Comparison of Prayers - Solemnity of All Saints

"The Ghent Altarpiece" by Jan van Eyck

(BTW, This is the Roman Sacristan's 100th post, and 25th Comparison of Prayers!)

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui nos ómnium Sanctórum tuórum mérita sub una tribuísti celebritáte venerári, quaésumus, ut, desiderátam nobis tuæ propitiatiónis abundántiam, multiplicátis intercessóribus, largiáris.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, today we rejoice in the holy men and women of every time and place. May their prayers bring us your forgiveness and love.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Almighty and Eternal God, Who grant us this one feast to venerate the merits of all Your Saints, we beseech You, that, through this multitude of intercessors, You might bestow on us abundance of Your mercy which we desire.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, You Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Grata tibi sint, Dómine, múnera, quæ pro cunctórum offérimus honóre Sanctórum, et concéde, ut, quos iam crédimus de sua immortalitáte secúros, sentiámus de nostra salúte sollícitos.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Lord, receive our gifts in honor of the holy men and women who live with you in glory. May we always be aware of their concern to help and save us.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
May these gifts, which we offer for the honor of all the Saints, be pleasing to You, O Lord, and grant, that, as we now believe in the security of their immortality, we may feel anxious for our own salvation.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface of the glory of our mother Jerusalem

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salútare, nos tibi semper et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine, sancte Pater, omnípotens ætérne Deus:
Nobis enim hódie civitátem tuam tríbuis celebráre, quæ mater nostra est, cælestísque Ierúsalem, ubi iam te in ætérnam fratrum nostrórum coróna colláudat.
Ad quam peregríni, per fidem accedéntes, alácriter festinámus, congaudéntes de Ecclésiæ sublímium glorificatióne membrórum, qua simul fragilitáti nostræ adiuménta et exémpla concédis.
Et ídeo, cum ipsórum Angelorúmque frequéntia, una te magnificámus, laudis voce clamántes:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.
Today we keep the festival of your holy city, the heavenly Jerusalem, our mother. Around your throne the saints, our brothers and sisters, sing your praise for ever.
Their glory fills us with joy, and their communion with us in your Church gives us inspiration and strength as we hasten on our pilgrimage of faith, eager to meet them.
With their great company and all the angels we praise your glory as we cry out with one voice:
Holy, holy, holy ...

My Own Literal Translation
It is truly right and just, proper and availing unto salvation, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God:
For You granted to us to celebrate today Your holy city, which is our mother, the Heavenly Jerusalem, where the multitude of our brethren now greatly praise You for all eternity.
As pilgrims, we hasten quickly, to Your city, approaching through faith, rejoicing together in the glorification of the exalted members of the Church, whom You bestow as both helpers of our weaknesses and as examples.
And so, with the host of Saints and Angels, we glorify You as one, crying out with a voice of praise:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer
Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Mirábilem te, Deus, et unum Sanctum in ómnibus Sanctis tuis adorántes, tuam grátiam implorámus, qua, sanctificatiónem in tui amóris plenitúdine consummántes, ex hac mensa peregrinántium ad cæléstis pátriæ convívium transeámus.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, holy one, we praise your glory reflected in the saints. May we who share at this table be filled with your love and prepared for the joy of your kingdom,
where Jesus is Lord for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation

Let us pray. We beg You for Your miraculous grace, O God, which perfects our sanctification in the fullness of Your love, and adoring Your Holy One in all Your Saints, may we pass from this table of pilgrims, to the feast of the Heavenly homeland.
Through Christ our Lord.

Grace Before Meals

I am not one to watch much TV (I don't even own one), but when I do visit my folks, I will find that when the TV does come on at home, I find myself watching the Food Network.

I learned quite a bit about cooking at the monastery in Norcia, so when I came back to the United States, I was able to do many more (and better) dishes. Since I am just a single guy living in an apartment, I can't exactly invite my homeschool-family friends over for dinner. Thus I have gone over to their houses and cooked for them on occasion.

While I was catching up on the posts over at the blog COSMOS-LITURGY-SEX, I came across an entry that mixes these ingredients together then adds a extra kick of priest (puns intended).

Now, my immediate reaction was, "this is going to be corny." However, I watched the trailer and found it to look quite interesting and entertaining, especially since his basis is getting the family together and encouraging that togetherness through meals. He also seems to have a great sense of humor.

You can see the trailer for his PBS show "Grace Before Meals."
(If the video is choppy, just let it get to the end and then refresh your browser window)

EDIT - Curt Jester also pointed out that there is a short pilot of the show too. It isn't a full episode, but I liked what I saw. He seems to have good taste as I noticed he had an Orvieto wine, and it looks like he does a lot of Italian type dishes.

Since we do Latin here too, I'll add the meal prayers for those who might be interested:

Prayer Before Meals
Bénedic, Dómine, nos et hæc tua dona, quæ de tua largitáte sumus sumptúri.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
R. Amen.
Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty. Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

Prayer After Meals
Ágimus tibi grátias, omnípotens Deus, pro univérsis benefíciis tuis. Qui vivis et regnas in saécula sæculórum.
R. Amen.
V. Fidélium animæ per misericórdiam Dei requiéscant in pace.
R. Amen.
We give Thee thanks, Almighty God, for all Thy benefits. You Who live and reign forever and ever.
R. Amen.
V. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.

Maybe I'll even post some of my own recipes on occasion.

Has the Good News been revealed?

From what Fr. Z. says, it appears that the good news is related to the translation of two little words in the Canon "pro multis."

Although it might seem rather insignificant, this is a major step in proper translations, and as Father notes, shows that Pope Benedict is starting to gain momentum in correcting liturgical problems of the last 40 years.

Deo gratias!

Comparison of Prayers - 30th Sunday Per Annum

"Christ Healing the Blind" (detail) by Lucas van Leyden

Comparison of Prayers - 30th Sunday Per Annum

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, da nobis fídei, spei et caritátis augméntum, et, ut mereámur ássequi quod promíttis, fac nos amáre quod praécipis.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Almighty and ever-living God, strengthen our faith, hope, and love. May we do with loving hearts what you ask of us and come to share the life you promise.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Almighty and Eternal God, give to us an increase in faith, hope, and charity, and so, that we may merit to attain that which You promise, make us to love that which You command.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Réspice, quaésumus, Dómine, múnera quæ tuæ offérimus maiestáti, ut, quod nostro servítio géritur, ad tuam glóriam pótius dirigátur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Lord God of power and might, receive the gifts we offer and let our service give you glory.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Look upon these gifts, we beseech You, O Lord, which we offer to Your Majesty, so that, That Which is brought forth by our service, may above all be directed to Your Glory.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Perfíciant in nobis, Dómine, quaésumus, tua sacraménta quod cóntinent, ut, quæ nunc spécie gérimus, rerum veritáte capiámus.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, bring to perfection within us the communion we share in this sacrament. May our celebration have an effect in our lives.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O Lord, we beseech You, may Your Sacraments perfect in us that which They contain, so that, we may truly grasp the things, which we now bring about in outward signs.
Through Christ our Lord.

Extra Friday Penance

Many readers of Fr. Z's blog are spiritually getting together to do extra penances today (as noted in the comments), in thanksgiving for the pending news which Fr. Z has told us is forthcoming, and also asking God for more "good news" and to support Pope Benedict.

I would ask any readers to do the same today.

Eternal Fire Triangle

The Curt Jester has a great little catechisis item up about mortal sin.

Eternal Fire Triangle

Potentially more good news from Rome.

Although I have been very skeptical of the "universal indult" rumor, I have also never wanted to be more wrong about it.

Fr. Z won't specify on what the good news is, but he says something is about to come to frutition.

So like Fr. Solanus Casey said, pray in thanksgiving, even before you start something.

Good news from Rome.

Looks like some things are getting tidy'ed up a bit!

The Vatican is no longer allowing the indult for extra-ordinary ministers of the Eucharist to purify sacred vessels at Mass.

from CNS: Lay ministers may not cleanse Communion vessels, Pope Benedict says

It also touches on the issue of Communion under both species, something I think is over-emphasized to the point of being willing to risk "accidents." After reading Redemptionis Sacramentum, I really believe that it is something that should not be done as often as it is here in the States.

I haven't read the articles yet, but The Curt Jester referred to an article done by Galea Salutis on the subject.

My first internet meme tag.

I have just been "tagged" by The Lapped Catholic with the "5 Little-Known Things About Me" meme.

1) Although I am a cradle-Catholic, back in kindergarten, I was once in a commercial for a Baptist Church.
(I went to pre-school at this Baptist church's day-care. They just had all the kindergarteners walking in a line in front of the camera)

2) I was in Marine Junior R.O.T.C. and Civil Air Patrol for half a year in High School until we moved to another state.

3) I've won an Olympic race. (During our "Rome semester" in college, we took a trip to Greece and I won a footrace we had at the original stadium in Olympia.)

4) I've been to Space Camp ... twice.

5) I once met then Cardinal Ratzinger on the street just outside the Vatican. Got to talk with him a few minutes and was able to kiss his ring and receive his blessing. (Thanks to Fr. Clement, O.S.B. for being the one the Cardinal recognized)

I'm sure friends and family have many more to add.

A Winner Is Me!

Wow! I don't know what to say. What a great Monday morning discovery! I am suprised, the entries I had to compete against were all great.

Thank you for the fun contest, Lapped Catholic.

I get a cool action figure of Pope Innocent III:

Weekend levity

Weekends are busy for me, so it is hard to come up with much to post.

Saturday's and Sunday's will probably be a bit on the lighter side.

So, here's some of the new video gaming "technology":

A portal "gun" would be very useful :)


And to make up for not posting on Saturday:

French is no longer the language of love (this is for Star Wars geeks)

Comparison of Prayers - 29th Sunday Per Annum

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, fac nos tibi semper et devótam gérere voluntátem, et maiestáti tuæ sincéro corde servíre.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Almighty and ever-living God, our source of power and inspiration, give us strength and joy in serving you as followers of Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Almighty and Eternal God, make us to bear a will always devoted to You, and to serve Your Majesty with a sincere heart.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Tríbue nos, Dómine, quaésumus, donis tuis líbera mente servíre, ut, tua purificánte nos grátia, iísdem quibus famulámur mystériis emundémur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Lord God, may the gifts we offer bring us your love and forgiveness and give us freedom to serve you with our lives.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Grant us by Your gifts, we beseech You, O Lord, to serve You with free minds, so that, purifying us by Your grace, we may be cleansed by these same Mysteries by Which we serve You.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Fac nos, quaésumus, Dómine, cæléstium rerum frequentatióne profícere, ut et temporálibus benefíciis adiuvémur, et erudiámur ætérnis.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, may this eucharist help us to remain faithful. May it teach us the way to eternal life.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Make us, we beseech You, O Lord, to advance by the frequent use of these Heavenly Things, so that we may both be supported by temporal goods and be perfected by Eternal Ones.
Through Christ our Lord.

P.S. Blogger is being very persnickety lately. I am seriously considering going over to the beta version of blogger.

Saint Paul of the Cross

Today in North America, we celebrate the feast of Saint Paul of the Cross who was transferred to today because we celebrated the feast of the first North American Martyrs yesterday.

I just wanted to share this picture of the tomb of Saint Paul of the Cross which I took back in 2005 on my most recent visit to Rome. He is in a side chapel in the Basilica of Saints John and Paul (they are mentioned in the Roman Canon). It is not quite as well known of a basilica since it is tucked away down a sidestreet sort of catecorner to the Circus Maximus.

It really is a diamond in he rough since there are remains of many Saints in that church, and it has some beautiful paintings and decor as well.

Sante Paule a Cruce, ora pro nobis.

Welcome to the Blogosphere

Although I am a few days late, I just came across a new blog by a young priest. I've never been fond of Fr. Andrew Greeley (especially after reading the last chapter of his book "Come Blow Your Mind With Me"). Needless to say, after reading this priest's very first post which sort of summarizes who he is, it is good to see another ally in the spiritual combat who is also joining the ranks of the Catholic blogosphere.

So go check out this "Young Fogey"

(I have also added "Godspy" to the link list. Very good articles contained therein.)

Pallywood

Following up on the theme of media and how it can either present or distort the thruth:

I originally thought this was actually from the TV show 60 Minutes. I can't verify that, it seems to be more of an independant documentary criticizing the way the media shows Palistine, which often just takes Palistinian media footage and assumes what they think they are seeing is exactly what is happening. The analysis in this film seems to be rather reasonable. The "dead" body getting back upon the funeral beir is amusing. So, what do you think? Certainly there are problems in the Middle East, but is "Pallywood" giving us a false perception of who is instigating the conflicts? More recently Hezbolla in Lebanon was being accused of the same thing. This is certainly worth viewing:



Sometimes it's all how you present something. Isn't that what marketing is anyway?
Take this "trailer" for "The Shining" for example (contains no gore or scaryness):

(Mis)Information Age

Sometimes I feel like my mind will explode
Sometimes I feel like I got no control
Sometimes I wish I had a heart made of steel
Sometimes I wish I couldn't feel.

- "Information Overload" - Living Colour

Just saw an interesting little flash movie to make you think about media, it's development over the recent years with the growth of the internet, and what type of media we are given (either by media bias or by our own choice). It is a "history" of the development of media from 1989 to 2015.

Epic 2015 Museum of Media History (flash video)

Certainly makes you think about what type of media we get. With the advent of vast media outlets, what will happen to information? How will we be informed? When does filtering become censorship, and can we be our own worst enemy by filtering out what we don't want to hear, even if it is the truth? Will seeking truth be something for only a small elite minority where the masses only use it for frivolous entertainment purposes?

I guess this strikes me because I am currently reading "1984" by George Orwell. The way the "Ministry of Truth" controls all the media and even changes all history and media references of the past to conform to the current ideas and results of "the Party." It is interesting.

Do we seek the truth, or do we seek what we want to hear?
(Which is one reason why I can't stand talk radio, liberal or conservative)

Will the masses end up like the guy in the Rollins Band's song "Disconnect"?

Don't like to think too much
It makes me think too much
It keeps my mind on my mind
Don't want to see too much
It makes me see too much
Sometimes I'd rather be blind
...
Too damn bad if at the end of the day
The only thoughts in our brain are all the things that they say
What a waste
Too damn bad if at the end of the line
you have no idea what's on your own mind
You got no one to blame but yourself.

Catholic Motivational Posters

EDIT - Pic fixed, you should be able to see it now.

The Lapped Catholic is having a contest for Catholic themed motivational posters. There are some great entries over there. Hopefully I can win the Pope Innocent III action figure! :P

Using the Motivator Tool, you can make your motivational posters with ease.

So here is my entry in the humor category:

(click to embiggen for better view)

(You wouldn't believe how hard it was to find a good picture for cotton candy! LOL)

Radical Unrest Over Divine Office

My Sacristy senses are tingling.

Be strong Mr. Hedgehog, look to Pope Benedict as your model.

Not Necessarily Hunky Dory

Fr. Z has a good analysis which articulates why I have not been jumping on the "a-universal-indult-would-solve-everything" bandwagon.

Fr Z.'s "Nightmare Scenario?"

No, I don't think there's anybody who thinks that a univeral indult will fix everything, but I do feel that there are many who aren't looking at all the possibilities.

Although I still think this is all just rumors.

Comparison of Prayers - 28th Sunday Per Annum

"Christ and the Rich Young Man" by Heinrich Hofmann

Prayers of the Mass for this Sunday.

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Tua nos, quaésumus, Dómine, grátia semper et prævéniat et sequátur, ac bonis opéribus iúgiter præstet esse inténtos.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, our help and guide, make your love the foundation of our lives. May our love for you express itself in our eagerness to do good for others.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. May Your grace, we beseech You, O Lord, always go before us and follow us, and may it continually show us to be eager through good works.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Súscipe, Dómine, fidélium preces cum oblatiónibus hostiárum, ut, per hæc piæ devotiónis offícia, ad cæléstem glóriam transeámus.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Lord, accept the prayers and gifts we offer in faith and love. May this eucharist bring us to your glory.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Accept, O Lord, the prayers of Your faithful by means of these oblations of sacrificial offerings, so that, through the observance of this pious devotion, we may pass into Heavenly Glory.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Maiestátem tuam, Dómine, supplíciter deprecámur, ut, sicut nos Córporis et Sánguinis sacrosáncti pascis aliménto, ita divínæ natúræ fácias esse consórtes.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Almighty Father, may the body and blood of your Son give us a share in his life,
for he is Lord for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. We humbly implore Your Majesty, O Lord, that as You feed us with the Food of this Most Holy Body and Blood, You may thus make us to be sharers in Your Divine Nature.
Through Christ our Lord.

(P.S. Is that Elijah Woods playing the rich young man in the painting? LOL)

Stunned. From orthodoxy to Orthodoxy

Well, I was thinking much on the universal indult, but that seemed rather unimportant with some news that came across my inbox which has me rather stunned and depressed. I had heard rumors Rod was considering it, but I am suprised that he actually did it.

I probably should not be posting so soon after hearing about and reading his posting, but it is rather breaking news.

Rod Dreher has converted to Eastern Orthodoxy.

I am familiar with Rod's work, especially his editorial battles with the diocese of Dallas. I have met him briefly and acutally admired his dedication to the Catholic faith in light of the fact that, due to his career in journalism, he is exposed to so many of the problems of the Church. I guess that environment eventually got to him.

I certainly sympathize with him, having seen so many scandals at so many levels of the Church. I even long for many of the ideals he is seeking. However, and maybe it is just an inability to clarify his points about something so deep on something so simple like a blog, something seems to be very faulty in his reasoning.

Rod is a good man, and I respect his opinion, even if I don't agree with him.

I can't expect you Catholics to endorse my move, but I hope at least you will pray for me and my family, and with me for the ultimate unity of Orthodoxy and Catholicism...

I will certainly pray for him and his family, as well as his intentions, and I ask readers to do so as well. I do thank God that Rod's belief in the Truth in the Real Presence is unwavering. That will certainly help him and his family.

Also, as a friend said:

the man needs prayers, and those responsible for the scandal that have caused him and so many others to stumble will have accounting to do before a merciful but just God.

I would post my feelings more, but it wouldn't be fair to take pot shots at him since my only understanding of this is from his post and I have never spoken to him personally about this. All I can say is: I don't agree with his move, and I am disappointed, but I will pray for him and his family, and may Christ show all of us His mercy.

Sancti Basili et Benedicte, orate pro nobis.

More Indult Rumors

Well the Universal Indult rumor is popping up again.

The more I think about it, the more unlikely I think it is. More once I collect my thoughts.

(Wasn't this the same paper that told us in not so many words, that the Pope was going to make a big ol' papal statement tossing out limbo and that it would be a huge production and ... then when Friday rolled around, the Pope didn't say a word about it?)

EDIT - yes, it was the same paper, and the same authors.

Liturgy, Religious Life, and the Faith

There is an excellent article over at The New Liturgical Movement, which deals with our current liturgical environment and what may have been pre-cursors to the chaos with which we are now dealing.

Quote from the article:

I hold that it was the lived experience of the liturgy in the context of cloistered life that precisely made it possible for the scholastics to soar into the heights of philosophical speculation without losing their own familiarity with the fathers and scripture. As for the "monastic" life that the greatest medieval doctors lived, its contribution was not simply as a framework for the daily liturgy. Rather, the monastic life, with its institutions, its mentality derived straight from the Fathers, made it possible to fully live the patristic and evangelical spirit present in the liturgy.

I can't really articulate my thoughts, but as I was reading this, it seems like he is also explaining why religious life has had some major problems too. There certainly seems to be an interconnectedness between the liturgy, a strong understanding of the Faith, and an observant ("well structured") religious life which is focused on the liturgy. This would especially be true of the Benedictine (and Cistercian and Trappist) Orders who follow the Rule of Saint Benedict, who says: "Indeed, nothing is to be preferred to the Work of God" (RB 43:3) ie the Divine Office and Mass.

The article is well worth the read:
"Scholasticism, Liturgy and Monasticism" by Carlos Antonio Palad

Commemoration of Abraham

"The Meeting of Abraham and Melchizadek" by Peter Paul Rubens

According to the Roman Martyrology, today, October 9th, is also the Commemoration of Saint Abraham, the father and patriarch of all the faithful.

Give thanks to God for giving us a man so full of faith. We have a hard time having faith in God, and we have the foundation of the Old Testament and over 2000 years of the Church. Think of how great an act of faith it took Abraham to trust in a God his fathers did not know, to leave his fatherland, and then even to be willing to sacrifice his only son. Thus he is honored with being our "father in faith" as remember in the Roman Canon, and is also honored in prefiguring the willingness of God the Father to sacrifice His only-begotten Son.

Sancte Abraham, ora pro nobis!

Lazy Monday

Wiley pretty much says it all for me:

Comparison of Prayers - 27th Sunday Per Annum

Here are the prayers. Sorry, I have not done the Antiphons this week, got sidetracked making Divine Office Ordos.

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui abundántia pietátis tuæ et mérita súpplicum excédis et vota, effúnde super nos misericórdiam tuam, ut dimíttas quæ consciéntia métuit, et adícias quod orátio non præsúmit.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, your love for us surpasses all our hopes and desires. Forgive our failings, keep us in your peace and lead us in the way of salvation.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Almighty and Eternal God, Who through the abundance of Your compassion exceed the merits and vows of Your humble petitioners, pour out Your mercy upon us, so that You might forgive those things which our consciences fear, and increase that which our prayer does not presume.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Súscipe, quaésumus, Dómine, sacrifícia tuis institúta præcéptis, et sacris mystériis, quæ débitæ servitútis celebrámus offício, sanctificatiónem tuæ nobis redemptiónis dignánter adímple.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Father, receive these gifts which our Lord Jesus Christ has asked us to offer in his memory. May our obedient service bring us to the fullness of your redemption.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Receive, we beseech You, O Lord, these Sacrifices instituted by Your precepts, and by these Sacred Mysteries, Which we celebrate in this observance of owed service, graciously perfect the sanctification of Your redemption in us.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Concéde nobis, omnípotens Deus, ut de percéptis sacraméntis inebriémur atque pascámur, quátenus in id quod súmimus transeámus.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Almighty God, let the eucharist we share fill us with your life. May the love of Christ which we celebrate here touch our lives and lead us to you.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Grant to us, Almighty God, that from these observed Sacraments we may be inebriated and fed, so that we may pass into that which we consume.
Through Christ our Lord.

Saint Bruno and the Carthusians

I once tested the waters regarding a Carthusian vocation. Obviously it wasn't for me, however I have a deep respect for the Order. I would have to say they live the most intense lives of any religious I have visited. The silence of being truly alone with God is quite deafening.

It is a beautiful life. Not many people know much about them. But to give a quick breakdown, they are an Order dedicated simply to prayer. The priests are basically hermits, and the lay brothers take care of the needs of the priests. Although Cathusians live in monasteries, the priests will remain in their cells for a majority of the day. They only leave their cells for Matins, Lauds, Mass, and Vespers. The rest of the time they are in their cell.

There is only one Carthusian monastery in the United States, which is located in Arlington Vermont

Charterhouse of the Transfiguration

It is a very austere structure, but the area is beautiful.

The Carthusian cell is a bit different from the "average" monastic cell. Normally a monastic cell is about the size to fit a bed, a desk, a small closet, and a chest'o'drawers. A Carthusian cell is quite large actually (although it does seem small after awhile). Doing a small pictoral circle, each cell will have a small chapel, where the monks will say the Hours of the Divine Office which they don't pray in common:
You'll also notice the wood burning stove, that is the only source of heat, no central heating and air.
Then looking left you have the bed, which is really just a foam pad, not really a mattress:
Then to the left of that is the door which opens to the stairway that goes down to their work area, and beside that is their desk:
To the left of that is a table in front of a window which looks down into their own garden:
Like I said, the priest monks never leave their cells, so the lay brothers will bring them their food and put it in a small passthrough and ring a bell to let the monk know the food is there:
So the only time the monk leaves his cell is to go to the chapel for Mass or for the Hours of the Divine Office I mentioned above.
Their Divine Office is very beautiful and is still done in Latin and sung in Gregorian Chant. Matins is a bit tough because they go to be around 8:00pm, then get up at Midnight for Matins, then follow that with Lauds, then go back to bed around 2:30am and then get up around 7:00am to being private prayers.

Their life is practically unchanged since Saint Bruno's time, just a few liturgical changes to conform with Vatican II. They have a motto which in English says "Never reformed because never deformed." LOL.

It is definitely a unique vocation only for those who can handle solitude. The priests do have a community walk once a week. The lay brothers only have a community walk once a month, because they have more contact with each other due to their duties around the monastery.

I am sure that their humble prayers alone before God help to support all of us out here in the world.

So pray for them, because I guarentee you that they are helping us with their prayers.

(There is a link over to the left-hand side of my blog that has a link for the U.S. Carthusians and for the Order in General.)

I am really looking forward to seeing "Into the Great Silence" having experience the life myself. I wonder if the director was able to capture the intensity of the solitude. The movie was extremely popular in Germany, and has gotten good reviews at film festivals. It was filmed at the Grande Chartreuse in France. Here is the movie's website: The Great Silence (just click on "English" in the lower right corner to see the English site). And here is the trailer here (sorry for the German text, couldn't find a trailer in English:

Productivity vs. Computer

As you may have noticed, I have only been updating in the evenings the last few days. I am discovering that, although computers were made to increase efficiency and productivity, with the advent of the internet and DSL, I can easily get distracted while surfing. Not that it is a complete waste of time. There are many great blogs out there which help me to keep up to date and learn about the faith, but even that can be time consuming.

So, I began a test and found that by not turning on my computer which is hooked up to the internet, I can be much more productive on my work computer which is only connected by a "sneakernet" (that is an official term used by Microsoft in their MCSE training liturature).

I still want to blog daily, but I just won't be the "first out of the gate" in the mornings. Of course since I get hits from around the world, this might be the morning for you anyway.

As a side note, I just saw "I, Robot" and found it rather enjoyable. I hear the Asimov purists thought it was just a Hollywood hack barely related to the mind of Asimov, but, personally, I was entertained by it. I always enjoy movies which try to predict what the near future might look like. You have to admit, 15 years ago, cell phones were just cool gadgets that only James Bond would have ever had, and the internet is something much less expected than all the jet cars and hovercraft we are supposed to be using on a daily basis. I'm still waiting to go the Moon or to Mars. Funny they predicted that by the 80's we would be doing that stuff, and it was only within the last five years that we had a manned commercial rocket reach space in the X-prize.

Anyway, off to do some spiritual productivity.

Pax et Bonum,
Roman Sactristan

Enjoy some frustration release on others having productivity problems too :)





I worked in corporate America so I can easily relate to these. :P

Saint Francis Was Not Politically Correct

Today is the Feast of Saint Francis. There is so much to say about him that I was wondering what to write about him. I guess one reason I have loved him so much is that he is so different from the "popular" view that people have of him. I find so many people think he was just a harmless little hippie saint who skipped through the fields, loved nature, brought about peace through compromise, hugged trees and bunnies, and preached to birds. Another view more popular among the heterodox is that he was some sort of radical who went against institutions (especially that of the Church) and called for liberal changes in society and the Church. Anyway, if you think that Saint Francis was what was portrayed by Franco Zeffirelli in Brother Sun Sister Moon, you really need to look at Saint Francis' life and especially read his writings.

(My favorite statue of Saint Francis by Dupree, which is in the Cathedral of San Rufino in Assisi)

Saint Francis was very obedient. He would not continue his order until he had gotten permission from the Pope himself. He was obedient to his bishop as well. He had a great respect for the Real Presence, so much so that he would prostrate himself on the ground upon entering a church. He had great respect for priests. He had a great respect just for the physical building of a church.

He even set out for Egypt during the Crusades with the express purpose of converting the Sultan or to die as a martyr trying (how many bishops today would condemn this act?).

Saint Francis did make it to the Sultan. Although he did not convert him, he did impress the Sultan so much, that the Sultan gave him permission to go to the Holy Land and even went so far as to give him a ceremonial horn that allowed Saint Francis and his brethren to go there under the protection of the Sultan himself.

This horn is now in the reliquary in the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi.

I would say that everyone should read Saint Francis' "Letter to All the Faithful" (the "later" one addressed to all the faithful)

I would also highly recommend the Two Volume "Saint Francis of Assisi: Writings and Early Biographies." This is a great source not only of all of Saint Francis' writings, but also of the official biographies written by Thomas of Celano and Saint Bonaventure, as well as other writings about Saint Francis. It's also very affordable.
(This was formerly known as "the Omnibus of Sources." There is now a new "omnibus" but I have met one of the editors of it who told me that the new translations were done with inclusive language, so I would not recommend the current one at all. Stick to the one from Franciscan Press at Quincy University.)

Sancte Francisce, ora pro nobis.

Transitus Of Saint Francis

Although tomorrow, October 4th, is the Feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, today is the actual day of his death. This is called the "Transitus" of Saint Francis. He died on October 3rd, just after sunset. In ye olden days, a day started at sunset, which is why the Church still begins the celebration of a Solemnity the evening before, and why we are able to have "vigil" Masses on Saturday evening which count as fulfilling our Sunday obligation. So, since Saint Francis died after sunset, his feast is celebrated on October 4th.

Saint Francis' main "home" after he began living a life of penance and poverty was at the little chapel of Santa Maria degli Angeli (Our Lady of the Angels) which is down in the valley below Assisi.

This picture is actually of the basilica (very center of the picture, you can click the picture to "embiggen" it) as taken from just below the Sacro Convento and the Basilica of Saint Francis where he is buried.

The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli is what was eventually built around the original chapel of Santa Maria degli Angeli.

It is sometimes referred to as the Porziuncola (Little Portion) because it was a small piece of land with a chapel on it, which the Benedictines of Monte Subasio allowed Saint Francis to "rent." Loving poverty, Saint Francis would not allow the Benedictines to give him the land, however he agreed to paying for his stay by a yearly "rent" of just a few flasks of oil and some bread. LOL. I hear there is still a ceremony for it to this day.

The Porziuncola was one of Saint Francis' favorite places on earth. He once said that "Our Lady and the Angels frequent this place."
He did not actually die inside the chapel, but would have died in the small infirmary which is just behind and to the right of the chapel and is still preserved as well.

This is the actual spot where Saint Francis died. I believe the reliquary on the altar contains part of his cord. The painting below is on the outside of the small "infirmary" although I do not recall who painted it.


The official website for the basilica is here:
Patriarchal Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels.

Roman Rite and Lectors

A good liturgical site which is certainly worth looking at is RomanRite.com.

John has an excellent summary of the new 2002 Roman Missal and even any changes between the 1975 and 2002 General Instruction on the Roman Missal.

I believe I found his site while investigating the instituted Lector and instituted Acolyte.
He has some information about the instituted Lector and how the ministry is often not put into practice.

This is a topic I have wanted to touch on since I believe it helps correct the often misunderstood "active participation." But I'll have to deal with that a bit more indepth later.
A very rough summary can be seen in my comments at one of Fr. Z's posts on the subject.

I'll add the Roman Rite site to the sidebar listing too.

Test Your Geography Skillz

How's your geography? How is it without borders? Here's a fun yet addictive little game. A good test of your geography skills, but you'll keep telling yourself, "just one more try." Simply try to point out on the map, where the picture is from.
You can drag the picture around to see what is around it, so that will help you, but you have to click on where the center of the picture is when it first came up. My best for awhile was the first picture above, within 42 miles ... ironically in Iraq.

However, I tried a bit more and got to within 12 miles off the coast of Northern Siberia, as shown below. w00t! Beat that!

So have fun:
Where Is That?

(Your best bet is to try and find some coastline near the pic. High precision is extremely difficult with the "hand" cursor, if you can get within 100 miles you are doing very well.)

UPDATE: After getting some "luck" of the Irish being off near the northern coast of Ireland by just 11 miles (That's ridiculous. It's not even funny.), I finally got within 8 miles of the tip of northern Asia. And with that, I am off to bed.