Go Away

This video just had to be made. I agree with it and support it.

Safe for work ... one of the only times I think you'll ever be able to say that in anything related to Paris Hilton.

"Go Away, Paris Hilton."


RS

Book Test

Sorry for not posting much. Real Life has been busy.

Just took an interesting "test" mentioned by dadwithnoisykids.

Like I have mentioned before, I always love how these things can make such a deep and detailed description based on less than ten questions. This particular one has only six questions. It's kind of like Quikie-mart personality tests.
My results?

You're The Catcher in the Rye!

by J.D. Salinger

You are surrounded by phonies, and boy are you sick of them! In an ongoing struggle to search for a land without phonies, you end up running away from everything, from school to consequences. In this process, you reveal that many people in your life have suffered torments and all you really want to do is catch them as they fall. Perhaps using a baseball mitt. Your biggest fans are infamous psychotics.

Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

For those who are fans of this blog, remember, these test aren't really that accurate ... I hope.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - Pentecost Day

.
Go here for the Comparison of Prayers for the Vigil Mass of Pentecost or scroll down to the next blog entry.

"Pentecost" by Jean Restout II

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui sacraménto festivitátis hodiérnæ univérsam Ecclésiam tuam in omni gente et natióne sanctíficas, in totam mundi latitúdinem Spíritus Sancti dona defúnde, et, quod inter ipsa evangélicæ prædicatiónis exórdia operáta est divína dignátio, nunc quoque per credéntium corda perfúnde.
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. God our Father, let the Spirit you sent on your Church to begin the teaching of the gospel continue to work in the world through the hearts of all who believe.
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. O God, Who by the Mystery of today’s feast sanctifies Your universal Church in every people and nation, pour out upon the whole breadth of the world the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and because Divine worthiness was worked among them in the very beginnings of the preaching of the Gospel, make them now to flow also through the hearts of believers.
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
Præsta, quaésumus, Dómine, ut, secúndum promissiónem Fílii tui, Spíritus Sanctus huius nobis sacrifícii copiósius revélet arcánum, et omnem propítius réseret veritátem.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, may the Spirit you promised lead us into all truth and reveal to us the full meaning of this sacrifice.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Grant, we beseech You, O Lord, that, according to the promise of Your Son, the Holy Spirit will reveal to us more abundantly the hidden sacred mystery of this Sacrifice, and will graciously reveal to us all Truth.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface of the Mystery of Pentecost

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:
Tu enim, sacraméntum paschále consúmmans, quibus, per Unigéniti tui consórtium, fílios adoptiónis esse tribuísti, hódie Spíritum Sanctum es largítus; qui, princípio nascéntis Ecclésiæ, et cunctis géntibus sciéntiam índidit deitátis, et linguárum diversitátem in uníus fídei confessióne sociávit.
Quaprópter, profúsis paschálibus gáudiis, totus in orbe terrárum mundus exsúltat. Sed et supérnæ virtútes atque angélicæ potestátes hymnum glóriæ tuæ cóncinunt, sine fine dicéntes:
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 you sent the Holy Spirit on those marked out to be your children by sharing the life of your only Son, and so you brought the paschal mystery to its completion. Today we celebrate the great beginning of your Church when the Holy Spirit made known to all peoples the one true God, and created from the many languages of man one voice to profess one faith.
The joy of the resurrection renews the whole world, while the choirs of heaven sing for ever to your glory:
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:
Thus, consummating the Pascal Sacrifice, through the fellowship of Your Only-begotten Son, You allowed us to become Your adopted sons, having graciously bestowed the Holy Spirit today; Who at the beginning of the Church’s being born, both gave the knowledge of the Divine Godhead to all nations, and united the different languages into one confession of faith.
Therefore, the whole world exults with a pouring forth of Paschal joy. And the Heavenly Virtues and Angelic Powers sing together the hymn of Your Glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui Ecclésiæ tuæ cæléstia dona largíris, custódi grátiam quam dedísti, ut Spíritus Sancti vígeat semper munus infúsum, et ad ætérnæ redemptiónis augméntum spiritális esca profíciat.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Father, may the food we receive in the eucharist help our eternal redemption. Keep within us the vigor of your Spirit and protect the gifts you have given to your Church.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O God, You Who lavish heavenly gifts upon Your Church, guard the grace which You have given to Her, so that, the infused work of the Holy Spirit may always thrive, and that this Spiritual Food will advance our growth unto eternal redemption.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - Vigil Mass of Pentecost

"Pentecost" by Titian

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Præsta, quaésumus, omnípotens Deus, ut claritátis tuæ super nos splendor effúlgeat, et lux tuæ lucis corda eórum, que per tuam grátiam sunt renáti, Sancti Spíritus illustratióne confírmet.
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. God our Father, you have given us new birth. Strengthen us with your Holy Spirit and fill us with your light.
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. Grant, we beseech You, Almighty God, that the splendor of Your glory may shine upon us, and the light of Your light by the illumination of the Holy Spirit, may confirm the hearts of those who have been born again through Your grace.
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
Præséntia múnera, quaésumus, Dómine, Spíritus tui benedictióne perfúnde, ut per ipsa Ecclésiæ tuæ ea diléctio tribuátur, per quam salutáris mystérii toto mundo véritas enitéscat.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, send your Spirit on these gifts and through them help the Church you love to show your salvation to all the world.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Pour upon these offerings present here, we beseech You, O Lord, the blessing of Your Spirit, so that through them His love may be bestowed upon Your Church, through Which the truth of this Saving Mystery may shine forth to the whole world.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface of the Mystery of Pentecost

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:
Tu enim, sacraméntum paschále consúmmans, quibus, per Unigéniti tui consórtium, fílios adoptiónis esse tribuísti, hódie Spíritum Sanctum es largítus; qui, princípio nascéntis Ecclésiæ, et cunctis géntibus sciéntiam índidit deitátis, et linguárum diversitátem in uníus fídei confessióne sociávit.
Quaprópter, profúsis paschálibus gáudiis, totus in orbe terrárum mundus exsúltat. Sed et supérnæ virtútes atque angélicæ potestátes hymnum glóriæ tuæ cóncinunt, sine fine dicéntes:
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 you sent the Holy Spirit on those marked out to be your children by sharing the life of your only Son, and so you brought the paschal mystery to its completion. Today we celebrate the great beginning of your Church when the Holy Spirit made known to all peoples the one true God, and created from the many languages of man one voice to profess one faith.
The joy of the resurrection renews the whole world, while the choirs of heaven sing for ever to your glory:
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:
Thus, consummating the Pascal Sacrifice, through the fellowship of Your Only-begotten Son, You allowed us to become Your adopted sons, having graciously bestowed the Holy Spirit today; Who at the beginning of the Church’s being born, both gave the knowledge of the Divine Godhead to all nations, and united the different languages into one confession of faith.
Therefore, the whole world exults with a pouring forth of Paschal joy. And the Heavenly Virtues and Angelic Powers sing together the hymn of Your Glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Hæc nobis, Dómine, múnera sumpta profíciant, ut illo iúgiter Spíritu ferveámus, quem Apóstolis tuis ineffabíliter infudísti.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, through this eucharist, send the Holy Spirit of Pentecost into our hearts to keep us always in your love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
May these offerings we have consumed aid us, O Lord, so that we may continually be inflammed by that Spirit, Whom You ineffably poured forth upon Your Apostles.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Scripture for Catholic Schools

Today's Office of Readings had the Second Epistle of Saint John, which has an interesting quote that Catholic schools should remember when choosing commencement speakers:

Anyone who is so "progressive" that he does not remain rooted in the teaching of Christ does not possess God, while anyone who remains rooted in the teaching possesses both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you who does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house; do not even greet him, for whoever greets him shares in the evil he does.

Yes, and that is even the I.C.E.L. translation.

RS

Feast of Saint Eutizio, Saint Fiorenzo, and Saint Spes

"Saint Spes and Saint Eutizio with Christ"

Saint Fiorenzo of Preci

Today is the Feast of three rather obscure Saints to whom I gained a devotion while in Norcia (aka Nursia, where Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastica were born).

They are mentioned in today's entry of the 2004 Roman Martyrology:

May 23rd

6. In the region of Nursia (Norcia), the commemoration of Saint Eutizio, Abbot, who in the narrative of Pope Saint Gregory the Great, first with Saint Fiorenzo led the solitary life and took charge to lead many for the purpose of exhorting them to God, thereafter he ruled over a holy monastery nearby.

7. And also at Nursia, Saint Spes, Abbot, who for forty years bore blindness with extraordinary patience.

Here is something I wrote up based on the information I could find.

St. Spes, St. Eutizio, and St. Fiorenzo

Feast: May 23rd

After the year 400 there were many violent theological debates in the East which displaced many monks and hermits. Many of whom went West. Some settled in an area near Norcia, earning the region the knick-name: “The Thebaide of Umbria.” (The Thebaide was a region in Egypt where the first Monks and Hermits lived, it is basically the birthplace of monastic life (St. Antony of the Desert was there)).
The first source of St. Eutizio, St. Spes and St. Fiorenzo is Pope St. Gregory the Great in the first Book of his Dialogues (written in the 590’s) (the second book is the most famous because it tells the life of Saint Benedict) These books were written to make known Italian Saints, and to be used for inspiration for the faithful. They are similar to the Martyrology we know today.

St. Spes, St. Eutizio, and St. Fiorenzo were all from Syria, fleeing the persecutions mentioned above.
The monastery of Sant’Eutizio, (which is in the area where the three saints lived, although at that time there was no monastery but just a “laura” of hermits living in caves in the area), is near the town of Preci in Umbria, Italy, just a 20 minute drive from Norcia. To this day, the region has hermits. There is one currently living near the monastery of Sant’Eutizio whom I met (Br. Matthias, I believe).

St. Spes (died in A.D. 417?, he definitely lived in the 5th century) (St. Benedict and St. Scholastica were born in 480)
He was Abbot of the “laura” (community of hermits), and possibly its founder (in later liturgies he is named as the founder)
He was an example of patience and joy in the Holy Spirit.
He was blind for over forty years. Apparently God revealed to him that he would receive his sight back right before his death. And this is what happened.

St. Eutizio
Succeeded St. Spes as Abbot of the “laura.”
St. Eutizio and St. Fiorenzo were close companions.
(From what I could gather from a really dodgy translation, after his death St. Eutizio became known for his intercession for rain. Apparently when his hairshirt is venerated and he is prayed to, there have been several miracles of rain in times of drought.)

St. Fiorenzo
Close companion of St. Eutizio.
When St. Eutizio succeeded St. Spes as Abbot, St. Fiorenzo prayed to God for another companion. God answered his prayers when St. Fiorenzo befriended a gentle bear. The bear was most useful and was even able to watch over St. Fiorenzo’s flock. It would lead the flock out during the day, allowing St. Fiorenzo to pray, and then lead them back in at night. When the news and popularity spread, some of the other monks became jealous and killed the bear. So when the bear did not return one evening, St. Fiorenzo went out and found the dead bear. He realized what had happened. He became angry and wished a curse upon the instigators. Soon afterwards they died. St. Fiorenzo realized the evil he had done and repented. He was so remorseful that he spent the rest of his life living in great austerity and penance making atonement for his curse.

These saints would have been influential in the lives of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica, giving them not only examples of sanctity, but also examples of how to live a religious life. Hence, the first thing that St. Benedict did when he fled the debauchery of Rome was become a hermit at Subiaco. And St. Benedict is considered the Father of Western Monasticism. So these Saints could be considered the “Grandfathers” of Western Monasticism.

They are mentioned in the Book III of the Dialogues of Saint Gregory the Great:

The Dialogues, Book III, by Pope Saint Gregory the Great:

Chapter Fifteen: of the servants of God Euthicius (Eutizio) and Florentius (Fiorenzo).

GREGORY. Neither will I pass over that with silence, which I heard from the mouth of that reverent Priest, Sanctulus, one of the same country: and of whose report I am sure you make no doubt, for you know very well his life and fidelity.
At the same time, in the province of Nursia there dwelt two men, observing the life and habit of holy conversation: the one was called Euthicius and the other Florentius; of which Euthicius bestowed his time in spiritual zeal and fervour of virtue, and laboured much by his exhortations, to gain souls to God; but Florentius led his life in simplicity and devotion. Not far from the place where they remained, there was an Abbey, the governor whereof was dead, and therefore the monks made choice of Euthicius, to take the charge thereof: who, condescending to their petition, governed the Abbey many years. And not to have his former oratory utterly destitute, he left the reverent man Florentius to keep the same; who dwelt there all alone, and upon a day, being at his prayers, he besought almighty God to vouchsafe him of some comfort in that place; and having ended his devotions, he went forth, where he found a bear standing before the door, which by the bowing down of his head to the ground, and shewing in the gesture of his body no sign or cruelty, gave the man of God to understand that He was come thither to do him service, and himself likewise did forthwith perceive it. And because he had in the house four or five sheep which had no keeper, he commanded the bear to take charge of them, saying: "Go and lead these sheep to the field, and at twelve of the clock come back again ": which charge he took upon him, and did daily come home at that hour: and so he performed the office of a good shepherd, and those sheep, which before time he used to devour, now fasting himself, he took care to have them safely kept. And when God's servant determined to fast until three of the clock, then he commanded the bear to return with his sheep at the same hour; but when he would not fast so long, to come at twelve. And whatsoever he commanded his bear, that he did, so that bidden to return at three of the clock, he would not come at twelve; and commanded to return at twelve, he would not tarry till three. And when this had continued a good while, he began to be famous far and near for his virtue and holy life. But the old enemy of mankind by that means which he seeth the good to come unto glory, by the same doth he draw the wicked through hatred to procure their own misery; for four of Euthicius' monks, swelling with envy that their master wrought not any miracles, and that he who was left alone by him was famous for so notable a one, upon very spite went and killed his bear. And therefore, when the poor beast came not at his appointed hour, Florentius began to suspect the matter: but expecting yet until the evening, very much grieved he was that the bear, whom in great simplicity he called his brother, came not home. The next day, he went to the field, to seek for his sheep and his shepherd, whom he found there slain; and making diligent inquisition, he learned quickly who they were that had committed that uncharitable fact. Then was he very sorry, bewailing yet more the malice of the monks than the death of his bear; whom the reverent man Euthicius sent for, and did comfort him what he might; but the holy man Florentius, wonderfully grieved in mind, did in his presence curse them, saying: "I trust in almighty God, that they shall in this life, and in the sight of the world, receive the reward of their malice, that have thus killed my bear which did them no harm"; whose words God's vengeance did straight follow, for the four monks that killed the poor beast were straight so stricken with a leprosy, that their limbs did rot away, and so they died miserably: whereat the man of God, Florentius, was greatly afraid, and much grieved, that he had so cursed the monks; and all his life after he wept, for that his prayer was heard, crying out that himself was cruel, and that he had murdered those men. Which thing I suppose almighty God did, to the end that he should not, being a man of great simplicity, upon any grief whatsoever, afterward presume to curse any.
PETER. What? is it any great sin, if in our anger we curse others?
GREGORY. Why do you ask me whether it be a great sin, when as St. Paul saith: Neither cursers shall possess the kingdom of God? Think, then, how great the sin is, which doth exclude a man out of heaven.
PETER. What if a man, haply not of malice, but of negligence in keeping his tongue, doth curse his neighbour?
GREGORY. If before the severe judge idle speech is reprehended, how much more that which is hurtful. Consider, then, how damnable those words be, which proceed of malice, when that talk shall be punished which proceedeth only from idleness.
PETER. I grant it be most true.
GREGORY. The same man of God did another thing which I must not forget. For, the report of his virtue reaching far and near, a certain Deacon, that dwelt many miles off, travelled unto him, to commend himself to his prayers. And coming to his cell, he found it round about full of innumerable snakes; at which sight being wonderfully afraid, he cried out, desiring Florentius to pray: who came forth, the sky being then very clear, and lifted up his eyes and his hands to heaven, desiring God to take them away in such sort as he best knew. Upon whose prayers, suddenly it thundered, and that thunder killed all those snakes. Florentius, seeing them all dead, said unto God: "Behold, O Lord, thou hast destroyed them all, but who shall now carry them away?" And straight as he had thus spoken, so many birds came as there were snakes killed, which took them all up, and carried them far off, discharging his habitation from those venomous creatures.
PETER. Certainly he was a man of great virtue and merit, whose prayers God did so quickly hear.
GREGORY. Purity of heart and simplicity, Peter, is of great force with almighty God, who is in purity most singular, and of nature most simple. For those servants of his, which do retire themselves from worldly affairs, avoid idle words, labour not to lose their devotion, nor to defile their soul with talking, do especially obtain to be heard of him, to whom, after a certain manner, and as they may, they be like in purity and simplicity of heart. But we that live in the world, and speak oftentimes idle words, and that which is worse, sometime those that be hurtful: our words and prayers are so much the farther off from God, as they be near unto the world: for we are drawn too much down towards the earth, by continual talking of secular business: which thing the prophet Esaye did very well reprehend in himself, after he had beheld the King and Lord of armies, and was penitent, crying out: Woe be to me for being silent, because I am a man that have defiled lips: and he sheweth straight after the reason why his lips were defiled, when he saith: I dwell in the midst of a people that hath defiled lips. For sorry he was that his lips were defiled, yet concealeth not from whence he had them, when he saith, that he dwelt in the midst of a people that had defiled lips. For very hard it is that the tongues of secular men should not defile their souls, with whom they talk; for when we do sometime condescend to speak with them of certain things, by little and little we get such a custom, that we hear that spoken with pleasure which is not meet to be heard at all, so that afterward we are loath to give that over, to which at the first, to gratify others, we were brought against our wills. And by this means we fall from idle words to hurtful speeches, and from talk of small moment to words of great importance: and so it cometh to pass that our tongue is so much the less respected of God when we pray, by how much we are more defiled with foolish speech, because, as it is written: He that turneth away his ear that he hear not the law, his prayer shall be execrable.18 What marvel, then, is it, if, when we pray, God doth slowly hear us, when as we hear God's commandments, either slowly or not at all? And what marvel if Florentius, when he prayed, was quickly heard, who obeyed God in observing his commandments?
PETER. The reason alleged is so plain, that nothing with reason can be said against it.
GREGORY. But Euthicius, who was companion to Florentius in serving of God, was famous also for miracles after his death. For the inhabitants of that city do speak of many: but the principal is that which, even to these times of the Lombards, almighty God hath vouchsafed to work by his coat: for when they had any great drougth the citizens, gathering themselves together, did carry that, and together with their prayers offer it in the sight of our Lord. And when they went with that through the fields, praying to God, forthwith they had such plenty of rain as the dryness of the ground required: whereby it was apparent, what virtue and merits were in his soul, whose garment shewed outwardly did pacify the anger of almighty God.

Monastery of Sant'Eutizio

I regret that I don't have and pictures of the inside of the church at the monastery. It is a beautiful church which has about 15 steps that go up to the sanctuary. It is quite impressive and a very cool design for a church.

RS

More Plane Safety

It's an airplane extravaganza!
I've already shown some safety testing from Boeing at this post:

Is it the plane or the pilot?

I found some more interesting plane safety videos of engineers testing the limits of new engines and planes. Makes me feel a bit safer about flying.

Jet engines are pretty powerful ... but just how powerful?
[Huh, huh, hippie car, huh, huh]



So, with that in mind, can your brakes handle slamming them on at 210 mph with a full load and full throttle then continue to work for 5 minutes without catching on fire?



So what if a blade in the engine suddenly comes loose?



The high speed cameras used in this similar test are amazing.



What if a bird strikes the engine?



How do you like your poultry sliced? How about a flock of birds?



Finally, this is just neat. One of the most famous plane watching beaches in the world, Maho Beach at Saint Maartin. Ever play chicken with a Boeing 747?



Here's a cockpit view.



RS

Saint Christopher Magallanes and Companions

Today is the Feast of Saint Chrisophter Magallanes and Companions.

Now, I have to admit, I had never heard of these Saints. And now I realized why. These Saints have only recently been raised to the altar by Pope John Paul II on May 21, 2000. And they were inserted into the universal calendar of the Church in the new 2002 edition of the Missale Romanum.

With a hat tip to Carolina Canonball over at The Crescat, I found out that Saint Christopher and Companions were a part of the Cristero rebellion in Mexico. This brings these Saints a little bit closer to home for me being in Texas and having a parishoner who has a great devotion to the Mexican Martyrs of the Cristeros rebellion, so much so that he taught himself Spanish just to be able to go to Mexico to learn more about the Cristeros. If you haven't heard of them, you might be more familiar with one of the more popular Martyrs of that movement, Blessed Miguel Pro.

I don't think many people realize that Mexico went through a Communist revolution and that the Catholic Church was suppressed to the point of the government putting priests and religious to death. Eventually the Cristeros formed and fought back against the government.

You can learn more about Saint Christopher (or Cristobal) Magallanes and Companions at Carolina Canonball's post and at the Patron Saint Index.

I also give a hat tip to Matt at Absolutely No Spin for bringing to my attention a Google Video about the Cristeros.

As a warning, there is a bit of foul language in it (subtitled). However, it gives a bit more history of some of the battles of the Cristeros and even covers the story of Saint Jose Sanchez del Rio, a young boy who was martyred during this time (and was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on November 20, 2005).



RS

Comparison of Prayers - Ascension of the Lord

"The Ascension of Christ" by Garofalo

In my diocese we celebrate Ascension Thursday on Sunday. But I am putting this up on Thursday (sorry for it being so late though). Here we are with the time between Ascension Thursday and Pentecost Sunday being THE NOVENA of novenas, and Ascension gets moved to Sunday in a majority of places. Is there nothing sacred? Anyway, on with the prayers.

I don't have the Vigil Mass translated but that is something new to the 2002 Missale Romanum, so you won't have a different Vigil Mass if you go to a Vigil Mass in English for the Ascension. It will just be from the Mass of the Day for the Ascension. Confused yet? Welcome to liturgy.

The English I.C.E.L. translations of the Ascension were particularly horrible IMHO.

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Fac nos, omnípotens Deus, sanctis exsultáre gáudiis, et pia gratiárum actióne lætári, quia Christi Fílii tui ascénsio est nostra provéctio, et quo procéssit glória cápitis, eo spes vocátur et córporis.
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. God our Father, make us joyful in the ascension of your Son Jesus Christ. May we follow him into the new creation, for his ascension is our glory and our hope.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, you 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 God, make us to exult with holy joys, and to rejoice in pious acts of thanksgiving, because the Ascension of Christ Your Son is our advancement, and the hope of the Body is that of being called to that Place Whence comes the Glory of the Head.
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
Sacrifícium, Dómine, pro Fílii tui súpplices venerábili nunc ascensióne deférimus: præsta, quaésumus, ut his commérciis sacrosánctis ad cæléstia consurgámus.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, receive our offering as we celebrate the ascension of Christ your Son. May his gifts help us rise with him to the joys of heaven
where he lives and reigns for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
We now humbly offer up this Sacrifice, O Lord, for the veneration of the Ascension of Your Son: grant, we beseech You, that by this most Holy Exchange, we may also rise to Heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of the Ascension

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:
Quia Dóminus Iesus, Rex glóriæ, peccáti triumphátor et mortis, mirántibus Angelis, ascéndit hódie summa cælórum, Mediátor Dei et hóminum, Iudex mundi Dominúsque virtútum; non ut a nostra humilitáte discéderet, sed ut illuc confiderémus, sua membra, nos súbsequi quo ipse, caput nostrum principiúmque, præcéssit.
Quaprópter, profúsis paschálibus gáudiis, totus in orbe terrárum mundus exsúltat. Sed et supérnæ virtútes atque angélicæ potestátes hymnum glóriæ tuæ cóncinunt, sine fine dicéntes:
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 the Lord Jesus, the king of glory, the conqueror of death, ascended to heaven while the angles sang his praises. Christ, the mediator between God and man, judge of the world and Lord of all, has passed beyond our sight, not to abandon us but to be our hope. Christ is the beginning, the head of the Church; where he as gone, we hope to follow.
The joy of the resurrection and ascension renews the whole world, while the choirs of heaven sing for ever to your glory.
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, the Lord Jesus, King of Glory, conqueror of sin and death, amidst marveling Angels, ascended today to the heights of the heavens, Mediator of God and men, Judge of the world and Lord of powers; not to separate Himself from our lowliness, but in order that we, His members, confidently trust that we will follow Him to that place where He, our Head and our beginning, proceeded before us.
Therefore, the whole world exults with a pouring forth of Paschal joy. And the Heavenly Virtues and Angelic Powers sing together the hymn of Your Glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui in terra constitútos divína tractáre concédis, præsta, quaésumus, ut illuc tendat christiánæ devotiónis afféctus, quo tecum est nostra substántia.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Father, in this eucharist we touch the divine life you give to the world. Help us to follow Christ with love to eternal life
where he is Lord for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Almighty and Eternal God, You Who grant those established on earth to draw upon Divine things, grant, we beseech You, that the disposition of Christian devotion might direct our lives to that Place where our substance is with You.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

RS Movie Review - Jet Li's Fearless

I have always enjoyed Jet Li's films, so I was very interested in seeing "Fearless," which was said to be not only Jet Li's masterpiece, but also his last wushu (Martial Arts) film.

I really liked one of Jet Li's earlier movies "Fist of Legend" which is said to be one of the definitive martial arts movies. I also really enjoyed "Once Upon A Time In China" which has been a very popular movie worldwide. (I must note, the sequels "Once Upon A Time In China II and III" were absolutely horrible IMHO. The second I could tolerate, but I couldn't even finish the third one.)

Interestingly, these three movies are connected. They all take place in the milieu of Westerners coming into China in the late 19th/early 20th century. Although they do show how other cultures came in an basically took advantage of China, they are also fair and show how many Chinese either did not help the situation or took advantage of the situation for selfish gains. "Fearless" could almost be a prequel to "Fist of Legend" in that the latter movie involves a Jing-Wu school, that is, a nationalist martial arts school founded by Jet Li's character, Huo Yuan Jia, in "Fearless."

Now the first five and a half minutes are some amazing fight sequences. However, this movie was very different from what I expected. It wasn't quite as action packed as the trailer leads you to believe. Yet, I really did enjoy it in spite of it being a very different style of movie than what I thought it would be.

Now comes the hard part. How do I review a movie without ruining any of it?

Well, it does not have any sex or language. However it does have some pretty violent scenes. Yet, these are not scenes of violence for the sake of violence, or even for just a "great action sequence," but they really do help tell the story of Huo Yuan Jia

I guess you could best describe it as a story of redemption and seeing the bigger picture. I recommend this movie if you don't mind some violence, although I would not call it gratuitous. I have the "Unrated Edition" of the DVD so I am sure it has a bit more violence than the theatrical version.

I think what I liked about this is that although it tries to teach that violence is not always the answer, it does not take a pacifist view. Sometimes fighting is necessary, that is just a fact of life. However, power is always to be used with responsibility and to serve.

What also makes this movie good is that you can tell that this is a movie that Jet Li really believed in. He wanted to make this movie to express his beliefs. Although he is a Tibetan Bhuddist, this movie does express a universal truth about power and responsibility.

It is a very interesting story that I found pretty original. And it is nice to have some pretty impressive fight sequences too. CG and wire-work were kept to a minimum. It is not your average kung fu plot line, but that is exactly the point. I highly recommend it for anyone who has enjoyed kung fu movies, but also likes an original and well thought out story. Anyone who enjoys seeing someone's personal journey to a realization will also enjoy this move.

PS - I read an interview with Jet Li that although this was his last wushu movie, thankfully it is not his last action movie. He felt that regarding martial arts, "Fearless" expressed all his beliefs and feelings about wushu (martial arts).

Here's the trailer for anyone interested.



RS

Happy Mothers' Day

Happy Mothers' Day.

I love this, an oldie but still great.



Here's a old picture of when the Roman Sacristan was little with his Mom


(No, Mom's not that hairy. LOL)

RS

Blogger Awards Discipline

From the comments of yesterday's post:

From akeatpayperpost:

Just wanted to let you know that after assessing the blog you mention here in this post, we have banned it from our site. This decision was made in the best interest of BloggersChoiceAwards.com, and to help maintain the integrity of it.
Thought you might be interested in this!

Good to see the Blogger Choice Awards is keeping the competition fair.

For those who haven't voted yet, please vote for me and the other good Catholic blogs (see my sidebar) out there. I'd still like to be much higher on the list (I would like to be above Whispers in the Loggia or, dare I try, even Cardinal O'Malley's blog. Although I would really love to get ahead of the athiests' blog).

RS

Comparison of Prayers - 6th Sunday of Easter

"Appearance While the Apostles are at Table"
by Duccio di Buoninsegna

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Fac nos, omnípotens Deus, hos lætítiæ dies, quos in honórem Dómini resurgéntis exséquimur, afféctu sédulo celebráre, ut quod recordatióne percúrrimus semper in ópere teneámus.
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. Ever-living God, help us to celebrate our joy in the resurrection of the Lord and to express in our lives the love we celebrate.
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. Almighty God, make us to celebrate these days of joy which we have been carrying out with a zealous affection in honor of the risen Lord, so that that Which we hasten towards in this Remembrance, we may always maintain in deed.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your 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
Ascéndant ad te, Dómine, preces nostræ cum oblatiónibus hostiárum, ut, tua dignatióne mundáti, sacraméntis magnæ pietátis aptémur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, accept our prayers and offerings. Make us worthy of your sacraments of love by granting us your forgiveness.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let our prayers rise up to You, O Lord, with these sacrificial offerings, so that, through Your desire to make us pure, we may receive this great Sacrament of worship.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui ad ætérnam vitam in Christi resurrectióne nos réparas, fructum in nobis paschális multíplica sacraménti, et fortitúdinem cibi salutáris nostris infúnde pectóribus.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Almighty and ever-living Lord, you restored us to life by raising Christ from death. Strengthen us by this Easter sacrament; may we feel its saving power in our daily life.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Almighty and Eternal God, Who restored us to eternal life in the Resurrection of Christ, increase in us the fruits of this Paschal Sacrifice, and pour into our hearts the strength of this Saving Food.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Fishy Bloggers Choice Awards

EDIT 2 - Appears to be no longer fishy. See the user comment of this post and then also see my later post.

Something fishy is going on over at the Bloggers Choice Awards. Looks like some type of organized effort to push a blog into first in the religion category has just happened. What's also fishy is that it has suddenly jumped to 2nd in the "Best Blog of all Time" category (a rather popular category that should normally take awhile to get to the top of). Especially since the blog has only four posts and has not existed for more than a month. Oh well, with a voting system that can be easily abused, you had to expect it some time.

EDIT - Looking through the comments about the new "leader" it has been verified that there has been a lot of cheating (apparently they had over 1000 votes removed due to unfair voting). The weird thing is not the blog but the "fans" of the blog. It seems like some Filipino cult or something. These people are rather fanatical about this preacher to say the least. Half the comments just read "The only sensible preacher of our time" like some Stepford congregation. Having read his posts, I'm not really very impressed with his "reasoning" on things.

Of course there have also been rumors of an anti-Catholic blog that is going to have an organized push too. However, I don't think the blog mentioned above is it.

Anyway, for those who haven't voted yet, I'm still wanting to beat out beliefnet and only need about 5 or 6 more votes. And if you haven't voted, get Gerald at The Cafeteria is Closed and the other good Catholic blogs a boost too.

So ... GO VOTE!

and we'll take care of this fishy business.


RS

Confession song?

Well, Linkin Park has a new album coming out. I've heard their first song from it, and although I find it pretty consistant sounding (it seems to have that "generic" Linkin Park sound), it has grown on me nonetheless.

I have been more impressed with Linkin Park than with most other bands. They don't have to use explicit lyrics and they tend to sing about more personal things that the everyday listener can relate to (they don't sing about sex, drugs, and rock and roll).

I get the impression that many people just kind of passed them off as just another "Nu Metal" act (ie, White boys mixing rock with some elements of rap and making a hybrid sound), but their sound has been a bit more original than most of the rock/rap crossovers I have heard (which is a lot), and their lyrics seem to have much more thought put into them IMHO.

I'm interested to see what this new album will be like. I do admit I am a bit weary of it. The album is called "Minutes to Midnight." From the title and the video of the first song, I fear they may be turning down an anti-war or liberal avenue. However, I think (and hope) that they may be more than just some politically driven band that record companies are pumping out out (a la Green Day). I am hoping that although they might have an anti-war aspect, it would be more along the lines of how anyone feels about war: that it is something that should be avoided, however, at times it might be necessary (something very well done in the movie "Jet Li's 'Fearless'". I don't think there is anyone in the U.S. who really wants war. Nobody who supports the war in Iraq really wants to it to be happening. However the more accurate question is: should we be over there? I'm not going to get into that discussion here, as it is off topic and certainly has many points on both sides of the issue.

Anyway, one thing that prompted this post was that as I was listening to their new song on the radio, I thought there has got to be someone out there who could make a video of this song focusing on the Sacrament of Confession. Maybe a video that follows three people who have obviously sinned in one way or another at the beginning, but who all go to confession, sincerely seeking Christ's mercy and their own conversion.

This is pretty ironic for me since I usually despise any type of making the Catholic faith seem "hip" or "cool" by mixing pop culture and the faith. Yet, I don't know why, this song just strikes me as being able to do that.

I'll let you be the judge.



RS

Coolest Alarm Clock

Yeah, there are a lot of alarm clocks out there with their own gimmick or cool thing. Some play CD's, some project the time on the ceiling, some have a goofy chicken that dances and sings. <----(you've gotta hear this by the way)

But the one below is awesome!


Imagine having your alarm clock wake you up as though a prim and proper English butler were waking you up.

You can hear several of the 50 or so messages with which you can be awoken.

The Voco Alarm Clock

I think my favorite is:

"The world has been very anxious to hear from you for the last eight hours. Shall I inform the news agencies that you are about to rise, sir?"

RS

Funny Math Rap

Needing some humor this morning I found this. It is geeky, and one of those things that is so cheesy it is funny. It's even more amusing when I found out it was a parody of a real song. However, I think this version is actually better.



RS

My weekend.

So, yeah, this picture accurately describes my weekend.


My weekend made about as much sense.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - 5th Sunday of Easter

"The Last Supper" by Pieter Pourbus

I chose this picture because it mentions Judas having left the Last Supper, and this picture has an interesting "character" coming towards Judas in the picture ... you know who it is. (You can click the picture for more detail.)

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, semper in nobis paschále pérfice sacraméntum, ut, quos sacro baptísmate dignátus es renováre, sub tuæ protectiónis auxílio multos fructus áfferant, et ad ætérnæ vitæ gáudia perveníre concédas.
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. God our Father, look upon us with love. You redeem us and make us your children in Christ. Give us true freedom and bring us to the inheritance you promised.
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, always bring to perfection in us this Paschal Sacrament, that those whom You willed to renew by Holy Baptism, may bear much fruit through the help of Your protection, and that You may grant them to come to the joys of eternal life.
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
Deus, qui nos, per huius sacrifícii veneránda commércia, uníus summaéque divinitátis partícipes effecísti, præsta, quaésumus, ut, sicut tuam cognóvimus veritátem, sic eam dignis móribus assequámur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord God, by this holy exchange of gifts you share with us your divine life. Grant that everything we do may be directed by the knowledge of your truth.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
O God, You Who, through the venerable exchange of this Sacrifice, have made us participants in the one and most-high Godhead, grant we beseech You, that just as we have learned Your Truth, we may follow It in a worthy manner.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of Easter (form for Easter outside of the Octave)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salutáre: Te quidem, Dómine, omni témpore confitéri, sed in hoc potíssimum gloriósus prædicáre, cum Pascha nostrum immolátus est Christus.
Ipse enim verus est Agnus qui ábstulit peccáta mundi. Qui mortem nostram moriéndo destrúxit, et vitam resurgéndo reparávit.
Quaprópter, profúsis paschálibus gáudiis, totus in orbe terrárum mundus exsúltat. Sed et supérnæ virtútes atque angélicæ potestátes hymnum glóriæ tuæ cóncinunt, sine fine dicéntes:
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 through Jesus Christ our Lord. We praise you with greater joy than ever in this Easter season, when Christ became our paschal sacrifice.
He is the true Lamb who took away the sins of the world. By dying he destroyed our death; by rising he restored our life.
And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise.
Holy, holy, holy ...

My Own Literal Translation
It is truly right and just, proper and availing unto salvation: You, Lord, are indeed confessed at all times, but most especially in this glorious time, when Christ was offered up as our Paschal Sacrifice.
For He Himself is the true Lamb who took away the sins of the world. Who destroyed our death by dying, and restored our life by rising.
Therefore, with an outpouring of Paschal joy, all on earth exult. And the Supreme Virtues and the Angelic Powers sing together the hymn of Your glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Pópulo tuo, quaésumus, Dómine, adésto propítius, et, quem mystériis cæléstibus imbuísti, fac ad novitátem vitæ de vetustáte transíre.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Merciful Father, may these mysteries give us new purpose and bring us to a new life in you.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. We beseech You, O Lord, graciously be present to Your people, whom You have filled with these Heavenly Mysteries, and make them to pass from the old way to newness of life.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Mona Lisa with MS Paint

Now, I have always found MS Paint to be simple, but extremely frustrating to use. Probably because you have to have such a steady hand when "drawing" with a mouse.

This guy has used MS Paint to make the Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" which took him two hours, but he has sped up so you can watch it in under 5 minutes.



I've seen several videos like this, so I guess a lot of it is shading and patience. So, I figured I would give it a try. Just compare mine with the end result above. This time, I took my time (it still only took me about 10 minutes).


[snicker]

Yeah, maybe I should just stick to blogging.


RS

A quote for all seasons

I am currently watching "A Man For All Seasons" (the Paul Scofield version) and was struck by a quote. It is particularly relevant to today's politics and the current "you shouldn't make political decisions based on your religious beliefs" nonsense.

Sir Thomas More says:

“When statesmen forsake their own private conscience for the sake of their public duties they lead their country by a short road to chaos.”

What's even more interesting is that he was saying it to the current Chancellor of England ... Cardinal Wolsey, who is trying to get Sir Thomas More to go against his conscience (and the doctrine of the Church) for state reasons.

Chillingly familiar of current cardinals and politicians in this country trying to tell people it's OK to keep politics and belief separate.

RS

Bishop Kevin Farrell installed as bishop of Dallas

Well, I told you I would tell you if I heard any news about how orthodox Bishop Kevin Farrell was. As of yet, I have still heard nothing about him.

All I can say is that he is now officially installed as the Bishop of Dallas now.

I'm waiting on first-hand reports from those who attended the installation Mass.

I just pray he is an orthodox bishop who will stand up for and teach the doctrine of the Catholic Church. (Some "house cleaning" wouldn't hurt either).

RS

Theology of Concelebration

Now, I have to admit, that I have always never understood the theology behind concelebration.

The New Liturgical Movement has posted a link to an excellent essay about the theology behind concelebration. Definitely worth a read if you have ever wondered how the Church can allow it.

"Concelebrated Mass - One or Many?" (pdf file)

RS