R.I.P. Michael Jackson

No, not THAT Michael Jackson!

For anyone who has spent any time sampling the world of crafted beers, they will be familiar with a man who is probably considered the most well known beer taster and writer of all things beer, Michael Jackson.


A friend and fellow beer enthusiast sent this saddening news to me this morning:

As from allaboutbeer.com

We mourn the passing of a friend. Michael Jackson died Wednesday night at his home in London.

It's not often you get to know an honest to goodness giant. Michael Jackson was a giant, indeed, and his place in the beer community was unique. Now, he's gone. Not exactly surprising, given the state of his health, but still a shock.

Michael gave us our voice and vocabulary, and grounded the history and traditions of beer. Beginning in the seventies with the publication of the World Guide to Beer, Michael began beating the drum demanding more respect for beer. He swirled and tasted beer, filling pages with new words. He traveled unceasingly, discovering styles and traditions long gone or on their way out the door. He chided the mainstream press for its beer provincialism. He even wore one glove, just one glove, to mock a similarly named celebrity.

Originally a newspaper reporter, a badge he wore with pride, he never lost the newsman's love for a breaking story or a tight deadline. He was a prolific writer, an expert in whiskey and fine food as well as a pioneer beer writer.

We will all lift a pint in his memory.

Daniel & Julie Bradford

His writings were well done, and his books introduced me to the various styles of beer, the better quality breweries of the world, and also the great blessing of Belgian beers, especially those actually brewed by Tappist monks.

My only anecdote is that I had the opportunity to meet him once, but of all the times this came up, it was Lent, and I had given up drinking beer. He was hosting a beer tasting at a local pub ... on a Monday night, so no Sunday break for me. So, I offered it up and passed on the opportunity. My friend took my "The New World Guide to Beer" by Michael Jackson for him to sign. He went, had a fun time, and got my book signed. What did it say?

"To Chris, Where were you? - Michael Jackson 30 Mar '98"
At least he had a sense of humor too. LOL!

Requiescat in pace, Michael Jackson.

And we'll raise a pint for ya!

Roman Sacristan raising a pint with friends
RS

Quick post

This has been making the rounds. Didn't think you could do much with shadow puppets, but this is pretty well done.



RS

OK, maybe my commute isn't so bad.

EDIT-Video had dead link, it should be viewable now (sound might be a bit loud).

Getting across a metropolitan area is rather stressful (and dangerous at times) [EDIT-even when your alternator goes out on your truck like what happened the next day from this post], but I guess my commute isn't this bad:



RS

If it's not one thing it's another.

Sorry for the lack of posts (or at least creative posts). Things have been busy as I come into the homestrech of preparing to go to Rome for a couple of weeks.

And to top it all off, a thunderstorm decided to come through this afternoon and knock out the power for several hours.

EDIT - However, wow, the ego inflator at the bottom of the blog says I have gotten over 20,000 hits and 32,000 pageviews.

RS

Basic Communication Skills People!

Carolina Cannonball over at The Crescat... posted a great clip from the Miss Teen USA pageant. Wow, did Miss Teen South Carolina actually say anything?



She reminded me of something Senator Ted Stevens had said a while back when talking about the internet. Now I was IT for a few years, and so we had to know about how network communications and the internet worked. I guess things have changed since I was in IT because what Senator Stevens says at the end of the clip is vastly different from what I learned (remember he is head of the senate commerce committee):



So of course, if you can't talk about the internet properly, it will get its revenge on you. :P



RS

21st Sunday Per Annum Comparison of Prayers

No changes from last year, but here it is again anyway.

21st Sunday "Per Annum" (Ordinary Time)

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui fidélium mentes uníus éfficis voluntátis, da pópulis tuis id amáre quod praécipis, id desideráre quod promíttis, ut, inter mundánas varietátes, ibi nostra fixa sint corda, ubi vera sunt gáudia.
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, help us to seek the values that will bring us lasting joy in this changing world. In our desire for what you promise make us one in mind and heart.
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.

Literal Translation
Let us pray. O God, You Who make the minds of the faithful to be of one will, grant to Your people to love that which You command, and to desire that which You promise, so that, amid the inconsistencies of this world, our hearts may be fixed on that place, where there are true joys.
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
Qui una semel hóstia, Dómine, adoptiónis tibi pópulum acquisísti, unitátis et pacis in Ecclésia tua propítius nobis dona concédas.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Merciful God, the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ made us your people. In your love, grant peace and unity to your Church.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Literal Translation
O Lord, You Who once for all acquired for Yourself a people of adoption by the one sacrificial Victim, may You graciously grant to us the gifts of unity and peace in Your Church.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Plenum, quaésumus, Dómine, in nobis remédium tuæ miseratiónis operáre, ac tales nos esse pérfice propítius et sic fovéri, ut tibi in ómnibus placére valeámus.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, may this eucharist increase within us the healing power of your love. May it guide and direct our efforts to please you in all things.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

Literal Translation
Let us pray. We beseech You, O Lord, to work in us the plentiful remedy of Your compassion, and perfect us to be gracious and thus be encouraged, that we may be strengthened to please You in all things.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

New way to rollerblade.

This week has been pretty busy, so I needed some Thursday levity.

EDIT - If nothing else, you have to watch the last video in the post.

Jean-Yves Blondeau is a French designer who came up with a sort of rollerblade suit. I had heard of this a while ago, but thought it was just some type of art project or something. (Don't see this being approved by any parental toy safet groups any time soon).
Sorry you'll just have to deal with the French narrative.



The suit might look a bit goofy, but it looks like it would be fun.



However, he has refined the suit and can do some pretty cool downhill things in it. I think it has 31 wheels total.

Can't embed this one, but you can see it at youtube. The Swiss Pass is amazingly steep and winding, and he does it in normal traffic. (Kids, don't try this at home ... or at the Swiss Pass!)

SWISSPASS 1 : FURKA

Not sure what is scarier, going downhill at this speed on winding roads, or having a car filming you right behind you at that speed. You can hear the car's tires squealing they are going so fast around some of those sharp turns!



Dang, that looks like fun!

RS

\/\/h173 & /\/3rdy

Monday levity.

Yes, I'm geeky enough to love the video. Not new, but definitely a classic!

Weird Al Yankovic's "White & Nerdy" video.


Obligatory "making of" video


So what were they laughing so hard at on Donnie Osmonds part? Check it out:


Weird Al isn't the only nerd who's made it big. There are others climbing the ranks.

Nerdcore is rising!


MC Frontalot does have some pretty cool songs BTW.

RS

20th Sunday Per Annum - Comparison of Prayers

Prayers for the 20th Sunday "Per Annum" (Ordinary Time)

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui diligentibus te bona invisibília præparásti, infúnde córdibus nostris tui amóris afféctum, ut, te in ómnibus et super ómnia diligéntes, promissiónes tuas, quæ omne desidérium súperant, consequámur.
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, may we love you in all things and above all things and reach the joy you have prepared for us beyond all our imagining.
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, You have prepared unseen goods for those who love You, pour into our hearts the passion of Your love, so that, loving You in everything and above all things, we may attain to Your promises, which surpass all of our desires.
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, múnera nostra, quibus exercéntur commércia gloriósa, ut, offeréntes quæ dedísti teípsum mereámur accípere.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, accept our sacrifice as a holy exchange of gifts. By offering what you have given us may we receive the gift of yourself.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Take up our sacrificial gifts, O Lord, through which these glorious exchanges are being carried out, so that, while offering these gifts which You have given we may be made worthy to receive You Yourself
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Per hæc sacraménta, Dómine, Christi partícipes effécti, cleméntiam tuam humíliter implorámus, ut, eius imáginis confórmes in terris, et eius consórtes in cælis fíeri mereámur.
Qui vivit et regnat in saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. God of mercy, by this sacrament you make us one with Christ. By becoming more like him on earth, may we come to share his glory in heaven,
where he lives and reigns for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Having been made participants of Christ through these Sacraments, O Lord, we humbly implore Your merciful love, that, we may be worthy to be conformed into His image here on earth, and that in Heaven we may be made equal sharers with Him.
Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

RS

The Assumption (Mass during the Day) - Comparison of Prayers

"Assumption of the Virgin" (1529) by Andrea del Sarto
Just a few minor tweaks from last year.

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui immaculátam Vírginem Maríam, Fílii tui Genetrícem, córpore et ánima ad cæléstem glóriam assumpsísti, concéde, quaésumus, ut, ad supérna semper inténti, ipsíus glóriæ mereámur esse consórtes.
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. All-powerful and ever-living God, you raised the sinless Virgin Mary, mother of your Son, body and soul to the glory of heaven. May we see heaven as our final goal and come to share in her glory.
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, You Who assumed the Immaculate Virgin Mary, the Mother of Your Son, body and soul into heavenly glory, grant, we beseech You, that, always intent on higher things, we may merit to be sharers in her glory.
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
Ascéndat ad te, Dómine, nostræ devotiónis oblátio, et, beatíssima Vírgine María in cælum assúmpta intercedénte, corda nostra, caritátis igne succénsa, ad te iúgiter aspírent.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, receive this offering of our service. You raised the Virgin Mary to the glory of heaven. By her prayers, help us to seek you and to live in your love.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
May the offering of our devotion ascend to You, O Lord, and, through the intercession of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, who was assumed into Heaven, may our hearts, inflamed with the fire of love, continually long for You.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface of the Glory of the Assumption of Mary

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salutáre, nos tibi semper et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine, sancte Pater, omnípotens ætérne Deus: per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Quóniam Virgo Deípara hódie in cælos assúmpta est, Ecclésiæ tuæ consummándæ inítium et imágo, ac pópulo peregrinánti certæ spei et solácii documéntum; corruptiónem enim sepúlcri eam vidére mérito noluísti, quæ Fílium tuum, vitæ omnis auctórem, ineffabíliter de se génuit incarnátum.
Et ídeo, choris angélicis sociáti, te laudámus, in gáudio confiténtes:
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.
Today the virgin Mother of God was taken up into heaven to be the beginning and the pattern of the Church in its perfection, and a sign of hope and comfort for your people on their pilgrim way. You would not allow decay to touch her body, for she had given birth to your Son, the Lord of all life, in the glory of the incarnation.
In our joy we sing to your glory with all the choirs of angels.
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: through Christ our Lord.
Whereas the Virgin who gave birth to God, today was assumed into Heaven, she is the beginning and image of Your perfected Church, and also an example of fixed hope and consolation for a pilgrim people; for You rightly refused to see her corruption in the tomb, she who ineffably bore Your Son, the Author of all life, Who took flesh from her.
And so, united with the choirs of Angels, we praise You, confessing in joy:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Sumptis, Dómine, salutáribus sacraméntis, da, quaésumus, ut, intercessióne beátæ Maríæ Vírginis in cælum assúmptæ, ad resurrectiónis glóriam perducámur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, may we who receive this sacrament of salvation be led to the glory of heaven by the prayers of the Virgin Mary.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Having received the Sacrament of salvation, O Lord, grant, we humbly beseech You, that, through the merits and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was assumed into Heaven, we may be brought to the glory of the Resurrection.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Vigil of the Assumption - Comparison of Prayers

"The Assumption of the Virgin Mary" by Annibale Carracci
Sorry they are late, but here's the comparison of prayers for the Vigil of the Assumption:

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui beátam Vírginem Maríam, eius humilitátem respíciens, ad hanc grátiam evexísti, ut Unigénitus tuus ex ipsa secúndum carnem nascerétur, et hodiérna die superexcellénti glória coronásti, eius nobis précibus concéde, ut, redemptiónis tuæ mystério salváti, a te exaltári mereámur.
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 God, you gave a humble virgin the privilege of being the mother of your Son, and crowned her with the glory of heaven. May the prayers of the Virgin Mary bring us to the salvation of Christ and raise us up to eternal life.
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 looking upon her humility, raised up the Blessed Virgin Mary to this grace, that Your only-Begotten Son was born from her according to the flesh, and on this very day, You crowned her with a most-excellent glory, grant to us by her prayers, that, we may be made worthy to be lifted up to You by the saving Mystery of Your Redemption.
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
Súscipe, quaésumus, Dómine, sacrifícium placatiónis et laudis, quod in sanctæ Dei Genetrícis Assumptióne celebrámus, ut ad véniam nos obtinéndam perdúcat, et in perpétua gratiárum constítuat actióne.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, receive this sacrifice of praise and peace in honor of the assumption of the Mother of God. May our offering bring us pardon and make our lives a thanksgiving to you.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Receive, we humbly beseech You, O Lord, this sacrifice of appeasement and praise, which we celebrate on the Assumption of the holy Mother of God, so that it may lead us to obtaining forgiveness, and by means of this act may it establish our thankfulness forever.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface of the Glory of the Assumption of Mary

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salutáre, nos tibi semper et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine, sancte Pater, omnípotens ætérne Deus: per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Quóniam Virgo Deípara hódie in cælos assúmpta est, Ecclésiæ tuæ consummándæ inítium et imágo, ac pópulo peregrinánti certæ spei et solácii documéntum; corruptiónem enim sepúlcri eam vidére mérito noluísti, quæ Fílium tuum, vitæ omnis auctórem, ineffabíliter de se génuit incarnátum.
Et ídeo, choris angélicis sociáti, te laudámus, in gáudio confiténtes:
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.
Today the virgin Mother of God was taken up into heaven to be the beginning and the pattern of the Church in its perfection, and a sign of hope and comfort for your people on their pilgrim way. You would not allow decay to touch her body, for she had given birth to your Son, the Lord of all life, in the glory of the incarnation.
In our joy we sing to your glory with all the choirs of angels.
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: through Christ our Lord.
Whereas the Virgin who gave birth to God, today was assumed into Heaven, she is the beginning and image of Your perfected Church, and also an example of fixed hope and consolation for a pilgrim people; for You rightly refused to see her corruption in the tomb, she who ineffably bore Your Son, the Author of all life, Who took flesh from her.
And so, united with the choirs of Angels, we praise You, confessing in joy:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Mensæ cæléstis partícipes effécti, implorámus cleméntiam tuam, Dómine Deus noster, ut, qui Assumptiónem Dei Genetrícis cólimus, a cunctis malis imminéntibus liberémur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. God of mercy, we rejoice because Mary, the mother of our Lord, was taken into the glory of heaven. May the holy food we receive at this table free us from evil.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Having been made participants of this Heavenly table, we beg of Your tenderness, O Lord our God, that, we who honor the Assumption of the Mother of God, may be freed from all threatening evils.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

RS Movie Review - The Bourne Ultimatum

Wow!

It's hard enough for me to want to go see movies. It used to be that I was always waiting for movies to be released and wanting to go see them as soon as they came out. Yet, ever since 1998 or 1999 it just seems like movies have been horrible. Aside from a tiny handful of movies, I have rarely visited a movie theater.

But a friend of mine introduced me to the Bourne series (I was out of the country when the first one was released), and was pretty amazed at the first movie, The Bourne Identity. I was a bit nervous about the second one, because often, sequels stink (a la Matrix vs. Matrix: Reloaded). But, I was pleasently surprised that the second was just as good, if not better than, the first.

So, the third one is here and again, "can Hollywood actually make a decent third movie?" Well, in my opinion: "Yes, yes it can!" The movie was right up to par with the first two and really does a good job of looking at the whole storyline. It is also a good movie in that in does deal with ethics, and you definitely see the slippery slope of trying to use "the ends justifies the means" morality.

I only had one minor complaint, but I won't mention it because it might cause someone who wouldn't have noticed it to be distracted by it. I'll only say, it was a similar complaint I had in the second movie. So if you didn't notice it in the second it shouldn't bother you in the third. And it's nothing that would objectionable anyway.

I would recommend that you see the first two movies first, as it will make a lot more sense as to what is going on and what some of the flashbacks and references are all about.

Like I said, not only is the third movie good, but the whole series is great. Action packed, very believable, and it does get you thinking about a lot of modern day things. These movies are definitely near the top of my favorites list.

It's PG-13 for violence and language (all in the series are). However, I find none of it gratuitous.

BTW - A movie like this is enhanced by seeing it on the big screen with a good sound system. It's good anyway, but it was certainly fun in the theater.

RS

The Countries of the World

Monday Levity.

Here's a frustrating little game: Can you name the 192 countries in the United Nations. The difficulty is that sometimes you'll think of coutries, but they are not in the UN. You have 10 minutes (spelling counts).

192 UN Member States in 10 minutes

If you need help you might find some hints from Wakko Warner in this amazing song:



Think that is impressive, the guy who does Wakko's voice, Rob Paulsen (who also did Pinky in Pinky and the Brain, and Raphael on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, can still do the song in one take. Hmmm, this would be a great homeschooler project [hint, hint].



RS

Church Will Survive

Arg! I can't believe some bishops!

Supposedly, the bishop of Gaylord, Michigan, has said:

Until other law is promulgated, all liturgies in the Diocese of Gaylord are to be celebrated entirely in English by the presiding celebrant.

I do think other law has been promulgated. Check out Vatican II's Sacrosanctum Concilium, the current G.I.R.M., Sacramentum Redemptionem, and Summorum Pontificum.

I'd like to point out to bishops that the laity are not idiots. Some of the faithful may be apathetic, but many others know the faith and know Church and liturgical law.

Hopefully Rome will respond to this ridiculous statement promptly (of course most of Italy is on vacation during August, so we'll see).

It's time like thse I have to remember a great anecdote about Napoleon. When he invaded Italy and was taking away property and rights from the Church, he told a cardinal, "I will destroy the Church." The cardinal quickly retorted, "If us cardinals and bishops haven't been able to do it, what makes you think you can?"

Deo Gratias that God is ultimately in charge of the Church.

LOL.

RS

19th Sunday Per Annum Comparison of Prayers

No changes from last year:

Comparison of Prayers - 19th Sunday Per Annum

RS

Scripture still relevant

Well, I was bad and overslept today, so I had to go to a different parish to go to Mass. Although today is the Memorial of Saint Dominic, they took the readings from the readings of the day. Providentially, the 1st reading inspired me to make a story related to a modern day situation.

Now of course, I am not for adapting the Bible to suit today's culture. We are certainly intelligent enough to learn about the culture in the Bible so that we can understand it in the original context in which it was written. However, I want to use it to tell a parallel story:

The actual reading from Mass can be found here:

1st reading for Wednesday of the 18th Week of Ordinary Time, Year I
(It's the N.A.B. translation of Numbers 13:1-2, 25–14:1, 26a-29a, 34-35, if the above link doesn't work. I can't copy the enitre reading because of copywrite. Although I have no idea why the USCCB would even bother copywriting such a pathetic translation ... except to keep people from pointing out how bad it is.)

Here is my parallel story:
(it's better if you read the 1st reading in the above link first)

The Holy Spirit said to the popes [in the early 21st century,]
“Assign men to consider a wider use of the older use of Mass,
which I am once again giving to the children of God.
You shall send one man from each diocese,
all of them bishops.”

After investigating the use for some time they returned,
met Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI and the whole congregation of Ecclesia Dei
in the Vatican at Rome,
made a report to them all,
and showed the fruit of the old use of Mass
to the whole congregation.
They told the popes: “We went into the use to which you sent us.
It does indeed flow with milk and honey, and here is its fruit.
However, the people who are living in the land are fierce,
and their faith is fortified and very strong.
Besides, we saw descendants of the SSPX there.”

Ecclesia Dei, however, to quiet the people toward the pope, said,
“We ought to go up and seize the opportunity, for we can certainly do so.”
But some of the bishops and cardinals who had gone up with them said,
“We cannot encourage these people; they are too strong for us.”
So they spread discouraging reports among the children of God
about the use they had scouted, saying,
“The use that we explored is a liturgy that bores its inhabitants.
And all the people we saw there are cold, uncharitable giants
we felt spiritually immature, and so we must have seemed to them.”

And thus, the whole media broke out with loud cries,
and even in the night some of the cardinals wailed.

The LORD said to the popes:
“How long will this wicked assembly grumble against me?
I have heard the grumblings of some of the bishops and cardinals against me.
Tell them: By my life, says the LORD,
I will do to them just what I have heard them say.
Here in the liturgical desert shall their dead bodies fall.
A couple of years they spent in scouting the use;
Many years shall they suffer for their crimes:
one bishop for each day.
Thus they will realize what it means to oppose me.
I, the LORD, have sworn to do this
to all this wicked assembly that conspired against me:
here in the liturgical desert they shall be confined to the last [trout]man.”

Obviously you can tell what is on my mind lately.

RS

levart emiT

"What's really going to bake your noodle later on is would you still have broken it if I hadn't said anything?"

A BBC "special" on Time Travel.



It still begs the question, if time travel will work, can't we say it already has worked?

Kind of weird documentary, especially at the ending.

The "computing" section I find to be full of illogical assumptions. Of course I guess dealing with time travel does open up lots of illogical questions. I would still think that even though computing is increasing, you will hit a wall or plateau at which you are stuck. Maybe quantum computing will prove that wrong, although I read that it can only be used to solve certain types of problems.

Funny how scientists spend their whole lives studying "reality" but end up only looking at the physical reality. Although I enjoy science, I don't worship it. It is merely a tool.

I once heard the statement, "'no statements are true unless they can be proven scientifically' cannot be scientifically proven." Interesting.

The "best" explaination I've ever heard is here:

"One of the major problems encountered in time travel is not that of becoming your own father or mother. There is no problem in becoming your own father or mother that a broad-minded and well-adjusted family can't cope with. There is no problem with changing the course of history—the course of history does not change because it all fits together like a jigsaw. All the important changes have happened before the things they were supposed to change and it all sorts itself out in the end.

The major problem is simply one of grammar, and the main work to consult in this matter is Dr. Dan Streetmentioner's Time Traveler's Handbook of 1001 Tense Formations. It will tell you, for instance, how to describe something that was about to happen to you in the past before you avoided it by time-jumping forward two days in order to avoid it. The event will be descibed differently according to whether you are talking about it from the standpoint of your own natural time, from a time in the further future, or a time in the further past and is futher complicated by the possibility of conducting conversations while you are actually traveling from one time to another with the intention of becoming your own mother or father.

Most readers get as far as the Future Semiconditionally Modified Subinverted Plagal Past Subjunctive Intentional before giving up; and in fact in later editions of the book all pages beyond this point have been left blank to save on printing costs.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy skips lightly over this tangle of academic abstraction, pausing only to note that the term "Future Perfect" has been abandoned since it was discovered not to be."

So, yes, I know, this post was odd too. I guess my phone cord was too tight around my forehead, and my electromagnet was getting hot and distracting me. Oh well, back to reality. And for some reason I crave pizza.

RS

Cure d'Ars and Latin

Incorrupt Body of Saint Jean Baptiste Marie Vianney
Today is the feast day of Saint John Vianney, the Cure d'Ars. As I was reading about him, something interesting jumped out at me, especially in light of the recent motu proprio "Summorum Pontificum" and all the hoopla from certain sectors about Latin.

I find it rather Providential that the Patron Saint of Diocesan Priests was horrible at Latin. Yet, not only did he become a Saint, but he is the Patron of Diocesan Priests. As the pope noted, many Saints, including Saint John Vianney, became Saints under the "Tridentine" form of the Mass. So, although Saint John Vianney's Latin wasn't stellar, he knew enough to offer the Mass and become a Saint.

And in this day, when priests (supposedly) have much more formation, and many are able to get through the academics easily with passing grades, and we, in general, in our modern society, need to know much more just to survive on a day to day basis, priests (and laity) should be able to learn enough Latin to go to Mass.

I keep saying again and again, the Latin is not that hard. So much of the English language's vocabulary is derived from Latin. As Father Reginald Foster once commented: "Latin is not only for intellectuals. Back in ancient Rome, even beggars and prostitutes could speak and understand it."

And I think we've all seen tons of statistics that say the belief in the Real Presence has been dropping over the last forty years ... which is odd if the vernacular really helps that much with people understanding their Faith.

Anyway, may Saint John Vianney pray for all our diocesan priests, that they might gain the knowledge of Latin which he never had.

The Roman Sacristan on his soapbox
/rant

LOL.

RS

1962 Missale Romanum

Ooooh, I was able to hold and look through a brand new 1962 Missale Romanum (sounds contradictory but is so great to say: "brand new 1962 Missale Romanum"), which is published by Roman Catholic Books.

I have to say, the quality of this is absolutely amazing. It is much better in quality than the Vatican edition of the 2002 Missale Romanum. It is pretty clear that the publishers really did care about publishing something with "altar worthy" standards.

And, yes, I checked, there is nothing in the Good Friday ritual about the "incredulous Jews," so anyone using that weak excuse can stop.

RS

18th Sunday Per Annum Comparison of Prayers

Comparison of Prayers or the 18th Sunday "Per Annum" (Ordinary Time)

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Adésto, Dómine, fámulis tuis, et perpétuam benignitátem largíre poscéntibus, ut his, qui te auctórem et gubernatórem gloriántur habére, et creáta restáures, et restauráta consérves.
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 of everlasting goodness, our origin and guide, be close to us and hear the prayers of all who praise you. Forgive our sins and restore us to life. Keep us safe in your love.
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. Be near to Your servants, O Lord, and lavish Your everlasting kindness upon those who beg of You, so that You might restore these, who glory to have You as their Creator and Ruler, whom You have created, and that You might preserve these whom You have restored.
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
Propítius, Dómine, quaésumus, hæc dona sanctífica, et, hóstiæ spiritális oblatióne suscépta, nosmetípsos tibi pérfice munus ætérnum.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Merciful Lord, make holy these gifts, and let our spiritual sacrifice make us an everlasting gift to you.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Graciously sanctify these gifts, we beseech You, O Lord, and, having received the offering of this spiritual victim, may we ourselves be perfected as an eternal gift to You.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Quos cælésti récreas múnere, perpétuo, Dómine, comitáre præsídio, et, quos fovére non désinis, dignos fíeri sempitérna redemptióne concéde.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, you give us the strength of new life by the gift of the eucharist. Protect us with your love and prepare us for eternal redemption.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O, Lord, accompany with Your perpetual protection, these whom You restore by Your Heavenly Gift, and, grant to these whom You never cease to cherish, to be made worthy by means of the Everlasting Redemption.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Portiuncula (Porziuncola) Indulgence - August 2nd

The "Portiuncula" of Our Lady of the Angels inside the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Assisi, Italy
August 2nd is the day of the Portiuncula Indulgence. Although this started at the Portiuncula in Assisi, the little church of Our Lady of the Angels (Santa Maria degli Angeli), the indulgence was eventually granted to all Catholic parishes around the world.

Deo gratias, I have been getting a lot of hits from searches for this already. Again, my motivation for posting this is to help the souls in Purgatory.

All the info you need is here:

August 2nd - "Portiuncula Indulgence"

RS

Meme: Why I Love Jesus Christ

In wondering what to blog about, I noticed I had been tagged by Vox Cantor for the "Why I Love Jesus" meme.

Those tagged will share 5 things they love about Jesus and must tag 5 other bloggers. Those tagged must provide a link in the comments box here with their name so that others can read them.

I am going to tend to take the more theological approach.

1) Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
(As a side note, I tend to not favor just saying "Jesus." This is probably due to two reasons: 1) protestants say It so much, it has banalized His Name and taken on a sappy tone, IMHO. 2) my theology studies and our approach in dogmatic theology of approaching His human nature in referring to Him as Jesus, and His Divine nature in referring to Him as the Christ. So, I always feel just saying "Jesus" without including "Christ" makes it a bit one sided and only looks at His humanity. However, it's two natures in one Person, they really are inseparable.)

2) Jesus Christ is the Incarnate Word. (This really would be more accurately stated: the God the Son humbled Himself and became incarnate.) The Incarnation is something I really think is underappreciated or misunderstood by Christians. That God the Son became man ... forever, He has not shed His humanity upon ascending into Heaven. He took on our human nature permanently. Once I realized this, I was just totally blown away.

3) Jesus Christ shed His Blood and gave His Life for us. This love ("diligens"=the laying down your life for someone love not "luv") reveals to us the inner life of the Holy Trinity. The total outpouring of Jesus Christ on the Cross shows us God the Father's total outpouring of love to the Son ... a love so full it is another Person, the Holy Spirit.

4) Jesus Christ speaks with authority. (Read the Gospels)

5) Jesus Christ isn't a hippie! (Read the Gospels!)

Hmm, whom should I tag? Since this meme has been around awhile, I'll just tag three people. How about:

dadwithnoisykids at Scorpion Stalking Duck
Joee Blogs at Catholic Londoner
Matt at Absolutely No Spin

If you've already dealt with this meme, then just post what you've already done.

RS