Vocational Discernment and Prayer Request

Blogging will be light for the next few months as I begin some intense vocational discernment for 2009. So I'd humbly ask you to please keep me in your prayers.

However, do not fret. I have pre-posted some posts for you, especially all the Sunday prayer translations while I'm not blogging, so they will automatically post for the appropriate Sunday. So continue to check back. And I may occasionally post anything of great interest or importance should the circumstances arise. They should appear underneath this post when they do post (assuming I have figured out how to make blogger keep this post on top).

To all those who have used my Liturgy of the Hours Ordos over at semperficatholic, I apologize that I will not be able to keep those up during this time. However, we have a substitute plan to at least link to the site liturgyhours.org. Again, I apologize for any inconvenience on that front.

Anyway, please keep me in your prayers.

RS

Providential words from the Holy Father

I just saw from a few days back in one of the Holy Father's addresses to some youth in Angola and thought I would publish an excerpt:

After encouraging his young audience not to be "afraid to make definitive decisions", the Pope added: "You do not lack generosity - that I know! But the idea of risking a lifelong commitment, whether in marriage or in a life of special consecration, can be daunting. You might think: ...'Can I make a life-long commitment now, without knowing what unforeseen events lie in store for me? By making a definitive decision, would I not be risking my freedom and tying my own hands?' These are the doubts you feel, and today's individualistic and hedonist culture aggravates them. Yet when young people avoid decisions, there is a risk of never attaining full maturity".

"Take courage!", he cried. "Dare to make definitive decisions, because in reality these are the only decisions which do not destroy your freedom, but guide it in the right direction, enabling you to move forward and attain something worthwhile in life. There is no doubt about it: life is worthwhile only if you take courage and are ready for adventure, if you trust in the Lord Who will never abandon you. Young people of Angola , unleash the power of the Holy Spirit within you, the power from on high!

"Trusting in this power, like Jesus, risk taking a leap and making a definitive decision. Give life a chance", the Holy Father concluded. "This is the life worthy of being lived, and I commend it to you from my heart. May God bless the young people of Angola !".

RS

Comparison of Prayers - 5th Sunday of Lent (Year B & C)

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Quaésumus, Dómine Deus noster, ut in illa caritáte, qua Fílius tuus díligens mundum morti se trádidit, inveniámur ipsi, te opitulánte, alácriter ambulántes.
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 be like Christ your Son, who loved the world and died for our salvation. Inspire us by his love, guide us by his example,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. We beseech You, O Lord our God, that in that charity, with which Your Son, loving the world, handed Himself over to death, we ourselves may be found to be walking swiftly by assisting You.
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
Exáudi nos, omnípotens Deus, et fámulos tuos, quos fídei christiánæ eruditiónibus imbuísti, huius sacrifícii tríbuas operatióne mundári.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Almighty God, may the sacrifice we offer take away the sins of those whom you enlighten with the Christian faith.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Graciously hear us, Almighty God, and may You grant Your servants, whom You have filled with the knowledge of the Christian Faith, to be cleansed by the action of this Sacrifice.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of Lent: Preface of the spiritual significance of Lent


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: per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Quia fidélibus tuis dignánter concédis quotánnis paschália sacraménta in gáudio purificátis méntibus exspectáre: ut, pietátis offícia et ópera caritátis propénsius exsequéntes, frequentatióne mysteriórum, quibus renáti sunt, ad grátiæ filiórum plenitúdinem perducántur.
Et ídeo cum Angelis et Archángelis, cum Thronis et Dominatiónibus, cumque omni milítia cæléstis exércitus, hymnum glóriæ tuæ cánimus, 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.
Each year you give us this joyful season when we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery with mind and heart renewed. You give us a spirit of loving reverence for you, our Father, and a willing service to our neighbor. As we recall the great events that gave us new life in Christ, you bring the image of your Son to perfection within us.
Now, with angels and archangels, and the whole company of heaven, we sing the unending hymn of your praise:
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.
For each year You graciously grant to Your faithful to long for the Paschal Sacraments in joy through purified hearts: so that, inclined toward performing duties of piety and acts of charity, by the frequenting of these Mysteries, by Which they have been renewed, they may be led through to the plenitude of the grace of sons.

And so with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominations, and with all the soldiers of the Heavenly army, we sing the hymn of Your glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Quaésumus, omnípotens Deus, ut inter eius membra semper numerémur, cuius Córpori communicámus et Sánguini.
Qui vivit et regnat in saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Almighty Father, by this sacrifice may we always remain one with your Son, Jesus Christ, whose body and blood we share,
for he is Lord for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. We beseech You, Almighty God, that we may always be counted among those members of Him, Whose Body and Blood we receive.
Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

RS

Happy Feast of the Transitus of Saint Benedict

Statue of Saint Benedict in the piazza in Norcia, (aka Nursia) Italy
From the Dialogues of Saint Gregory the Great, Book II:

"CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN: HOW VENERABLE BENEDICT DID PROPHESY TO HIS MONKS THE TIME OF HIS OWN DEATH.

In the year that was to be his last, the man of God foretold the day of his holy death to a number of his disciples. In mentioning it to some who were with him in the monastery, he bound them to strict secrecy. Some others, however, who were stationed elsewhere he only informed of the special sign they would receive at the time of his death.

Six days before he died, he gave orders for his tomb to be opened. Almost immediately he was seized with a violent fever that rapidly wasted his remaining energy. Each day his condition grew worse until finally, on the sixth day, he had his disciples carry him into the chapel where he received the Body and Blood of our Lord to gain strength for his approaching end. Then, supporting his weakend body on the arms of his brethren, he stood with his hands raised to heaven and, as he prayed, breathed his last.

That day two monks, one of them at the monastery, the other some distance away, received the very same revelation. They both saw a magnificent road covered with rich carpeting and glittering with thousands of lights. From his monastery it stretched eastward in a straight line until it reached up into heaven. And there in the brightness stood a man of majestic appearance, who asked them, "Do you know who passed this way?"

"No," they replied.

"This," he told them, "is the road taken by blessed Benedict, the Lord's beloved, when he went to heaven."

Thus, while the brethren who were with Benedict witnessed his death, those who were absent knew about it through the sign he had promised them. His body was laid to rest in the Chapel of St. John the Baptist, which he had built to replace the altar of Apollo."

RS

Comparison of Prayers - 4th Sunday of Lent (Year B & C)

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui per Verbum tuum humáni géneris reconciliatiónem mirabíliter operáris, præsta, quaésumus, ut pópulus christiánus prompta devotióne et álacri fide ad ventúra sollémnia váleat festináre.
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 peace, we are joyful in your Word, your Son Jesus Christ, who reconciles us to you. Let us hasten toward Easter with the eagerness of faith and love.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, 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 Who have marvelously established the reconciliation of mankind through Your Word, grant, we beseech You, that the Christian people may merit to hasten to the coming Solemnity of Easter with willing devotion and eager faith.
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
Remédii sempitérni múnera, Dómine, lætántes offérimus, supplíciter exorántes, ut éadem nos et fidéliter venerári, et pro salúte mundi congruénter exhibére perfícias.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, we offer you these gifts which bring us peace and joy. Increase our reverence by this eucharist, and bring salvation to the world.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Rejoicing, we offer, O Lord, these gifts of eternal redemption, humbly praying, that You may perfect us to both faithfully venerate them, and suitably show that they are for the salvation of the world.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of Lent: Preface of the spiritual significance of Lent


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: per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Quia fidélibus tuis dignánter concédis quotánnis paschália sacraménta in gáudio purificátis méntibus exspectáre: ut, pietátis offícia et ópera caritátis propénsius exsequéntes, frequentatióne mysteriórum, quibus renáti sunt, ad grátiæ filiórum plenitúdinem perducántur.
Et ídeo cum Angelis et Archángelis, cum Thronis et Dominatiónibus, cumque omni milítia cæléstis exércitus, hymnum glóriæ tuæ cánimus, 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.
Each year you give us this joyful season when we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery with mind and heart renewed. You give us a spirit of loving reverence for you, our Father, and a willing service to our neighbor. As we recall the great events that gave us new life in Christ, you bring the image of your Son to perfection within us.
Now, with angels and archangels, and the whole company of heaven, we sing the unending hymn of your praise:
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.
For each year You graciously grant to Your faithful to long for the Paschal Sacraments in joy through purified hearts: so that, inclined toward performing duties of piety and acts of charity, by the frequenting of these Mysteries, by Which they have been renewed, they may be led through to the plenitude of the grace of sons.
And so with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominations, and with all the soldiers of the Heavenly army, we sing 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 illúminas omnem hóminem veniéntem in hunc mundum, illúmina, quaésumus, corda nostra grátiæ tuæ splendóre, ut digna ac plácita maiestáti tuæ cogitáre semper, et te sincére dilígere valeámus.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, you enlighten all who come into the world. Fill our hearts with the light of your gospel, that our thoughts may please you, and our love be sincere.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray O God, You Who enlighten all men who come into this world, enlighten our hearts, we beseech You, by the splendor of Your Grace, so that our thoughts might always be worthy and pleasing to Your Majesty, and that we may be worthy to love You with sincerity.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - 3rd Sunday of Lent (Year B & C)

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, ómnium misericordiárum et totíus bonitátis auctor, qui peccatórum remédia in ieiúniis, oratiónibus et eleemósynis demonstrásti, hanc humilitátis nostræ confessiónem propítius intuére, ut, qui inclinámur consciéntia nostra, tua semper misericórdia sublevémur.
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, you have taught us to overcome sins by prayer, fasting and works of mercy. When we are discouraged by our weakness, give us confidence in your love.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O God, Author of all mercies and every goodness, You Who have shown the remedy for sins by means of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, graciously receive this confession of our humility, so that, we who are burdened by our conscience, may always be upheld by Your Mercy.
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
His sacrifíciis, Dómine, concéde placátus, ut, qui própriis orámus absólvi delíctis, fratérna dimíttere studeámus.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, by the grace of this sacrifice may we who ask forgiveness be ready to forgive one another.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Be pleased to receive this sacrifice, O Lord, that, we who pray to be absolved of our own transgressions, may be eager to forgive those of our brethren.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of Lent: Preface of the spiritual significance of Lent


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: per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Quia fidélibus tuis dignánter concédis quotánnis paschália sacraménta in gáudio purificátis méntibus exspectáre: ut, pietátis offícia et ópera caritátis propénsius exsequéntes, frequentatióne mysteriórum, quibus renáti sunt, ad grátiæ filiórum plenitúdinem perducántur.
Et ídeo cum Angelis et Archángelis, cum Thronis et Dominatiónibus, cumque omni milítia cæléstis exércitus, hymnum glóriæ tuæ cánimus, 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.
Each year you give us this joyful season when we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery with mind and heart renewed. You give us a spirit of loving reverence for you, our Father, and a willing service to our neighbor. As we recall the great events that gave us new life in Christ, you bring the image of your Son to perfection within us.
Now, with angels and archangels, and the whole company of heaven, we sing the unending hymn of your praise:
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.
For each year You graciously grant to Your faithful to long for the Paschal Sacraments in joy through purified hearts: so that, inclined toward performing duties of piety and acts of charity, by the frequenting of these Mysteries, by Which they have been renewed, they may be led through to the plenitude of the grace of sons.
And so with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominations, and with all the soldiers of the Heavenly army, we sing the hymn of Your glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Suméntes pignus cæléstis arcáni, et in terra pósiti iam supérno pane satiáti, te, Dómine, súpplices deprecámur, ut, quod in nobis mystério géritur, ópere impleátur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, in sharing this sacrament may we receive your forgiveness and be brought together in unity and peace.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Consuming this pledge of the Heavenly Mysteries, and filled now on earth with this Bread from above, we humbly beseech You, O Lord, that what is accomplished in us through this Mystery may be carried out in our deeds.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - 2nd Sunday of Lent

"The Transfiguration" by Lorenzo Lotto
Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui nobis diléctum Fílium tuum audíre præcepísti, verbo tuo intérius nos páscere dignéris, ut, spiritáli purificáto intúitu, glóriæ tuæ lætémur aspéctu.
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, help us to hear your Son. Enlighten us with your word, that we may find the way to your 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. O God, You commanded us to listen to Your beloved Son, deign to nourish us interiorly by Your word, so that, with our spiritual view having been purified, we may rejoice in the Presence of Your glory.
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
Hæc hóstia, Dómine, quaésumus, emúndet nostra delícta, et ad celebránda festa paschália fidélium tuórum córpora mentésque sanctíficet.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, make us holy. May this eucharist take away our sins that we may be prepared to celebrate the resurrection.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
O Lord, may this sacrificial offering, we humbly beseech You, cleanse our offenses, and may it sanctify the bodies and souls of Your faithful for the Paschal feast about to be celebrated.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface of the Transfiguration of the Lord

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: per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Qui, própria morte prænuntiáta discípulis, in monte sancto suam eis apéruit claritátem, ut per passiónem, étiam lege prophetísque testántibus, ad glóriam resurrectiónis perveníri constáret.
Et ídeo cum cælórum virtútibus in terris te iúgiter celebrámus, maistáti tuæ sine fine clamántes:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord.
On your holy mountain he revealed himself in glory in the presence of his disciples. He had already prepared them for his approaching death. He wanted to teach them through the Law and the Prophets that the promised Christ had first to suffer and so come to the glory of his resurrection.
In our unending joy we echo on earth the song of the angels in heaven as they praise your glory for ever:
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.
Who having foretold His own death to His disciples, revealed His Splendor to them on the holy mountain, so that through His Passion, also testified to by the law and the Prophets, He might stand firm to arrive at the Glory of His Resurrection.
And so, together with the powers of Heaven we on earth celebrate You, proclaiming Your majesty without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Percipiéntes, Dómine, gloriósa mystéria, grátias tibi reférre satágimus, quod in terra pósitos, iam cæléstium præstas esse partícipes.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, we give thanks for these holy mysteries which bring to us here on earth a share in the life to come,
through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Partaking in these glorious Mysteries, O Lord, we are diligent to return thanks to You, because those placed on earth, You now to be participants of Heavenly things.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS