just kiss the biretta". I ended up very distracted and found myself focusing on the choreography.
I wish I had been able to watch the Canon and I plan on ordering the DVD from EWTN. I'll give you my report after I attend one in person.
Now, I must admit that I didn't particularly like it. That surprised me. I expected to see it and fall in love. Maybe it was because it was on TV, maybe it was because I am not used to it. I don't know. I am planning to attend one in person in the beginning of October and I hope that one will be better.
Please don't take the following statement the wrong way, but I couldn't get used to all the bowing and biretta on...biretta off...biretta on again. Finally, with my mouth hanging open I said, "Did the deacon just kiss the biretta". I ended up very distracted and found myself focusing on the choreography.
I wish I had been able to watch the Canon and I plan on ordering the DVD from EWTN. I'll give you my report after I attend one in person.
Thou Must Feed
Made public today was a response from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to certain questions raised by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops concerning artificial nutrition and hydration. The replies were approved by the Holy Father during an audience granted to Cardinal William Joseph Levada, prefect of the congregation. The text of the responses has been published in its Latin original and in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Polish and Portuguese.
"First question: Is the administration of food and water (whether by natural or artificial means) to a patient in a 'vegetative state' morally obligatory except when they cannot be assimilated by the patient's body or cannot be administered to the patient without causing significant physical discomfort?
"Response: Yes. The administration of food and water even by artificial means is, in principle, an ordinary and proportionate means of preserving life. It is therefore obligatory to the extent to which, and for as long as, it is shown to accomplish its proper finality, which is the hydration and nourishment of the patient. In this way suffering and death by starvation and dehydration are prevented.
"Second question: When nutrition and hydration are being supplied by artificial means to a patient in a 'permanent vegetative state,' may they be discontinued when competent physicians judge with moral certainty that the patient will never recover consciousness?
"Response: No. A patient in a 'permanent vegetative state' is a person with fundamental human dignity and must, therefore, receive ordinary and proportionate care which includes, in principle, the administration of water and food even by artificial means."
An English-language note accompanying the responses indicates that: "When stating that the administration of food and water is morally obligatory 'in principle,' the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith does not exclude the possibility that, in very remote places or in situations of extreme poverty, the artificial provision of food and water may be physically impossible, and then 'ad impossibilia nemo tenetur.' However, the obligation to offer the minimal treatments that are available remains in place, as well as that of obtaining, if possible, the means necessary for an adequate support of life. Nor is the possibility excluded that, due to emerging complications, a patient may be unable to assimilate food and liquids, so that their provision becomes altogether useless. Finally, the possibility is not absolutely excluded that, in some rare cases, artificial nourishment and hydration may be excessively burdensome for the patient or may cause significant physical discomfort, for example resulting from complications in the use of the means employed.
"These exceptional cases, however, take nothing away from the general ethical criterion, according to which the provision of water and food, even by artificial means, always represents a 'natural means' for preserving life, and is not a 'therapeutic treatment.' Its use should therefore be considered 'ordinary and proportionate,' even when the 'vegetative state' is prolonged."
VIS
Read the document here and the commentary here.
"First question: Is the administration of food and water (whether by natural or artificial means) to a patient in a 'vegetative state' morally obligatory except when they cannot be assimilated by the patient's body or cannot be administered to the patient without causing significant physical discomfort?
"Response: Yes. The administration of food and water even by artificial means is, in principle, an ordinary and proportionate means of preserving life. It is therefore obligatory to the extent to which, and for as long as, it is shown to accomplish its proper finality, which is the hydration and nourishment of the patient. In this way suffering and death by starvation and dehydration are prevented.
"Second question: When nutrition and hydration are being supplied by artificial means to a patient in a 'permanent vegetative state,' may they be discontinued when competent physicians judge with moral certainty that the patient will never recover consciousness?
"Response: No. A patient in a 'permanent vegetative state' is a person with fundamental human dignity and must, therefore, receive ordinary and proportionate care which includes, in principle, the administration of water and food even by artificial means."
An English-language note accompanying the responses indicates that: "When stating that the administration of food and water is morally obligatory 'in principle,' the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith does not exclude the possibility that, in very remote places or in situations of extreme poverty, the artificial provision of food and water may be physically impossible, and then 'ad impossibilia nemo tenetur.' However, the obligation to offer the minimal treatments that are available remains in place, as well as that of obtaining, if possible, the means necessary for an adequate support of life. Nor is the possibility excluded that, due to emerging complications, a patient may be unable to assimilate food and liquids, so that their provision becomes altogether useless. Finally, the possibility is not absolutely excluded that, in some rare cases, artificial nourishment and hydration may be excessively burdensome for the patient or may cause significant physical discomfort, for example resulting from complications in the use of the means employed.
"These exceptional cases, however, take nothing away from the general ethical criterion, according to which the provision of water and food, even by artificial means, always represents a 'natural means' for preserving life, and is not a 'therapeutic treatment.' Its use should therefore be considered 'ordinary and proportionate,' even when the 'vegetative state' is prolonged."
VIS
Read the document here and the commentary here.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
I'm Betting on the Trash
From CNS:
My comments in red.
British musicians recorded the classic Irish hymn, "Sweet Heart of Jesus," in a calypso, disco style and sent it to Pope Benedict XVI on an iPod nano. (Just what he always wanted. @@)
Pope Benedict might like it, or he might become the first pontiff in history to throw an iPod into the trash. (I'm betting on the trash)
The musicians' intention, however, was to soften the pope's attitude toward modern church music. (Hmmm, might have the opposite effect)
The gift is from contemporary Catholic songwriters Jo Boyce and Mike Stanley, and it features a new album of classic hymns reworked in modern forms of music. The duo has used instruments such as pianos, saxophones, guitars, drums and synthesizers to recreate centuries-old works in laid-back gospel, folk, funk, soul and lounge-music styles.
The album, "Age to Age," was downloaded onto an iPod and sent to Pope Benedict in the hope of gaining a "papal seal of approval," said a Sept. 4 press release by the Catholic Communications Network of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. (I think there is a better chance that he will endorse the KFC fish sandwich)
The move is something of a gamble given that Pope Benedict, an aficionado of classical music, said in 1996 that rock music was not very uplifting for the soul and certainly did not belong in church. (Although I can enjoy the musical genre, I have to agree that it doesn't belong in church)
Last year, Pope Benedict said that "an authentic updating of sacred music cannot occur except in line with the great tradition of the past."
But the artists see the new album as a chance to demonstrate to Pope Benedict just how good modern church music can be.
"We wanted Pope Benedict to hear how some of the more traditional songs can be interpreted in a contemporary way without doing an injustice to the truth they contain," said Stanley.
Boyce added: "There is much talk in church circles at the moment about the inappropriateness of contemporary instruments like drums and guitars in favor of the more traditional sounds of organ and choir.
"However, our experience over the last 11 years suggests it need not be an either/or situation, but rather both/and -- what really matters is the standard of musicianship and the ageless truth it seeks to express," she said.
Stanley and Boyce, based in Birmingham, England, also have contacted Apple Inc., the manufacturer of iPods and the controller of a large percentage of the international digital music download market, in the hope that it may offer Pope Benedict some free downloads from its online iTunes store. (I think we all know what he would download)
Stanley said: "We'd be delighted to know that the pope enjoyed our versions of classic hymns. But it got us wondering what he listens to himself. My guess would be classical or choral music, but it would be fascinating to find out what other tunes he would add." (Uh-huh)
The album, which will be released Sept. 15, features "Soul of Savior," written by Pope John XXII some seven centuries ago, and "Make Me A Channel," based on the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, recreated as soul ballads.
"How Great Thou Art," written by a Swedish pastor after he was awestruck by a walk in a thunderstorm, is reproduced as a rousing folk duet, along with "Be Not Afraid," written by the Jesuit Father Robert Dufford and billed by Boyce and Stanley as one of the best-loved hymns in the United States.
The complete digital collection of Boyce and Stanley recordings on iPod nano have also been sent to Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor of Westminster, who, like Pope Benedict, is a classical pianist.
Pope Benedict is already the owner of an iPod; last year, a group of Vatican Radio employees gave him a device loaded with Vatican Radio programming and classical music. (See, they know what he wants)
It included musical compositions by Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Frederic Chopin, Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky and Igor Stravinsky. The stainless steel back was engraved with the words "To His Holiness, Benedict XVI" in Italian. (Yeah, that is more his style. I wonder what was engraved on the new iPod. Rock on popeman? Popeariffic? Post your ideas in the combox.)
My comments in red.
British musicians recorded the classic Irish hymn, "Sweet Heart of Jesus," in a calypso, disco style and sent it to Pope Benedict XVI on an iPod nano. (Just what he always wanted. @@)
Pope Benedict might like it, or he might become the first pontiff in history to throw an iPod into the trash. (I'm betting on the trash)
The musicians' intention, however, was to soften the pope's attitude toward modern church music. (Hmmm, might have the opposite effect)
The gift is from contemporary Catholic songwriters Jo Boyce and Mike Stanley, and it features a new album of classic hymns reworked in modern forms of music. The duo has used instruments such as pianos, saxophones, guitars, drums and synthesizers to recreate centuries-old works in laid-back gospel, folk, funk, soul and lounge-music styles.
The album, "Age to Age," was downloaded onto an iPod and sent to Pope Benedict in the hope of gaining a "papal seal of approval," said a Sept. 4 press release by the Catholic Communications Network of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. (I think there is a better chance that he will endorse the KFC fish sandwich)
The move is something of a gamble given that Pope Benedict, an aficionado of classical music, said in 1996 that rock music was not very uplifting for the soul and certainly did not belong in church. (Although I can enjoy the musical genre, I have to agree that it doesn't belong in church)
Last year, Pope Benedict said that "an authentic updating of sacred music cannot occur except in line with the great tradition of the past."
But the artists see the new album as a chance to demonstrate to Pope Benedict just how good modern church music can be.
"We wanted Pope Benedict to hear how some of the more traditional songs can be interpreted in a contemporary way without doing an injustice to the truth they contain," said Stanley.
Boyce added: "There is much talk in church circles at the moment about the inappropriateness of contemporary instruments like drums and guitars in favor of the more traditional sounds of organ and choir.
"However, our experience over the last 11 years suggests it need not be an either/or situation, but rather both/and -- what really matters is the standard of musicianship and the ageless truth it seeks to express," she said.
Stanley and Boyce, based in Birmingham, England, also have contacted Apple Inc., the manufacturer of iPods and the controller of a large percentage of the international digital music download market, in the hope that it may offer Pope Benedict some free downloads from its online iTunes store. (I think we all know what he would download)
Stanley said: "We'd be delighted to know that the pope enjoyed our versions of classic hymns. But it got us wondering what he listens to himself. My guess would be classical or choral music, but it would be fascinating to find out what other tunes he would add." (Uh-huh)
The album, which will be released Sept. 15, features "Soul of Savior," written by Pope John XXII some seven centuries ago, and "Make Me A Channel," based on the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, recreated as soul ballads.
"How Great Thou Art," written by a Swedish pastor after he was awestruck by a walk in a thunderstorm, is reproduced as a rousing folk duet, along with "Be Not Afraid," written by the Jesuit Father Robert Dufford and billed by Boyce and Stanley as one of the best-loved hymns in the United States.
The complete digital collection of Boyce and Stanley recordings on iPod nano have also been sent to Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor of Westminster, who, like Pope Benedict, is a classical pianist.
Pope Benedict is already the owner of an iPod; last year, a group of Vatican Radio employees gave him a device loaded with Vatican Radio programming and classical music. (See, they know what he wants)
It included musical compositions by Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Frederic Chopin, Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky and Igor Stravinsky. The stainless steel back was engraved with the words "To His Holiness, Benedict XVI" in Italian. (Yeah, that is more his style. I wonder what was engraved on the new iPod. Rock on popeman? Popeariffic? Post your ideas in the combox.)
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Never Forget 9/11/07
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom do I fear? The Lord is my life's refuge; of whom am I afraid?
When evildoers come at me to devour my flesh, These my enemies and foes themselves stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me, my heart does not fear; Though war be waged against me, even then do I trust.
When evildoers come at me to devour my flesh, These my enemies and foes themselves stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me, my heart does not fear; Though war be waged against me, even then do I trust.
One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek: To dwell in the Lord's house all the days of my life, To gaze on the Lord's beauty, to visit his temple.
For God will hide me in his shelter in time of trouble, Will conceal me in the cover of his tent; and set me high upon a rock.
Even now my head is held high above my enemies on every side! I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and chant praise to the Lord.
For God will hide me in his shelter in time of trouble, Will conceal me in the cover of his tent; and set me high upon a rock.
Even now my head is held high above my enemies on every side! I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and chant praise to the Lord.
Hear my voice, Lord, when I call; have mercy on me and answer me.
"Come," says my heart, "seek God's face"; your face, Lord, do I seek!
Do not hide your face from me; do not repel your servant in anger. You are my help; do not cast me off; do not forsake me, God my savior!
Even if my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me in.
Lord, show me your way; lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
Do not abandon me to the will of my foes; malicious and lying witnesses have risen against me.
But I believe I shall enjoy the Lord's goodness in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the Lord!
Lord, show me your way; lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
Do not abandon me to the will of my foes; malicious and lying witnesses have risen against me.
But I believe I shall enjoy the Lord's goodness in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the Lord!
Psalm 27
For my friend, Fr. Francis Grogan (Flight 175); all those who lost their lives in the attacks seven years ago; and those they left behind. May God embrace them and give them the comfort and peace He alone can provide.Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let Your Perpetual Light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen.
Tridentine Mass Training Sessions for Priests
The Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, in collaboration with Una Voce America, in response to overwhelming popular demand is happy the announce two additional workshops for
training priests in the "Extraordinary Form" of the Roman Rite, to be conducted at Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary during the Fall Semester of 2007. The first workshop will take place from Friday, October 5th through Tuesday, October 9th. The second will take place from Friday, November 2nd through Tuesday, November 6th. Available placements are limited so priests are urged to contact the seminary at their earliest convenience. The cost for each of these five day workshops is $300.00. All the fundamentals involved in learning the Traditional Latin Mass will be covered. Priests will receive a complete explanation with hands-on practice of the
rubrics of the 1962 Missale Romanum as well as an introduction to Latin, traditional
liturgical principles, and Sung Mass. A comprehensive materials packet will be
provided including translations of the rubrics, audio CD's with the recited texts of Low
Mass and Celebrant's chant for Sung Mass, and a demonstration DVD with examples of
both Low and Solemn Mass.
To receive more information or to make a reservation, interested priests should contact:
Fr. Goodwin at (402) 797-7700 or email: seminary@fsspolgs.org
or write to: Attn: Mass Workshops, O.L.G. Seminary, P.O. Box 147, Denton, NE. 68339.
training priests in the "Extraordinary Form" of the Roman Rite, to be conducted at Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary during the Fall Semester of 2007. The first workshop will take place from Friday, October 5th through Tuesday, October 9th. The second will take place from Friday, November 2nd through Tuesday, November 6th. Available placements are limited so priests are urged to contact the seminary at their earliest convenience. The cost for each of these five day workshops is $300.00. All the fundamentals involved in learning the Traditional Latin Mass will be covered. Priests will receive a complete explanation with hands-on practice of the
rubrics of the 1962 Missale Romanum as well as an introduction to Latin, traditional
liturgical principles, and Sung Mass. A comprehensive materials packet will be
provided including translations of the rubrics, audio CD's with the recited texts of Low
Mass and Celebrant's chant for Sung Mass, and a demonstration DVD with examples of
both Low and Solemn Mass.
To receive more information or to make a reservation, interested priests should contact:
Fr. Goodwin at (402) 797-7700 or email: seminary@fsspolgs.org
or write to: Attn: Mass Workshops, O.L.G. Seminary, P.O. Box 147, Denton, NE. 68339.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Big Shock
Not really, but here is the shocking news.
I just wish I had more time to blog.
74%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?
I just wish I had more time to blog.
74%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?
Mingle2 - Dating Site
Young Catholics and the Pope
The secular media likes to portray Pope Benedict as a cold, heartless man who has not captured the love of Catholics.
To them I present this video from the Pope's visit with young people in Loreto.
I think the young Catholics who filmed this would argue otherwise.
To them I present this video from the Pope's visit with young people in Loreto.
I think the young Catholics who filmed this would argue otherwise.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Update on Desecration
This is an update on a post from this morning.
The mother of the teenager who desecrated the church and abused Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament has refused to bail out her daughter.
From MSNBC:
The mother of the teenager who desecrated the church and abused Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament has refused to bail out her daughter.
From MSNBC:
Bedard's mother, Amy Bedard, argued in court against releasing her daughter on personal recognizance. She said she can't control her daughter and that she would not post bail.
"She sneaks out at 2 o'clock in the morning &hellip [sic]; She sneaks out, and I have no way of confronting her. I cannot hold her down. She will not listen to me," Amy Bedard said.
Mallory Bedard was ordered held overnight, pending a hearing Wednesday.
"It hurts to know that she's my daughter. I'm ashamed, and I'm saddened," Amy Bedard told NBC 10 outside the courthouse.
Study and Fun
I am one of those weird people who loves school (except at the end of the semester when I can't wait for the course to be over). I am a bona-fide geek. I know that is hard to believe, but if I am ever lost, just look for me in the theology section of any local library (the library at school is probably you best bet).
One of the courses I am taking this semester is Theology of St. Thomas Aquinas. I am looking forward to this class immensely. It should be excellent. Three months studying the Summa Theologiae sounds like theological heaven. Of course, in two months I may be saying otherwise. Our textbook, Knowing the Love of Christ, looks like an orthodox one. It is written by two professors from Ave Maria University, Michael Dauphinais & Matthew Levering. I don't know anything about them, but the notes on the back of the book are from well respected theologians. Plus, is got a positive review from First Things, so I expect it to be good.
Since I begin Thomistics on Thursday, here is a little Aquinas humor.
Summa Theologica, I.3.9
Ninth Article
Is God made of soap?
We proceed thus to the Ninth Article:
Objection 1: It would seem that God is made of soap. For whatever is highest in a genus must be predicated of God. But the highest in the genus of cleanliness, which the Philosopher says is next to godliness, is soap.
Objection 2: Moreover, Scripture says, "Wash me, and I shall be clean indeed." But it belongs to soap to wash.
Objection 3: Furthermore, Dionysius says in On the Divine Names, "For the being of the Most High, being beyond Being, which is what is, can only be denied, as of foamy lather that surpasses even the most excellent conception." But the principle of foamy lather is soap, and where the effect is found, there must the principle be posited.
On the contrary is the opinion of Saint Augustine, who says, "I did wander long among vain fancies, thinking that thou wert as the soap that cleanseth all things, and that evil was a grimy blot on thy purity."
I answer that, 'Soap' can be said in two ways. In one way, soap is the material principle of cleanliness as such. But we have already shown that there is no material principle in God. Therefore, God is not made of soap. But in another way, 'soap' is said of whatever is highest in the order of efficient causes directed towards cleanliness secundum quid by an order that is less than formal with respect to the finality of an end, simply as such, without respect of quiddity in potentiality to the sensitive appetite. And in this sense all men say that God is made of soap, and that in the highest degree, as is plain from the definition.
Reply Obj. 1: Soap is not the highest in the genus of cleanliness, as the Saponians heretically maintain, but only in the genus of material ablutions, which is related to cleanliness in the way that principles of natural reason are related to the eternal law, as the Psalmist says, "How shall a young man cleanse his way? By keeping to your law."
Reply Obj. 2: Scripture also says, "I will wipe away every tear from their eyes." But soap is an efficient cause of tears, and not of their remotion. Therefore, God is not made of soap.
Reply Obj. 3: In this place Dionysius understands 'foamy lather' in accordance with the way of remotion, so that it implies only the lack of such qualities as are inconsistent with foamy lather, as shortness of duration and irritation to the skin.
One of the courses I am taking this semester is Theology of St. Thomas Aquinas. I am looking forward to this class immensely. It should be excellent. Three months studying the Summa Theologiae sounds like theological heaven. Of course, in two months I may be saying otherwise. Our textbook, Knowing the Love of Christ, looks like an orthodox one. It is written by two professors from Ave Maria University, Michael Dauphinais & Matthew Levering. I don't know anything about them, but the notes on the back of the book are from well respected theologians. Plus, is got a positive review from First Things, so I expect it to be good.
Since I begin Thomistics on Thursday, here is a little Aquinas humor.
Ninth Article
Is God made of soap?
Objection 1: It would seem that God is made of soap. For whatever is highest in a genus must be predicated of God. But the highest in the genus of cleanliness, which the Philosopher says is next to godliness, is soap.
Objection 2: Moreover, Scripture says, "Wash me, and I shall be clean indeed." But it belongs to soap to wash.
Objection 3: Furthermore, Dionysius says in On the Divine Names, "For the being of the Most High, being beyond Being, which is what is, can only be denied, as of foamy lather that surpasses even the most excellent conception." But the principle of foamy lather is soap, and where the effect is found, there must the principle be posited.
On the contrary is the opinion of Saint Augustine, who says, "I did wander long among vain fancies, thinking that thou wert as the soap that cleanseth all things, and that evil was a grimy blot on thy purity."
I answer that, 'Soap' can be said in two ways. In one way, soap is the material principle of cleanliness as such. But we have already shown that there is no material principle in God. Therefore, God is not made of soap. But in another way, 'soap' is said of whatever is highest in the order of efficient causes directed towards cleanliness secundum quid by an order that is less than formal with respect to the finality of an end, simply as such, without respect of quiddity in potentiality to the sensitive appetite. And in this sense all men say that God is made of soap, and that in the highest degree, as is plain from the definition.
Reply Obj. 1: Soap is not the highest in the genus of cleanliness, as the Saponians heretically maintain, but only in the genus of material ablutions, which is related to cleanliness in the way that principles of natural reason are related to the eternal law, as the Psalmist says, "How shall a young man cleanse his way? By keeping to your law."
Reply Obj. 2: Scripture also says, "I will wipe away every tear from their eyes." But soap is an efficient cause of tears, and not of their remotion. Therefore, God is not made of soap.
Reply Obj. 3: In this place Dionysius understands 'foamy lather' in accordance with the way of remotion, so that it implies only the lack of such qualities as are inconsistent with foamy lather, as shortness of duration and irritation to the skin.
Teens Desecrate Church
This occured in a neighboring town at a parish I have filled in at. Not only was the church vandalized and sacred vessels stolen, but the Eucharist was violated. The sacrileges comitted here are horrible.
From the Herald News
Litany in Reparation to Our Lord in the Eucharist
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, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, offered for the salvation of sinners, Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, annihilated on the altar for us and by us, Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, despised by lukewarm Christians, Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, mark of contradiction, Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, delivered over to infidels and heretics, Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, insulted by blasphemers, Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, Bread of angels, given to animals, Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, flung into the mud and trampled underfoot, Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, dishonored by unfaithful priests, Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, forgotten and abandoned in Thy churches, Have mercy on us.
Be merciful unto us, Pardon us, O Lord.
Be merciful unto us, Hear us, O Lord.
For the outrageous contempt of this most wonderful Sacrament, We offer Thee our reparation.
For Thine extreme humiliation in Thine admirable Sacrament, We offer Thee our reparation.
For all unworthy Communions, We offer Thee our reparation.
For the irreverences of wicked Christians, We offer Thee our reparation.
For the profanation of Thy sanctuaries, We offer Thee our reparation.
For the holy ciboriums dishonored and carried away by force, We offer Thee our reparation.
For the continual blasphemies of impious men, We offer Thee our reparation.
For the obduracy and treachery of heretics, We offer Thee our reparation.
For the unworthy conversations carried on in Thy holy temples, We offer Thee our reparation.
For the profaners of Thy churches which they have desecrated by their sacrileges, We offer Thee our reparation.
That it may please Thee to increase in all Christians the reverence due to this adorable Mystery, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That it may please Thee to manifest the Sacrament of Thy Love to heretics, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That it may please Thee to grant us the grace to atone for their hatred by our burning love for Thee, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That it may please Thee that the insults of those who outrage Thee may rather be directed against ourselves, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That it may please Thee graciously to receive this our humble reparation, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That it may please Thee to make our adoration acceptable to Thee, we beseech Thee, hear us.
Pure Host, hear our prayer.
Holy Host, hear our prayer.
Immaculate Host, hear our prayer.
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.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
V. See, O Lord, our affliction,
R. And give glory to Thy Holy Name.
Let Us Pray:
O Lord Jesus Christ,
Who dost deign to remain with us in Thy wonderful Sacrament to the end of the world,
in order to give to Thy Father, by the memory of Thy Passion, eternal glory,
and to give to us the Bread of life everlasting:
Grant us the grace to mourn, with a heart full of sorrow,
over the injuries which Thou hast received in this adorable Mystery,
and over the many sacrileges which are committed by the impious, by heretics and by bad Catholics.
Inflame us with an ardent zeal to repair all these insults
to which, in Thine infinite mercy, Thou hast preferred to expose Thyself
rather than deprive us of Thy Presence on our altars,
Who with God the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
From the Herald News
Police arrested two town [Somerset MA] residents after they allegedly broke into St. Patrick’s Church, stole numerous items, including chalices and altar breads, and burned a section of carpeting.
Anthony Botelho, 19, of 197 Main St., and Mallory Bedard, 17, of 198 Vermont Ave., are each charged with breaking and entering a building in the nighttime, larceny more than $250 and vandalizing a church.
Chief Joseph Ferreira said Officer David Labreche responded to a break-in complaint at the South Street church Saturday afternoon and found a Massachusetts driver’s license in the sacristy, a room near the altar.
“The driver’s license was that of the defendant Botelho,” Ferreira said. “The church had been ransacked, and many items were reported stolen.”
Labreche called for detectives and Officer Todd Costa to assist him.
As Labreche was checking outside the church, he stopped the suspects as they were walking by, Ferreira said.
“Defendant Bedard immediately threw an object on the ground, which was later determined to be a bag of several altar breads,” the chief said.
Both suspects were arrested by Labreche and Costa.
Found in Bedard’s backpack were a porcelain chalice, purple chalice bag, baptism shroud for an infant, altar wine, camera, computer mouse, waterproof ink, markers and a lighter.
Bedard, who was found barefooted, asked officers for her shoes back, Ferreira said.
“A pair of Old Navy flip-flops was later found behind the altar. Someone wrote ‘I Love Anthony’ on the chalkboard of the parish center,” he said.
“Investigating officers found that someone had eaten some of the hosts and spit some out at the crime scene, leaving them stuck to the floor and walls,” Ferreira said. “A partially burned candle had ruined a piece of carpet. Priest robes were thrown around and many items, including many chalices and a computer, were stolen.”
During subsequent interviews of the suspects, Ferreira said, “They confessed to stealing the items, but had contradictory stories regarding who actually carried them out of the church. Botelho claims that Bedard broke into the tabernacle, began eating hosts [sic] and then robed herself with priest’s robes as (Botelho) was lighting a candle after he put a dollar in the candle money depository.”
Ferreira added that Botelho admitted he and Bedard entered the parish center and “claims he was trying to persuade her to leave.”
In a search of Botelho’s room at his residence, Ferreira said, Officer Jared Linhares recovered a green chalice, a purple chalice, and a trash bag containing four gold chalices, an Acer computer and a computer wire.
More than 30 items were recovered by police.
Botelho was held on $5,000 cash bail and Bedard was held on $1,000 for their arraignments today in Fall River District Court.
Litany in Reparation to Our Lord in the Eucharist
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, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, offered for the salvation of sinners, Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, annihilated on the altar for us and by us, Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, despised by lukewarm Christians, Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, mark of contradiction, Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, delivered over to infidels and heretics, Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, insulted by blasphemers, Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, Bread of angels, given to animals, Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, flung into the mud and trampled underfoot, Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, dishonored by unfaithful priests, Have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, forgotten and abandoned in Thy churches, Have mercy on us.
Be merciful unto us, Pardon us, O Lord.
Be merciful unto us, Hear us, O Lord.
For the outrageous contempt of this most wonderful Sacrament, We offer Thee our reparation.
For Thine extreme humiliation in Thine admirable Sacrament, We offer Thee our reparation.
For all unworthy Communions, We offer Thee our reparation.
For the irreverences of wicked Christians, We offer Thee our reparation.
For the profanation of Thy sanctuaries, We offer Thee our reparation.
For the holy ciboriums dishonored and carried away by force, We offer Thee our reparation.
For the continual blasphemies of impious men, We offer Thee our reparation.
For the obduracy and treachery of heretics, We offer Thee our reparation.
For the unworthy conversations carried on in Thy holy temples, We offer Thee our reparation.
For the profaners of Thy churches which they have desecrated by their sacrileges, We offer Thee our reparation.
That it may please Thee to increase in all Christians the reverence due to this adorable Mystery, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That it may please Thee to manifest the Sacrament of Thy Love to heretics, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That it may please Thee to grant us the grace to atone for their hatred by our burning love for Thee, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That it may please Thee that the insults of those who outrage Thee may rather be directed against ourselves, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That it may please Thee graciously to receive this our humble reparation, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That it may please Thee to make our adoration acceptable to Thee, we beseech Thee, hear us.
Pure Host, hear our prayer.
Holy Host, hear our prayer.
Immaculate Host, hear our prayer.
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.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
V. See, O Lord, our affliction,
R. And give glory to Thy Holy Name.
Let Us Pray:
O Lord Jesus Christ,
Who dost deign to remain with us in Thy wonderful Sacrament to the end of the world,
in order to give to Thy Father, by the memory of Thy Passion, eternal glory,
and to give to us the Bread of life everlasting:
Grant us the grace to mourn, with a heart full of sorrow,
over the injuries which Thou hast received in this adorable Mystery,
and over the many sacrileges which are committed by the impious, by heretics and by bad Catholics.
Inflame us with an ardent zeal to repair all these insults
to which, in Thine infinite mercy, Thou hast preferred to expose Thyself
rather than deprive us of Thy Presence on our altars,
Who with God the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Shooting in Vatican City
VATICAN CITY, SEP 3, 2007 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. released the following declaration at midday today:
"At around 7.30 a.m. today Alessandro Benedetti, aged 26 and a member of the Corps of the Gendarmerie of Vatican City State, was found in a bathroom of the Gendarmerie's barracks in a very grave condition with a gunshot wound. The young man was taken immediately to Santo Spirito Hospital where he died at around 9 a.m.
"Initial evidence would seem to suggest that the young man committed suicide. A note found on the scene is currently being studied by Vatican magistrates who are following the case and who will examine the information that emerges from the autopsy which has been requested by the Italian coroner.
"Alessandro Benedetti was recruited into the Corps of the Gendarmerie last April as a 'gendarme cadet' following the usual psychological aptitude selection process, also concerning the handling of weapons
"His behavior had not, until now, given cause for concern.
"The Holy Father learnt the news with great sadness. He entrusts young Alessandro to the mercy of God, and remains spiritually close to the Benedetti family and to the members of the Gendarmerie."
"At around 7.30 a.m. today Alessandro Benedetti, aged 26 and a member of the Corps of the Gendarmerie of Vatican City State, was found in a bathroom of the Gendarmerie's barracks in a very grave condition with a gunshot wound. The young man was taken immediately to Santo Spirito Hospital where he died at around 9 a.m.
"Initial evidence would seem to suggest that the young man committed suicide. A note found on the scene is currently being studied by Vatican magistrates who are following the case and who will examine the information that emerges from the autopsy which has been requested by the Italian coroner.
"Alessandro Benedetti was recruited into the Corps of the Gendarmerie last April as a 'gendarme cadet' following the usual psychological aptitude selection process, also concerning the handling of weapons
"His behavior had not, until now, given cause for concern.
"The Holy Father learnt the news with great sadness. He entrusts young Alessandro to the mercy of God, and remains spiritually close to the Benedetti family and to the members of the Gendarmerie."
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Canon in Parenthood
A friend sent this link to me today and ironically, I have been up with a sick, crying child all night so it defiantely strikes a chord in my house tonight.
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