The Roman Sacristan

Plenary Indulgences in the Year of Priests

2009-06-19T08:00:00.001-05:00

Today is the Feast of the Sacred Heart, and it is also the beginning of the Year of Priets. I just wanted to post this as a reminder, especially to priests, of the plenary indulgences available during this year in honor of Saint John Marie Vianney, which the pope declaired to help foster the "spiritual perfection" of priests.

(Yes, it's a pre-post and a re-post, but this is an important opportunity for Catholics, especially priests.)

Incorrupt Body of Saint Jean Baptiste Marie Vianney
The Church has granted priests the opportunity to gain a plenary indulgence daily during the Year of Priests, and the opportunity for the laity to gain a plenary indulgence on the opening and closing days of the Year of the Priest and once a month on the first Thursdays of the month during the Year of the Priest.

For Priests:

The means to obtain the Plenary Indulgence are as follows:

(A) All truly penitent priests who, on any day, devotedly pray Lauds or Vespers before the Blessed Sacrament exposed to public adoration or in the tabernacle, and ... offer themselves with a ready and generous heart for the celebration of the Sacraments, especially the Sacrament of Penance, will be granted Plenary Indulgence, which they can also apply to their deceased confreres, if in accordance with current norms they take Sacramental Confession and the Eucharist and pray in accordance with the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff. Priests are furthermore granted Partial Indulgence, also applicable to deceased confreres, every time they devotedly recite the prayers duly approved to lead a saintly life and to carry out the duties entrusted to them.

In a simple summary, this means that priests could obtain a plenary indulgence DAILY if:

1) Each day, they devotedly pray Lauds or Vespers before the Blessed Sacrament (either exposed or in the Tabernacle)
2) Each day, they "offer themselves with a ready and generous heart for the celebration of the Sacraments (especially the Sacrament of Penance)
3) Each day, they say the usual prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father, ie one Pater Noster (Our Father) and one Ave Maria (Hail Mary)
4) Each day, they receive Holy Communion (which would naturally follow if they are offering Mass daily)
5) Go to confession at least once a week
6) Be completely detached from all sin, even venial sin. (see Fr. Tim Finigan's post on this: "Plenary Indulgences NOT Impossible")

This would be a great way to obtain great graces for the faithful departed, especially, as recommended above, for their deceased brother priests and bishops.

I would highly encourage priests to contemplate the great graces being made available to them, and to take adavantage of this opportunity to truly carry out their priestly vocation of interceding for souls and bringing them to salvation, which is the intrisic vocation of the priest.

For the laity:

The means to obtain the Plenary Indulgence are as follows:

(B) All truly penitent Christian faithful who, in church or oratory, devotedly attend Holy Mass and offer prayers to Jesus Christ, supreme and eternal Priest, for the priests of the Church, or perform any good work to sanctify and mould them to His Heart, are granted Plenary Indulgence, on the condition that they have expiated their sins through Sacramental Confession and prayed in accordance with the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff. This may be done on the opening and closing days of the Year of Priests, on the 150th anniversary of the death of St. Jean Marie Vianney, on the first Thursday of the month, or on any other day established by the ordinaries of particular places for the good of the faithful.

So in summary for the laity, on the opening day of the Year of Priests, the closing day of the Year of Priests, on the 150th Anniversary of the death of Saint John Vianney (August 4th, 2009), and on the first Thursday of each month (and other days if the local ordinary has established them):

1) Devotedly attend Mass and offer prayers to Christ the High Priest for the priests of the Church
or
perform any good work to sanctify and mould priests to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
2) Receive Holy Communion
3) Offer the usual prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father, ie one Pater Noster (Our Father) and one Ave Maria (Hail Mary)
4) Make a sacramental confession within a week of the day of seeking to obtain a plenary indulgence
5) Be completely detached from all sin, even venial sin. (see Fr. Tim Finigan's post on this: "Plenary Indulgences NOT Impossible")

This is also a great opportunity for the laity to offer these indulgences for the deceased priests of their diocese who are suffering the most in purgatory, as well as an opportunity to spiritually support the priests of their parish and diocese, those both living and deceased).

For the elderly and sick:

The elderly, the sick and all those who for any legitimate reason are unable to leave their homes, may still obtain Plenary Indulgence if, with the soul completely removed from attachment to any form of sin and with the intention of observing, as soon as they can, the usual three conditions, "on the days concerned, they pray for the sanctification of priests and offer their sickness and suffering to God through Mary, Queen of the Apostles".

So, in summary for the elderly and sick, on the opening day of the Year of Priests, the closing day of the Year of Priests, on the 150th Anniversary of the death of Saint John Vianney (August 4th, 2009), and on the first Thursday of each month (and other days if the local ordinary has established them):

1) pray for the sanctification of priests and offer their sickness and suffering to God through Mary, Queen of the Apostles"
2) Be completely detached from all sin, even venial sin. (see Fr. Tim Finigan's post on this: "Plenary Indulgences NOT Impossible")
3) Offer the usual prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father, ie one Pater Noster (Our Father) and one Ave Maria (Hail Mary)
4) If possible, receive Holy Communion, or at least have the intention to receive it as soon as possible.
5) If possible, make a sacramental confession, or at least have the intention to make it as soon as possible.

And one final reminder, even if you don't have the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence, you can still always obtain partial indulgences for the deceased by doing any act of devotion or prayer and offering it to God for the poor souls in Purgatory. This can be done any time and as many times as one likes. Who knows what small act may be the last thing needed to free a soul from Purgatory.

For more on partial indulgences see this link:

Partial Indulgences

Documentation for the Technical "Stuff"

“1. An indulgence is the remission in the eyes of God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose culpable element has already been taken away. The Christian faithful who are rightly disposed and observe the definite, prescribed conditions gain this remission through the effective assistance of the Church, which, as the minister of redemption, authoritatively distributes and applies the treasury of the expiatory works of Christ and the Saints.”
- Handbook of Indulgences, Norms

“23. 1. Besides the exclusion of all attachment to sin, even venial sin, the requirements for gaining a Plenary Indulgence are the performance of the indulgenced work and fulfillment of three conditions: Sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the Pope’s intentions.
2. Several Plenary Indulgences may be gained on the basis of a single Sacramental Confession; only one may be gained, however, on the basis of a single Eucharistic Communion and prayer for the Pope’s intentions.
3. The three conditions may be carried out several days preceding or following performance of the prescribed work. But it is more fitting that the Communion and the prayer for the Pope’s intentions take place on the day the work is performed.
4. If a person is not fully disposed or if the prescribed work and the three mentioned conditions are not fulfilled, the Indulgence will only be partial ...”
5. The condition requiring prayer for the Pope’s intentions is satisfied by reciting once the Our Father and Hail Mary for his intentions (Pater Noster and Ave Maria); nevertheless all the faithful have the option of reciting any other prayer suited to their own piety and devotion.”
- Handbook of Indulgences, Norm

RS

Ite bloggus est, alleluia, alleluia.

2009-05-31T01:18:00.004-05:00

Well, this is it. Tomorrow I will be leaving for the monastery in Norcia.

I will just say that the blog won't necessarily die, it will go dormant for now. Maybe in the future it can be started up again. Even though I cannot blog in the monastery, I will leave it up as a source for translation comparisons and quirky humor. It's been a fun three years.

Again, I ask for your prayers and will be praying for all those supporting me with their prayers.

Pax et Bonum,
The Roman Sacristan

Monastic reflection

2009-05-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

Picture from the Monastery of Philotheou on Mount Athos
"In this Jerusalem [the monastery], the Church is the center of the monk's love. The abbatial church is truly for him the building where all is sacred to God, the cherished dwelling echoing with the harmony of his praises and jubilation and proclaiming to all the fervor of his faith in the one thrice holy Lord. There, several times a day, with all the members of the cenobitcal family, the monk extends his suppliant arms, like Moses on the mountain, for the intention of his brethren fighting in the plain; he knows that he can obtain, through the ardor and constancy of his prayer, the victory for the armies of Israel over the enemies of God and of His people. Therefore his gaze, enlightened by faith, reaches out to all that touches God's Kingdom; his charity stirs up the flame of his devotion, it would reach all the souls who are struggling in ignorance, error, doubt, misery, temptation, suffering, sin; all who are spending themselves in promoting Christ's reign upon earth; all those too who are filled with the intense desire for being nearer our Lord. To render his intercession more efficacious, he joins his prayer to the all powerful and ever-answered prayer of the Divine Victim with arms stretched out upon the new Calvary which is the high altar ..."
-Blessed Dom Columba Marmion, OSB
Abbot of Maredsous Abbey in the early 20th century

(Please pray for me as I enter the monastery in early June of this year.)

RS

Comparison of Prayers - Pentecost Sunday

2009-05-29T08:05:00.000-05:00

"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 of Pentecost

2009-05-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

"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

Pope's Address to the Benedictines

2009-05-26T12:55:00.004-05:00

From Pope Benedict XVI's homily at Monte Cassino, May 24th, 2009

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the great Benedictine Family!

Almost at the end of my visit today, I am particularly pleased to pause in this sacred place, in this abbey, four times destroyed and rebuilt, the last time after the bombings of World War II, 65 years ago. "Succiso virescit" [in defeat we are strengthened]: the words of its new coat of arms represent well its history. Monte Cassino, just as the secular oak tree planted by St. Benedict, was "pruned" by the violence of war, but has risen more vigorous. More than once I also have had the opportunity to enjoy the hospitality of the monks, and in this abbey I spent many unforgettable hours of quiet and prayer. This evening we entered singing "Laudes Regiae" together to celebrate the Vespers of the Solemnity of the Ascension of Jesus. To each of you I express the joy of sharing this moment of prayer, greeting everyone with affection, grateful for the welcome that you have reserved for me and those who accompany me in this apostolic pilgrimage.

In particular, I greet Abbot Dom Vittorelli Peter, who has made himself the spokesman of your common sentiments. I extend my greetings to the abbots, the abbesses, and to the Benedictine communities present here. Today the liturgy invites us to contemplate the mystery of the Ascension of the Lord. In the brief reading taken from the first letter of Peter, we were urged to fix our gaze on our Redeemer, who died "once and for all for sins" in order to lead us back to God, at whose right hand he sits "after having ascended to heaven and having obtained sovereignty over the angels and the principalities and the powers" (cf. 1 Pt 3, 18.22). "Raised on high" and made invisible to the eyes of his disciples, Jesus has not however abandoned them, but was: in fact, "put to death in the body, but made to live in the spirit" (1 Pt 3:18). He is now present in a new way, inside the believers, and in him salvation is offered to every human being without distinction of people, language, or culture. The first letter of Peter contains specific references to the fundamental Christological events of the Christian faith. The Apostle's intention is to highlight the universal scope of salvation in Christ. A similar desire we find in St. Paul, of whom we are celebrating the two thousandth anniversary of his birth, who to the community of Corinth, writes: "He (Christ) died for all, so that those who live, live no longer for themselves but for him, who has died and is risen for them." (2 Cor 5, 15).

To live no longer for themselves but for Christ: this is what gives full meaning to the lives of those that let themselves be conquered by him. The human and spiritual journey of St. Benedict attests to this clearly, he who, leaving all things behind, dedicated himself to the faithful following of Jesus. Embodying in his own life the reality of the Gospel, he has become the founder of a vast movement of spiritual and cultural renaissance in the West. I would now like to refer to an extraordinary event of his life, which the biographer St. Gregory the Great relates, and with which you are certainly well acquainted. One could almost say that the holy patriarch was "lifted up" in an indescribable mystical experience. On the night of October 29 of the year 540 -- reads the biography -- and, facing the window, "with his eyes fixed on the stars he recollected himself in divine contemplation, the saint felt that his heart was inflamed ... For him, the star filled firmament was like the embroidered curtain that revealed the Holy of Holies. At one point, he felt his soul felt itself carried to the other side of the veil, to contemplate the revealed face of him who dwells in inaccessible light" (cf. AI Schuster, History of Saint Benedict and his time, Ed Abbey Viboldone, Milan, 1965, p. 11 et seq.). Of course, similar to what happened to Paul after his heavenly rapture, St. Benedict, following this extraordinary spiritual experience, also found it necessary to start a new life. If the vision was transient, the effects were lasting, his very character -- the biographers say -- was changed, his appearance always remained calm and his behavior angelic, and even while he was living on earth, he understood that in his heart he was already in heaven.

St. Benedict received this gift of God not to satisfy his intellectual curiosity, but rather because the charism with which God had endowed him had the ability to reproduce in the monastery the very life of heaven and reestablish the harmony of creation through contemplation and work. Rightly, therefore, the Church venerates him as an "eminent teacher of the monastic life" and "doctor of spiritual wisdom in the love of prayer and work; shining guide of people in the light of the Gospel" who, "raised to heaven by a luminous road" teaches people of all ages to seek God and the eternal riches prepared by him (cf. Preface of the Holy in the monastery to the MR, 1980, 153).

Yes, Benedict was a shining example of holiness and pointed the monks to Christ as their only great ideal; he was a master of civility, who proposed a balanced and adequate vision of the demands of God and of the final ends of man; he also always kept well in mind the needs and the reasons of the heart, in order to teach and inspire a genuine and constant brotherhood, so that in the complexity of social relationships the unity of spirit capable of always building and maintaining peace was never lost sight of. It is not by chance that the word Pax [peace] is the word that welcomes pilgrims and visitors at the gates of the abbey, rebuilt after the terrible disaster of the Second World War, which stands as a silent reminder to reject all forms of violence in order to build peace: in families, within communities, between peoples and all of humanity. St. Benedict invites every person that climbs this mount to seek peace and follow it: "inquire pacem et sequere eam" [seek peace and follow it.] (Ps. 33,14-15) (Rule, Prologue, 17).

By its example, monasteries have become, over the centuries, centers of fervent dialogue, encounter and beneficial union of diverse peoples, unified by the evangelical culture of peace. The monks have known how to teach by word and example the art of peace, implementing in a concrete way the three "ties" that Benedict identifies as necessary to maintain the unity of the Spirit among men: the cross, which is the very law of Christ, the book which is culture, and the plow, which indicates work, the lordship over matter and time. Thanks to the activity of the monastery, articulated in the three-fold daily commitments of prayer, study and work, entire populations of Europe have experienced a genuine redemption and a beneficial moral, spiritual and cultural development, learning in the spirit of continuity with the past, of concrete action for the common good, and of openness to God and the transcendent aspect of the world. We pray that Europe always exploit this wealth of principles and Christian ideals, which constitutes an immense cultural and spiritual wealth.

This is possible but only if the constant teaching of St. Benedict is embraced, the "quaerere Deum," to seek God, as the fundamental commitment of man. Human beings cannot achieve full self-realization or ever be truly happy without God. It is your special responsibility, dear monks, to be living examples of this interior and profound relationship with him, implementing without compromise the program that your founder summarized in the "nihil amori Christi praeponere" [put nothing before the love of Christ.] (Rule 4.21). In this holiness consists, a valid proposal for every Christian, more than ever in our time, in which the need to anchor life and history to solid spiritual principles is felt. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, your vocation is as timely as ever, and your mission as monks is indispensable.

From this place, where his mortal remains rest, the patron saint of Europe continues to urge everyone to continue his work of evangelization and human promotion. I encourage you in the first place, dear brethren, to remain faithful to the spirit of your origins and to be authentic interpreters of this program of social and spiritual rebirth. The Lord grants you this gift, through the intercession of your holy founder, of his holy sister St. Scholastica, and of the saints of your order. And may the heavenly Mother of the Lord, who today we invoke as "Help of Christians," watch over you and protect this abbey and all your monasteries, as well as the diocesan community that lives around Monte Cassino. Amen!

Happy Feast of Saint Eutitius, Saint Spes, and Saint Florentius

2009-05-23T12:00:00.001-05:00

"Saint Spes and Saint Eutizio with Christ"

Saint Fiorenzo of Preci

Happy feast day of the "Grandfathers" of Western Monasticism.

BTW I am referring to them in both their Italian and Latin names:

Eutizio = Eutitius (sometimes seen Eutychius, which I don't think is really correct)
Spes = Spes
Fiorenzo = Florentius

More info on them here and here.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - The Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ

2009-05-21T05:00:00.001-05:00

"The Ascension of Christ" by Garofalo

In my diocese we celebrate Ascension Thursday on Sunday.
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. So the Saturday Vigil Mass will just be from the Mass of the Day for Ascension Thursday. 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

Comparison of Prayers - 6th Sunday Per Annum

2009-05-15T15:09:00.000-05:00

"Appearance While the Apostles were 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

Summaries of Plenary Indulgences for the Year of Priests

2009-05-14T11:12:00.010-05:00

Incorrupt Body of Saint Jean Baptiste Marie Vianney
The Church has granted priests the opportunity to gain a plenary indulgence daily during the Year of Priests, and the opportunity for the laity to gain a plenary indulgence on the opening and closing days of the Year of the Priest and once a month on the first Thursdays of the month during the Year of the Priest.

For Priests:

The means to obtain the Plenary Indulgence are as follows:

(A) All truly penitent priests who, on any day, devotedly pray Lauds or Vespers before the Blessed Sacrament exposed to public adoration or in the tabernacle, and ... offer themselves with a ready and generous heart for the celebration of the Sacraments, especially the Sacrament of Penance, will be granted Plenary Indulgence, which they can also apply to their deceased confreres, if in accordance with current norms they take Sacramental Confession and the Eucharist and pray in accordance with the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff. Priests are furthermore granted Partial Indulgence, also applicable to deceased confreres, every time they devotedly recite the prayers duly approved to lead a saintly life and to carry out the duties entrusted to them.

The means to obtain the Plenary Indulgence are as follows:

(B) All truly penitent Christian faithful who, in church or oratory, devotedly attend Holy Mass and offer prayers to Jesus Christ, supreme and eternal Priest, for the priests of the Church, or perform any good work to sanctify and mould them to His Heart, are granted Plenary Indulgence, on the condition that they have expiated their sins through Sacramental Confession and prayed in accordance with the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff. This may be done on the opening and closing days of the Year of Priests, on the 150th anniversary of the death of St. Jean Marie Vianney, on the first Thursday of the month, or on any other day established by the ordinaries of particular places for the good of the faithful.

The elderly, the sick and all those who for any legitimate reason are unable to leave their homes, may still obtain Plenary Indulgence if, with the soul completely removed from attachment to any form of sin and with the intention of observing, as soon as they can, the usual three conditions, "on the days concerned, they pray for the sanctification of priests and offer their sickness and suffering to God through Mary, Queen of the Apostles".

2009-05-13T13:58:00.005-05:00

Elder Paisios of Mount Athos
Here’s a good analogy of the monastic life by an Eastern Orthodox monk of Mount Athos.

The monk departs far from the world not because he hates it, but because he loves it. In this way he will, through his prayer, help the world more in those matters that are, being humanly impossible, only possible by God’s intervention. This is how God saves the world. The monk never says: “I will save the world.” Instead, he prays for the salvation of the whole world, along with his own soul. When the Good God hears his prayer and helps the world, he does not say: “I saved the world,” but “God saved the world.”

In a few words, monks are the “radio operators” of Mother Church, and therefore, if they depart far from the world, they do it out of love, departing from the distractions of this world in order to be in better contact with God and help people more effectively.

Of course, when their unit is in danger, some mindless soldiers also share the irrational demand of certain clergymen (i.e. that monks should return to the world). They say that the radio operator should leave the radio aside and grab his rifle, as if by adding one more gun to the two hundred others he will salvage the situation. While the radio operator clamors to make contact, yelling “calling headquarters, come in, come in” etc., the others think that he calls pointlessly to the wind. However, astute radio operators pay no attention, even if they are reviled. They struggle until they make contact and then ask for immediate help from Headquarters and the air forces arrive, as well as the armed forces, the navy, etc. Thus, in this way, and not with their meager rifles, the unit is saved. The same applies to monks who advance with divine power, with their prayer, and not with their negligible individual powers. It is especially the case in our age, when evil is so widespread, that we are in need of God’s intervention.

(Before becoming a monk, Elder Paisios was himself a radio operator in the army during the Greek civil war which went from 1945-1949)

From Epistles by Elder Paisios of Mount Athos

Although not a Catholic book, it has the common link between the East and the West which is monasticism.

RS

Happy Mother's Day 2

2009-05-10T17:15:00.004-05:00

Needed some humor today too:

RS

Happy Mothers' Day

2009-05-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Paul Nicklen is a photographer for National Geographic. He traveled to Antarctica to photograph leopard seals, some of the most aggressive predators. When diving he slid into the water with one of the largest leopard seals he'd ever seen. The leopard seal took Nicklen's head and camera into its mouth. Find out why he said what happened next was "every photographer's dream." (Video is is NOT gruesome at all)

Video: Behind the Photo: Paul Nicklen, Deadly Beauty

RS

Comparison of Prayers - 5th Sunday Per Annum

2009-05-08T22:11:00.002-05:00

Icon of Christ the Vine
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.

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

Comparison of Prayers - 4th Sunday of Easter

2009-05-02T10:01:00.001-05:00

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, deduc nos ad societátem cæléstium gaudiórum, ut eo pervéniat humílitas gregis, quo procéssit fortitúdo pastóris.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Almighty and ever-living God, give us new strength from the courage of Christ our shepherd, and lead us to join the saints in heaven,
where he 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, lead us to the community of heavenly joys, so that the humility of the flock might reach Him, from Whom the Might of the Shepherd proceeds.
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
Concéde, quaésumus, Dómine, semper nos per hæc mystéria paschália gratulári, ut contínua nostræ reparatiónis operátio perpétuæ nobis fiat causa lætítiæ.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, restore us by these Easter mysteries. May the continuing work of our redeemer bring us eternal joy.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Grant us, we beseech You, O Lord, through these Paschal Mysteries to rejoice always, so that the continual work of our redemption might be the cause of our unending joy.
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. Gregem tuum, Pastor bone, placátus inténde, et oves, quas pretióso Fílii tui sánguine redemísti, in ætérnis páscuis collocáre dignéris.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, eternal shepherd, watch over the flock redeemed by the blood of Christ and lead us to the promised land.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O Good Shepherd, be pleased to watch over Your flock, and may You deign to gather the sheep, whom You have redeemed by the Precious Blood of Your Son, into the Eternal Pastures.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Don't believe the hype, muhahahaha.

2009-05-02T09:39:00.006-05:00

Title inspired by Public Enemy.

Arg! I am constantly feeling insulted by the media anymore. This whole swine flu thing is driving me nuts. After a bit of research, it turns out that the swine flu is not as potent as the annual human flu. In fact, I read that an average of about 36,000 people die each year from the usual human flu and that they don't expect the swine flu to be nearly that bad.

I also happened to go to the doctor yesterday for a check up and asked him a few things too. He was saying that the typical over the couter masks would not be able to stop a virus, even if it is a form fitting one, although usually the masks are not that tight. They might help a bit from just avoiding someone's sneezing spray (by the way, you should cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze whether there is a "potential" pandemic or not, as shown below):

but unless you buy a $50-$70 special anti-viral mask, you're still pretty susceptible.

But my friend was looking for masks the evening before since he was going to Mexico, and every store in my area was sold out. And if the regular flu season is worse, why don't we hear all these warnings and see people donning masks for the annual human flu outbreak? Sigh. I really hate the media sometimes. And what makes matters worse is that apparently they are going to stop calling it "swine" flu because the WHO and CDC are getting the impression that by calling it swine flu people are thinking that you get it by doing this:

It's amazing that in such a supposedly educated world, people have such blind faith in the media.

I think the band Biohazard said it best:

"Believe half of what you read, and half of what you see,
put two and two together and you'll have reality."
-"Black and White and Red All Over"

P.S. No, I'm not a conspiracy theorist. I just see that the media has a great business model. The more they fear monger, the more you'll have to need them to get the latest "news" to keep you posted on the newest threat. So, the more you watch, the more they can get from adverstising, and so on. News, is no longer journalism, it's just a business, and they'll do whatever it takes to get you to tune in.)

RS

Hollywood versus reality

2009-04-28T10:29:00.004-05:00

Aw geeze! I just saw the trailer for "Angels and Demons" by Dan Brown. I'm honestly astonished that it appears to be even more anti-Catholic than "The DaVinci Code" was. You hear the words "the truth" thrown around in the trailer alot, which is so ironic given the flimsy plots of all of Dan Brown's books.

It looks like it will present itself as some sort of heroic movie pushing the question of science versus religion driving the two things into a strict either/or situation rather than seeing their compatibility.

The plot of the story is just completely absurd. The whole irony is that people will get pulled into the whole "religion versus science" debate and have doubts about religion, yet will fail to miss all the poor science and non sequitur moments in the actual plot of the book.

This will be the new controversial film of the year because you can tell the studio is going to hype this with all the advertising they can. Of course the other irony is that the movie will try to tell people not to have blind faith regarding religion, but obviously if they are going to see the movie, they will have proven that they have blind faith about the advertising. Sadly, this film will be a blockbuster, mainly because of the advertising, not because of the content. Don't believe me, just look at what happened with "The DaVinci Code." The media and controversy surrounding it made it a blockbuster, but the critics and most moviegoers said the movie was lame. I'm sure this time the studios have hired actual writers to clean the script up. And people say that those who follow religion are just dumb sheep. Ugh.

I would say that this is the perfect time for the Church to emphasize more the compatibility of scienc and religion, as it always has.

For instance, do you know where the theory of the Big Bang came from? A Catholic priest named Georges Lemaitre.

Hopefully Amy Welborn is writing a new book as we speak. LOL.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - 3rd Sunday of Easter

2009-04-25T13:00:00.000-05:00

"The Supper at Emmaus" by Philippe Champaigne
Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Semper exsúltet pópulus tuus, Deus, renováta ánimæ iuventúte, ut, qui nunc lætátur in adoptiónis se glóriam restitútum, resurrectiónis diem spe certæ gratulatiónis exspéctet.
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 look forward with hope to our resurrection, for you have made us your sons and daughters, and restored the joy of our youth.
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. May Your people always exult, O God, in the youth of their souls having been restored, that, he who now rejoices in his restored glory of adoption, may look forward to the day of resurrection with the hope of certain thanksgiving.
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 múnera, Dómine, quaésumus, exsultántis Ecclésiæ, et, cui causam tanti gáudii præstitísti, perpétuæ fructum concéde lætítiæ.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, receive these gifts from your Church. May the great joy you give us come to perfection in heaven.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Receive these gifts of Your exultant Church, we beseech You, O Lord, and to those whom You have given the cause of so great a joy, grant the fruit of perpetual happiness.
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. Pópulum tuum, quaésumus, Dómine, intuére benígnus, et, quem ætérnis dignátus es renováre mystériis, ad incorruptíbilem glorificándæ carnis resurrectiónem perveníre concéde.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, look on your people with kindness and by these Easter mysteries bring us to the glory of the resurrection.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Look kindly upon Your people, we beseech You, O Lord, and, grant that those whom You have deigned to renew through these eternal Mysteries, may attain the incorruptible glorifying resurrection of the flesh.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Video about the Monastery in Norcia

2009-04-22T00:51:00.001-05:00

Thought people might be interested in this video.

Sorry, the video was pulled off of youtube for some reason, so you'll have to go to the website and click on the "Video" link near the top of the page.

Website of Monastero di San Benedetto in Norcia, Italy

RS

Comparison of Prayers - Divine Mercy Sunday

2009-04-19T07:41:00.004-05:00

aka The 2nd Sunday of Easter.

The Divine Mercy with the Sacred Heart

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus misericórdiæ sempitérnæ, qui in ipso paschális festi recúrsu fidem sacrátæ tibi plebis accéndis, auge grátiam quam dedísti, ut digna omnes intellegéntia comprehéndant, quo lavácro ablúti, quo spíritu regeneráti, quo sánguine sunt redémpti.
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 of Mercy, you wash away our sins in water, you give us new birth in the Spirit, and redeem us in the blood of Christ. As we celebrate Christ’s resurrection increase our awareness of these blessings, and renew your gift of life within us.
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 of everlasting Mercy, Who in this recurring Paschal Feast enkindle the faith of the people consecrated to You, increase the grace which You have given, so that with a worthy understanding all may comprehend, by what waters they were cleansed, by what Spirit they were regenerated, and by Whose Blood they have been redeemed.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Súscipe, quaésumus, Dómine, plebis tuæ oblatiónes, ut, confessióne tui nóminis, et baptísmate renováti, sempitérnam beatitúdinem consequántur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, through faith and baptism we have become a new creation. Accept the offerings of your people and bring us to eternal happiness.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Accept, we beseech You, O Lord, these offerings of Your people, that, renewed through the confession of Your Name and through Baptism, they may attain eternal blessedness.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of Easter (form for Easter Day Mass, used all through 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 hac potíssimum die gloriósius 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 on this Easter day 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 on this glorious day, 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
Concéde, quaésumus, omnípotens Deus, ut paschális percéptio sacraménti contínua in nostris méntibus persevéret.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Almighty God, may the Easter sacraments we have received live forever in our minds and hearts.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Grant, we beseech You, Almighty God, that the partaking of this Paschal Sacrament may persevere in our hearts continually.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Rejoice! The Lord is risen! Alleluia!

2009-04-11T23:59:00.000-05:00

"The Resurrection" by Titian
Happy Easter! After the Easter Vigil I am always reminded of the phrase I would hear my Hungarian Cistercian friends say after their Easter Vigil: "Rejoice! The Lord is risen! Alleluia!" Part of it was in the delivery, which was what made it so amusing.

Anyway, I want to thank all of you readers who have been praying for me. Not only has the Lord been resurrected, but also "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum" the "resurrection" of my vocation. The three months of intense vocational discernment was spent at the Benedictine Monastery in Norcia, Italy as an "observer." I am happy to say that I will be returning there this summer to enter the monastery.

Basilica and Monastery of Saint Benedict in Norcia, Italy.
So, I would ask for continued prayers as I try to get things taken care of so I can return. I feel a bit overwhelmed with all things to get done, but I guess I'll just need to chip away at it with God's grace.

I was also thrilled to see that the monks have been posting the audio and pictures from their Tenebrae services this year on their website at http://www.osbnorcia.org

So, once again, happy Easter.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - Easter Sunday, Mass During the Day

2009-04-11T20:00:00.001-05:00

"The Resurrection of Christ" by Peter Paul Rubens

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui hodiérna die, per Unigénitum tuum, æternitátis nobis áditum, devícta morte, reserásti, da nobis, quaésumus, ut, qui resurrectiónis domínicæ sollémnia cólimus, per innovatiónem tui Spíritus in lúmine vitæ resurgámus.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Lord, You Who on this very day, through Your Only-begotten Son, opened to us the gate of eternity, by conquering death, grant to us, we beseech You, that, we who devote ourselves to the sacred obserances of the Lord’s Resurrection, through the renewal of Your Spirit may rise again in the light of 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
Sacrifícia, Dómine, paschálibus gáudiis exsultántes offérimus, quibus Ecclésia tua mirabíliter renáscitur et nutrítur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

My Own Literal Translation
Exulting with Easter joys, O Lord, we offer these sacrifices, by which Your Church has been marvelously reborn and nourished.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of Easter (form for Easter Day Mass, used all through 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 hac potíssimum die gloriósius 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 ...

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 on this glorious day, 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. Perpétuo, Deus, Ecclésiam tuam pio favóre tuére, ut, paschálibus renováta mystériis, ad resurrectiónis pervéniat claritátem.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. God, look favorably on Your Church with constant merciful love, so that, having been renewed by these Paschal Mysteries, She may advance to the glory of the Resurrection.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - Easter Vigil

2009-04-10T20:00:00.002-05:00

"Christ Risen" by Peter Paul Rubens

Yes, I've been busy. Sorry, there isn't really a comparison. I just haven't been able to get the time to type up the I.C.E.L. translations, but here are the literal translations of the Easter Vigil Mass.

Opening Exhortation

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Fratres caríssimi, hac sacratíssima nocte, in qua Dóminus noster Iesus Christus de morte transívit ad vitam, Ecclésia invítat fílios dispérsos per orbem terrárum, ut ad vigilándum et orándum convéniant. Si ita memóriam egériums Páschatis Dómini, audiéntes verbum et celebrántes mystéria eius, spem habébimus participándi triúmphum eius de morte et vivéndi cum ipso in Deo.

My Own Literal Translation
Dearest brethren, in this most holy night, in which our Lord Jesus Christ passed from death to life, the Church invites her children who are dispersed throughout the world, that they may come together to watch and pray. If we carry out the Paschal memorial of our Lord in this manner, listening to His word and celebrating His Mysteries, we may have hope of participating in His triumph over death and living with Him in God.

Blessing of the Fire

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui per Fílium tuum claritátis tuæ ignem fidélibus contulísti, novum hunc ignem + sanctífica, et concéde nobis, ita per hæc festa paschália cæléstibus desidériis inflammári, ut ad perpétuæ claritátis puris méntibus valeámus festa pertíngere.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. God, You Who through Your Son bestowed on the faithful the fire of Your Glory, bless this new fire, and grant us, in the same manner that through this Paschal feast we may be so inflamed with heavenly desires, that with pure minds we may be made worthy to come to the feast of perpetual light.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preparation of the Easter Candle

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
| Christus heri et hódie
- Princípium et Finis
A Alpha
n et Omega
2 Ipsíus sunt témpora
0 et saécula
0 Ipsi glória et impérium
9 per univérsa æternitátis saécula. Amen.
1. Per sua sancta vúlnera
2. gloriósa
3. custódiat
4. et consérvet nos
5. Christus Dóminus. Amen.

My Own Literal Translation
| Christ yesterday and today
- The Beginning and End
A The Alpha
n and the Omega
2 All time is His
0 and all eternity
0 to Him be all Glory and Power
9 through all eternity forever. Amen.
1. By His holy Wounds,
2. by His glorious Wounds,
3. may He guard
4. and preserve us,
5. Christ the Lord. Amen.

Lighting of Candle

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Lumen Christi glorióse resurgéntis díssipet ténebras cordis et mentis.

My Own Literal Translation
May the Light of Christ rising in glory dispel the darkness of the heart and mind.

Exhortation at beginning of the Liturgy of the Word

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Vigíliam sollémniter ingréssi, fratres caríssimi, quiéto corde nunc verbum Dei audiámus. Meditémur, quómodo Deus pópulum suum elápsis tempóribus salvum fécerit, et novíssime nobis Fílium suum míserit Redemptórem. Orémus, ut Deus noster hoc paschále salvatiónis opus ad plenam redemptiónem perfíciat.

My Own Literal Translation
Having solemnly begun our vigil, dearest brethren, let us now listen to the word of God with quiet heart. Let us meditate upon how God saved His people throughout history, and ultimately sent us His Son the Redeemer. Let us pray, that God will perfect this our Paschal work of salvation unto the fullness of redemption.

Prayer after 1st OT Reading - 2nd prayer (which was also in the old rite)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui mirabíliter creásti hóminem et mirabílius redemísti, da nobis, quaésumus, contra oblectaménta peccáti mentis ratióne persístere, ut mereámur ad ætérna gáudia perveníre.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O God, You Who wonderfully created man, and more wondrously redeemed him, grant us, we beseech You, to persist with strong minds against the allurements of sin, so that we may merit to come to the eternal joys.
Through Christ our Lord.

Prayer after 2nd OT Reading

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, Pater summe fidélium, qui promissiónis tuæ fílios diffúsa adoptiónis grátia in toto terrárum orbe multíplicas, et per paschále sacraméntum Abraham púerum tuum universárum, sicut iurásti, géntium éfficis patrem, da pópulis tuis digne ad grátiam tuæ vocatiónis intráre.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O God, supreme Father of the faithful, Who throughout the whole world multiply the sons of your promise by diffusing the grace of adoption, and through the Paschal Sacrament make Your servant Abraham the father of all nations according to Your oath, grant to Your people to worthily enter into the grace of Your vocation.
Through Christ our Lord.

Prayer after 3rd OT Reading - 1st prayer (which was also in the old rite)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, cuius antíqua mirácula étiam nostris tempóribus coruscáre sentímus, dum, quod uni pópulo a persecutióne Pharaónis liberándo déxteræ tuæ poténtia contulísti, id in salútem géntium per aquam regeneratiónis operáris, præsta, ut in Abrahæ fílios et in Israelíticam dignitátem totíus mundi tránseat plenitúdo.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O God, Whose ancient miracles we see shining even in our days, while, that which by the power of Your right hand You bestowed upon one nation freeing them from the persecution of Pharaoh, You work by the waters of regeneration in salvation of the Gentiles, grant, that the peoples of the whole world may become the sons of Abraham and come into the dignity of the Israelites.
Through Christ our Lord.

Prayer after 4th OT Reading

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, † multíplica in honórem nóminis tui quod patrum fídei spopondísti, et promissiónis fílios sacra adoptióne diláta, ut, quod prióres sancti non dubitavérunt futúrum, Ecclésia tam magna ex parte iam cognóscat implétum.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Almighty and Eternal God, in honor of Your Name increase that which You solemly promised to the faith of the patriarchs, and increase by Your sacred adoption the children of that promise, so that, what the early saints did not doubt would come to pass, the Church may now find in great part accomplished.
Through Christ our Lord.

Prayer after 5th OT Reading

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, spes única mundi, qui prophetárum tuórum præcónio præséntium témporum declarásti mystéria, auge pópuli tui vota placátus, quia in nullo fidélium nisi ex tua inspiratióne provéniunt quarúmlibet increménta virtútum.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Almighty and Eternal God, only Hope of the world, You Who by the proclaimation of Your Prophets have revealed the Mysteries of this present season, graciously increase the devotion of Your people, for none of the faithful will succeed in the increasing of virtues whatsoever except from Your inspiration.Through Christ our Lord.

Prayer after 6th OT Reading

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui Ecclésiam tuam semper géntium vocatióne multíplicas, concéde propítius, ut, quos aqua baptísmatis ábluis, contínua protectióne tueáris.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O God, You Who always increase Your Church by the calling of the nations, mercifully grant, that, You will guard by Your continual protection, those whom You cleanse by the waters of Baptism.
Through Christ our Lord.

Prayer after 7th OT Reading - 2nd prayer (which was also in the old rite)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui nos ad celebrándum paschále sacraméntum utriúsque Testaménti páginis ínstruis, da nobis intellégere misericórdiam tuam, ut ex perceptióne præséntium múnerum firma sit exspectátio futurórum.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O God, You Who instruct us by the pages of both Testaments to celebrate the Pascal Sacrament, grant to us to understand Your mercy, that by comprehending these present gifts our hope in Your future blessings may be firm.
Through Christ our Lord.

Collect

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui hanc sacratíssimam noctem glória Domínicæ Resurrectiónis illústras, éxcita in Ecclésia tua adoptiónis spíritum, ut, córpore et mente renováti, puram tibi exhibeámus servitútem.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O God, You Who enlighten this most sacred night by the Glory of the Resurrection of the Lord, stir up in Your Church a spirit of adoption, so that, having been renewed in body and soul, we may present to You a pure servitude.
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.

Liturgy of Baptism

If there are people to be Baptized
Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Précibus nostris, caríssimi, fratrum nostrórum beátam spem unánimes adiuvémus, ut Pater omnípotens ad fontem regeneratiónis eúntes omni misericóridiæ auxílio prosequátur.

My Own Literal Translation
Dearly beloved, united let us aid the blessed hope of our brethren by our prayers, that the Almighty Father may bestow the help of His Mercy on all who are approaching this font of regeneration.

Prayer after Litany of the Saints (Used if there are candidates to be Baptized)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, adésto magnæ pietátis tuæ sacraméntis, et ad recreándos novos pópulos, quos tibi fons baptísmatis párturit, spíritum adoptiónis emítte, ut, quod nostræ humilitátis gérendum est ministério*, virtútis tuæ impleátur efféctu.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

My Own Literal Translation
Almighty and Eternal God, be present at these Sacraments of Your great compassion, and send forth the spirit of adoption to recreate a new people, whom the font of Baptism brings to You, so that, which is to be carried out by our humble ministry*, may accomplished by the effect of Your power.Through Christ our Lord.

*the 2002 Missale Romanum has "mysterio" however, I believe that is a typo and the prayer should follow the traditional wording of "ministerio"

Blessing of the Baptismal Water (If there are candidates to be Baptized the following prayer is used)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Deus, qui invisíbili poténtia per sacramentórum signa mirábilem operáris efféctum, et creatúram aquæ multis modis præparásti, ut baptísmi grátiam demonstráret;
Deus, cuius Spíritus super aquas inter ipsa mundi primórdia ferebátur, ut iam tunc virtútem sanctificándi aquárum natúra concíperet;
Deus, qui regeneratiónis spéciem in ipsa dilúvii effusióne signásti, ut uníus eiusdémque eleménti mystério et finis esset vítiis et orígo virtútum;
Deus, qui Abrahæ fílios per Mare Rubrum sicco vestígio transíre fecísti, ut plebs, a Pharaónis servitúte liberáta, pópulum baptizatórum præfiguráret;
Deus, cuius Fílius, in aqua Iordánis a Ioánne baptizátus, Sancto Spíritu est inúnctus, et in cruce pendens, una cum sánguine aquam de látere suo prodúxit, ac, post resurrectiónem suam, discípulis iussit: “Ite, docéte omnes gentes, baptizántes eos in nómine Patris, et Fílii, et Spíritus Sancti:” réspice in fáciem Ecclésiæ tuæ, eíque dignáre fontem baptísmatis aperíre.
Sumat hæc acqua Unigéniti tui grátiam de Spíritu Sancto, ut homo, ad imáginem tuam cónditus, sacraménto baptísmatis a cunctis squalóribus vetustátis ablútus, in novam infántiam ex aqua et Spíritu Sancto resúrgere meréatur.
Descéndat, quaésumus, Dómine, in hanc plenitúdinem fontis per Fílium tuum virtus Spíritus Sancti, ut omnes, cum Christo consepúlti per baptísmum in mortem, ad vitam cum ipso resúrgant.
Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

My Own Literal Translation
O God, Who by Your invisible Power works the wonderful effect through the signs of this Sacrament, and prepare this creature water by many ways, so that the grace of Baptism may be shown;
O God, Whose Spirit in the very beginning of the world moved over the waters, that even now the nature of water may receive the power to sanctify;
O God, Who in the pouring fourth of the flood did give an example of regeneration, so that by this Mystery one and the same element may be the end of vice and the Source of virtues;
O God, Who made the sons of Abraham to pass dry-shod through the Red Sea, so that a people, freed from the slavery of Pharaoh, may prefigure the people of the Baptized;O God, Whose Son, having been baptized in the waters of the Jordan by John, and having been anointed by the Holy Spirit, and suspended on the Cross, brought forth Blood with water together from His side, and, after His Resurrection, He ordered His disciples: “Go forth, and teach all the nations, Baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit:” look upon the face of Your Church, and deign to open to Her the font of Baptism.
May this water take up the grace of Your only-begotten Son through the Holy Spirit, that man, made in Your image, by the Sacrament of Baptism be completely cleansed of the squalor of the old man, and merit to rise again in rebirth through water and the Holy Spirit.
We beg You, O Lord, through Your Son, may the Power of the Holy Spirit, descend upon the entirety of this font, that all, who are buried with Christ in death through Baptism, may rise to life with Him.
Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Renewal of Baptismal Vows

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Per paschále mystérium, fratres caríssimi, in baptísmo consepúlti sumus cum Christo, ut cum eo in novitáte vitæ ambulémus. Quaprópter, quadragesimáli observatióne absolúta, sancti baptísmatis promissiónes renovémus, quibus olim Sátanæ et opéribus eius abrenuntiávimus, et Deo in sancta Ecclésia cathólica servíre promísimus. Quaprópter:
Priest: Abrenuntiátis Sátanæ?
All: Abrenúntio.
Priest: Et ómnibus opéribus eius?
All: Abrenúntio.
Priest: Et ómnibus pompis eius?
All: Abrenúntio.
Priest: Créditis in Deum Patrem omnipoténtem, creatórem cæli et terræ?All: Credo.Priest: Créditis in Iesum Christum, Fílium eius únicum, Dóminum nostrum, natum ex María Vírgine, passum et sepúltum, qui a mórtuis resurréxit et sedet ad déxteram Patris?
All: Credo.
Priest: Créditis in Spíritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclésiam cathólicam, sanctórum communiónem, remissiónem peccatórum, carnis resurrectiónem et vitam ætérnam?
All: Credo.
Priest: Et Deus omnípotens, Pater Dómini nostri Iesu Christi, qui nos regenerávit ex aqua et Spíritu Sancto, quique nobis dedit remissiónem peccatórum, ipse nos custódiat grátia sua, in Christo Iesu Dómino nostro, in vitam ætérnam.

My Own Literal Translation
Dearest brethren, through the Paschal Mystery, in Baptism we have been buried with Christ, that with Him we may walk in newness of life. And thus, having completed this observance of Lent, let us renew our Promises of Holy Baptism, when, having rejected Satan and all his works, we promised to serve God in His holy Catholic Chruch. Therefore:
Priest: Do you reject Satan?
All: I reject (him).
Priest: And all his works?
All: I reject (them).
Priest: And all his pompous displays?
All: I reject (them).
Priest: Do you believe in God the Almighty Father, Creator of Heaven and earth?All: I believe.Priest: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, Who was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered and died, and was buried, Who rose again from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father?
All: I believe.
Priest: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the remission of sins, the resurrection of the body, and in life eternal?
All: I believe.
Priest: And so may Almight God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who regenerated us through water and the Holy Spirit, and gave us remission of our sins, may He Himself protect us by His graces, in Jesus Christ our Lord, unto life eternal.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Súscipe, quaésumus, Dómine, preces pópuli tui cum oblatiónibus hostiárum, ut, paschálibus initiáta mystériis, ad æternitátis nobis medélam, te operánte, profíciant.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

My Own Literal Translation
Receive, we beseech You, O Lord, the prayers of Your people together with the offering of these gifts, so that, what we have begun at these Easter mysteries, may, by Your workings, profit us as a saving remedy to life everlasting.
Though Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of Easter (form for Easter Vigil Mass)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salutáre: Te quidem, Dómine, omni témpore confitéri, sed in hac potíssimum nocte gloriósius 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 ...

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 on this glorious night, 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 ...

Roman Canon Changes

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Communicántes, et noctem sacratíssimam celebrántes Resurrectiónis Dómini nostri Iesu Christi secúndum carnem: sed et memóriam venerántes, in primis gloriósæ semper Vírginis Maríæ, Genetrícis eiúsdem Dei et Dómini nostri Iesu Christi...

My Own Literal Translation
In communion with, and celebrating that most holy night of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh: and reverently remembering, in the first place, the glorious ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of our same God and Lord Jesus Christ...

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Hanc ígitur oblatiónem servitútis nostræ, sed et cunctæ famíliæ tuæ, quam tibi offérimus pro his quoque, quos regeneráre dignátus es ex aqua et Spíritu Sancto, tríbuens eis remissiónem ómnium peccatórum, quaésumus, Dómine, ut placátus accípias: diésque nostros in tua pace dispónas, atque ab ætérna damnatióne nos éripi et in electórum tuórum iúbeas grege numerári.

My Own Literal Translation
Therefore we beseech You, O Lord, graciously to receive this offering of our service, and of all Your family; for these here and for all whom You have willed to regenerate by water and the Holy Spirit, granting to them the remission of all their sins, order our days in your peace, command that we be rescued from eternal damnation, and numbered among the flock of Your elect.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Spíritum nobis, Dómine, tuæ caritátis infúnde, ut, quos sacraméntis paschálibus satiásti, tua fácias pietáte concórdes.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Pour forth on us, O Lord, the Spirit of Your charity, so that, those whom You have filled with this Paschal Sacrament, may by Your merciful love be made of one mind.
Through Christ our Lord.

Solemn Blessing

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Inclináte vos ad benedictiónem.
Priest: Benedícat vos omnípotens Deus, hodiérna interveniénte sollemnitáte pascháli, et ab omni miserátus deféndat incursióne peccáti. Amen.
Priest: Et qui ad ætérnam vitam in Unigéniti sui resurrectióne vos réparat, vos praémiis immortalitátis adímpleat. Amen.
Priest: Et qui, explétis passiónis domínicæ diébus, paschális festi gáudia celebrátis, ad ea festa, quæ lætítiis peragúntur ætérnis, ipso opitulánte, exsultántibus ánimis veniátis. Amen.
Benedícat vos omnípotens Deus, Pater, et Fílius, et Spíritus Sanctus. Amen.

My Own Literal Translation
Bow for a blessing.
May Almighty God bless you, by the solemn intervention of today’s feast, and may He protect you from all miseries caused by attacks of sin. Amen.
And may He Who restores you to life eternal in the Resurrection of His only-begotten Son, fulfill in you the reward of immortality. Amen.
And may you who, having been filled with the sufferings of the Lord in these days, celebrate with joy this Paschal Feast, and come, by His aid, with exsultant souls, to the feast, which is celebrated with eternal joy. Amen.
May Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - Good Friday

2009-04-09T08:00:00.004-05:00

Don't forget to start your Divine Mercy Novena on Friday.

And of course, please remember that you can obtain a plenary indulgence on Friday's in Lent. This would be a great act of charity for the souls in Purgatory.

"Golgotha" by Anthony van Dyck

Oratio (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Deus, qui peccáti véteris hereditáriam mortem, in qua posteritátis genus omne succésserat, Christi Fílii tui, Dómini nostri, passióne solvísti, da, ut confórmes eídem facti, sicut imáginem terréni hóminis natúræ necessitáte portávimus, ita imáginem cæléstis grátiæ sanctificatióne portémus.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, by the suffering of Christ your Son you have saved us all from the death we inherited from sinful Adam. By the law of nature we have borne the likeness of his manhood. May the sanctifying power of grace help us to put on the likeness of our Lord in heaven,
who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
O God, Who by the Passion of Your Son Christ our Lord destroyed the hereditary death of the ancient sin, into which every generation of our race has followed, grant that, being made like Him, as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man by necessity of our nature, so may we bear the Likeness of the Heavenly Man by Your sanctifying grace.
Through Christ our Lord.

Oratio universalis (General Intercessions)

(Yes, I am aware that the rubric is to stand before the prayer part of the intention. At our parish we kneel thorugh the prayer part to make it a bit more focused, since we have found that usually, people are not praying during the silent time between the prayers but wondering when they will be standing up.)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
I. Pro sancta Ecclésia.
Orémus, dilectíssimi nobis, pro Ecclésia sancta Dei, ut eam Deus et Dóminus noster pacificáre, adunáre et custodíre dignétur toto orbe terrárum, detque nobis, quiétam et tranquíllam vitam degéntibus, glorificáre Deum Patrem omnipoténtem.
Flectámus génua.
Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui glóriam tuam ómnibus in Christo géntibus revelásti: custódi ópera misericórdiæ tuæ, ut Ecclésia tua, toto orbe diffúsa, stábili fide in confessióne tui nóminis persevéret.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Leváte.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
I. For the Church.
Let us pray, dear friends, for the holy Church of God throughout the world, that God the almighty Father guide it and gather it together so that we may worship him in peace and tranquility.
Let us kneel.
Almighty and eternal God, you have shown your glory to all nations in Christ, your Son. Guide the work of your Church. Help it to persevere in faith, proclaim your name, and bring your salvation to people everywhere.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Let us stand.

My Own Literal Translation
I. For the Holy Church.
Let us pray, most dearly beloved brethren, for the holy Church of God, that our Lord and God might deign to keep Her in peace, unite Her, and guard Her throughout all the earth, and may He grant to us who endure, peace and tranquility in this life, to glorify God the Father Almighty.
Let us kneel.
Almighty and Eternal God, Who, in Christ revealed to all nations Your Glory: preserve the works of Your Mercy, that Your Church, spread over the all the world, may persevere with a steadfast faith in the confession of Your Name.
Through Christ our Lord.
Rise.

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
II. Pro Papa.
Orémus et pro beatíssimo Papa nostro Benedícto, ut Deus et Dóminus noster, qui elégit eum in órdine episcopátus, salvum atque incólumem custódiat Ecclésiæ suæ sanctæ, ad regéndum pópulum sanctum Dei.
Flectámus génua.
Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, cuius iudício univérsa fundántur, réspice propítius ad preces nostras, et eléctum nobis Antístitem tua pietáte consérva, ut christiána plebs, quæ te gubernátur auctóre, sub ipso Pontífice, fídei suæ méritis augeátur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Leváte.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
II. For the Pope
Let us pray for the Holy Father, Pope Benedict, that God who chose him to be bishop may give him health and strength to guide and govern God's holy people.
Let us kneel.
Almighty and eternal God, you guide all things by your word, you govern all Christian people. In your love protect the Pope you have chosen for us. Under his leadership deepen our faith and make us better Christians.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Let us stand.

My Own Literal Translation
II. For the Pope
Let us pray also for our most Holy Father Pope Benedict, that our Lord and God, Who has chosen him in the order of the episcopacy, may preserve him in health and safety for the good of His holy Church, for governing the holy people of God.
Let us kneel.
Almighty and Eternal God, by Whose judgment all things are established; graciously regard our prayers, and by Your merciful love preserve the Bishop chosen for us, that the Christian people, who are governed by You the Creator, may, under the Pontiff himself, increase the merits of their faith.
Through Christ our Lord.
Rise.

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
III. Pro ómnibus ordínibus gradibúsque fidélium.
Orémus et pro Episcopo nostro N., pro ómnibus Epíscopis, presbýteris, diáconis Ecclésiæ, et univérsa plebe fidélium.
Flectámus génua.
Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, cuius Spíritu totum corpus Ecclésiæ sanctificátur et régitur, exáudi nos pro minístris tuis supplicántes, ut, grátiæ tuæ múnere, ab ómnibus tibi fedéliter serviátur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Leváte.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
For the clergy and laity of the Church
Let us pray for N., our bishop, for all bishops, priests, and deacons; for all who have a special ministry in the Church and for all God's people.
Let us kneel.
Almighty and eternal God, your Spirit guides the Church and makes it holy. Listen to our prayers and help each of us in his own vocation to do your work more faithfully.
We aks this through Christ our Lord.
Let us stand.

My Own Literal Translation
III. For all the priests and ranks of the faithful.
Let us pray also for our Bishop N., and for all Bishops, priests, and deacons of the Church, and for all the people of the faithful.
Let us kneel.
Almighty and Eternal God, by Whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is sanctified and ruled, graciously hear our prayers for Your ministers, that, by the gift of Your grace, She may faithfully serve You through all Her members.
Through Christ our Lord.
Rise.

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
IV. Pro catechúmenis.
Orémus et pro catechúmenis (nostris), ut Deus et Dóminus noster adapériat aures præcordiórum ipsórum ianuámque misericórdiæ, ut, per lavácrum regeneratiónis accépta remissióne ómnium peccatórum, et ipsi inveniántur in Christo Iesu Dómino nostro.
Flectámus génua.
Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui Ecclésiam tuam nova semper prole fecúndas, auge fidem et intelléctum catechúmenis (nostris), ut, renáti fonte baptísmatis, adoptiónis tuæ fíliis aggregéntur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Leváte.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
IV. For those preparing for baptism
Let us pray for those [among us] preparing for baptism, that God in his mercy make them responsive to his love, forgive their sins through the waters of new birth, and give them life in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let us kneel.
Almighty and eternal god, you continually bless your Church with new memebers. Increase the faith and understanding of those [among us] preparing for baptism. Give them a new birth in these living waters and make them members of your chosen family.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Let us stand.

My Own Literal Translation
IV. For the Catechumens.
Let us pray also for (our) catechumens, that our Lord and God may open the ears of their hearts, and the gates of mercy, so that, having received the remission of all sins by the water of regeneration, they may also be found in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Let us kneel.
Almighty and Eternal God, You Who always make the Church fruitful by new offspring, increase the faith and understanding of (our) catechumens, that, being reborn at the font of Baptism, they may be joined to Your adopted children.
Through Christ our Lord.
Rise.

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
V. Pro unitáte Christianórum.
Orémus et pro univérsis frátribus in Christum credéntibus, ut Deus et Dóminus noster eos, veritátem faciéntes, in una Ecclésia sua congregáre et custodíre dignétur.
Flectámus génua.
Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui dispérsa cóngregas et congregáta consérvas, ad gregem Fílii tui placátus inténde, ut, quos unum baptísma sacrávit, eos et fídei iungat intégritas et vínculum sóciet caritátis.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Leváte.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
V. For the unity of Christians
Let us pray for all our brothers and sisters who share our faith in Jesus Christ, that God may gather and keep together in one Church all those who seek the truth with sincerity.
Let us kneel.
Almighty and eternal God, you keep together those you have united. Look kindly on all who follow Jesus your Son. We are all consecrated to you by our common baptism. Make us one in the fullness of faith, and keep us one in the fellowship of love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Let us stand.

My Own Literal Translation
V. For The Unity Of Christians
Let us pray also for all our brethren believing in Christ, that our Lord and God may deign to gather into His one Church and protect those acting in truth.
Let us kneel.
Almighty and Eternal God, You Who gather the dispersed and protect those gathered, graciously be attentive to the flock of Your Son, that, the integrity of faith may join and the bond of charity may unite those, whom the one Baptism consecrates.
Through Christ our Lord.
Rise.

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
VI. Pro Iudaéis.
Orémus et pro Iudaéis, ut, ad quos prius locútus est Dóminus Deus noster, eis tríbuat in sui nóminis amóre et in sui foéderis fidelitáte profícere.
Flectámus génua.
Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui promissiónes tuas Abrahæ eiúsque sémini contulísti, Ecclésiæ tuæ preces celménter exáudi, ut pópulus acquisitiónis prióris ad redemptiónis mereátur plenitúdinem perveníre.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Leváte.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
VI. For the Jewish people
Let us pray for the Jewish people, the first to hear the word of God, that they may continue to grow in the love of his name and in faithfulness to his covenant.
Let us kneel.
Almighty and eternal God, long ago you gave your promise to Abraham and his posterity. Listen to your Church as we pray that the people you first made your own may arrive at the fullness of redemption.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Let us stand.

My Own Literal Translation
VI. For The Jews
Let us pray also for the Jews, those to whom our Lord God first spoke, that He may grant that they grow in the love of His Name and in faithfulness to His covenant.
Let us kneel.
Almighty and Eternal God, You Who conferred Your promises to Abraham and his offspring, mercifully hear the prayers of Your Church, that the people first made Your own may be made worthy to come to the fullness of redemption.
Through Christ our Lord.
Rise.

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
VII. Pro iis qui in Christum non credunt.
Orémus et pro iis qui in Christum non credunt, ut, luce Sancti Spíritus illustáti, viam salútis et ipsi váleant introíre.
Flectámus génua.
Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, fac ut qui Christum non confiténtur, coram te sincéro corde ambulántes, invéniant veritátem, nosque, mútuo proficiéntes semper amóre et ad tuæ vitæ mystérium plénius percipiéndum sollícitos, perfectióres éffice tuæ testes caritátis in mundo.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Leváte.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
VII. For those who do not believe in Christ
Let us pray for those who do not believe in Christ, that the light of the Holy Spirit may show them the way to salvation.
Let us kneel.
Almighty and eternal God, enable those who do not acknowledge Christ to find the truth as they walk before you in sincerity of heart. Help us to grow in love for one another, to grasp more fully the mystery of your godhead, and to become more perfect witnesses of your love in the sight of men.
We ask this through Christ our Lord
Let us stand.

My Own Literal Translation
VII. For Those Who Do Not Believe In Christ.
Let us pray also for those who do not believe in Christ, that, enlightened by the light of the Holy Spirit, they may be made worthy to enter into His way of salvation.
Let us kneel.
Almighty and Eternal God, grant those who do not confess Christ, that walking in Your sight with a sincere heart, they may find the truth, and that always advancing in mutual love and carefully learning more fully of the mystery of Your life, make us more perfect witnesses of Your charity in the world.
Through Christ our Lord.
Rise.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
VIII. For those who do not believe in God
Let us pray for those who do not believe in God, that they may find him by sincerely following all that is right.
Let us kneel.
Almighty and eternal God, you created mankind so that all might long to find you and have peace when you are found. Grant that, in spite of the hurtful things that stand in their way, they may recognize in the lives of Christians the tokens of your love and mercy, and gladly acknowledge you as the one true God and Father of us all.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Let us stand.

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
VIII. Pro iis qui in Deum no credunt.
Orémus et pro iis qui Deum non agnóscunt, ut, quæ recta sunt sincéro corde sectántes, ad ipsum Deum perveníre mereántur.
Flectámus génua.
Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui cunctos hómines condidísti, ut te semper desiderándo quaérerent et inveniéndo quiéscerent, præsta, quaésumus, ut inter nóxia quæque obstácula omnes, tuæ signa pietátis et in te credéntium testimónium bonórum óperum percipiéntes, te solum verum Deum nostríque géneris Patrem gáudeant confitéri.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Leváte.

My Own Literal Translation
VIII. For Those Who Do Not Believe In God.
Let us pray also for those who do not know God, that, following what is right with a sincere heart, they may merit to come to God Himself.
Let us kneel.
Almighty and Eternal God, You Who created all men, that always longing for You, they might seek You and finding You may find rest, grant, we beseech You, that all those among whatever evils and obstacles, observing the witness of the good works of those who believe in You, may rejoice to confess You as the one true God and Father of our race.
Through Christ our Lord.
Rise.

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
IX. Pro rempúblicam moderántibus.
Orémus et pro ómnibus rempúblicam moderántibus, ut Deus et Dóminus noster mentes et corda eórum secúndum voluntátem suam dírigat ad veram ómnium pacem et libertátem.
Flectámus génua.
Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, in cuius manu sunt hóminum corda et iura populórem, réspice benígnus ad eos, qui nos in potestáte moderántur, ut ubíque terrárum populórum prospéritas, pacis secúritas et religiónis libértas, te largiénte, consístant.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Leváte.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
IX. For all in public office
Let us pray for those who serve us in public office, that God may guide their minds and hearts, so that all men may live in true peace and freedom.
Let us kneel.
Almighty and eternal God, you know the longings of men's hearts and you protect their rights. In your goodness watch over those in authority, so that people everywhere may enjoy religious freedom, security, and peace.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Let us stand.

My Own Literal Translation
IX. For Those In Public Office.
Let us pray also for all who govern the state, that our Lord and God may direct their minds and hearts according to His Will toward true peace and liberty for all.
Let us kneel.
Almighty and Eternal God, in Whose hands are the hearts of all men and the laws of all nations, look with favor upon those, who are governing us in power, that, through Your grant, everywhere the prosperity of the nations of the world, the security of peace and the freedom of religion, may endure.
Through Christ our Lord.
Rise.

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
X. Pro tribulátis.
Orémus, dilectíssimi nobis, Deum Patrem omnipoténtem, ut cunctis mundo purget erróribus, morbos áuferat, famem depéllat, apériat cárceres, víncula solvat, viatóribus securitátem, peregrinántibus réditum, infirmántibus sanitátem atque moriéntibus salútem indúlgeat.
Flectámus génua.
Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, mæstórum consolátio, laborántium fortitúdo, pervéniant ad te preces de quacúmque tribulatióne clamántium, ut omnes sibi in necessitátibus suis misericórdiam tuam gáudeant affuísse.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Leváte.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
X. For those in special need
Let us pray, dear friends, that God the almighty Father may heal the sick, comfort the dying, give safety to travellers, free those unjustly deprived of liberty, and rid the world of falsehood, hunger, and disease.
Let us kneel.
Almighty, ever-living God you give strength to the weary and new courage to those who have lost heart. Hear the prayers of all who call on you in any trouble that they may have the joy of receiving your help in their need.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Let us stand.

My Own Literal Translation
X. For The Suffering.
Let us pray, most dearly beloved brethren, to God the Almighty Father, that He may purge error from the whole world, take away illnesses, dispel hunger, open prisons, release from chains, and be pleased to grant safety to travellers, safe return to exiles, healing to the sick and salvation to the dying.
Let us kneel.
Almighty and Eternal God, the Consolation of those who grieve, and the Strength of those who labor, may the prayers of those crying out in any tribulation come to You, that they all may rejoice to have had Your Mercy near them in their necessities.
Through Christ our Lord.
Rise.

Post Communionem

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui nos Christi tui beáta morte et resurrectióne reparásti, consérva in nobis opus misericórdiæ tuæ, ut huius mystérii participatióne perpétua devotióne vivámus.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Almighty and eternal God, you have restored us to life by the triumphant death and resurrection of Christ. Continue this healing work within us. May we who participate in this mystery never cease to serve you.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Almighty and Eternal God, You Who have restored us by the blessed death and Resurrection of Your Christ, keep in us the work of Your Mercy, so that we may live in participation of this Mystery with everlasting devotion.
Through Christ our Lord.

Final Blessing
Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Inclináte vos ad benedictiónem.
Super pópulum tuum, quaésumus, Dómine, qui mortem Fílii tui in spe suæ resurrectiónis recóluit, benedíctio copiósa descéndat, indulgéntia véniat, consolátio tribuátur, fides sancta succréscat, redémptio sempitérna firmétur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, send down your abundant blessing upon your people who have devoutly recalled the death of your Son in the sure hope of the resurrection. Grant them pardon; bring them comfort. May their faith grow stronger and their eternal salvation be assured.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Bow for a blessing.
May Your abundant Blessing, we beseech You, O Lord, descend upon Your people, who have recalled the death of Your Son in the hope of His Resurrection, may pardon come, consolation be granted, the holy Faith increase, and eternal redemption be secured.
Through Christ our Lord.

Final Rubric of Good Friday

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Et omnes, facta Cruci genuflexione,discedunt sub silentio.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
All depart in silence.

My Own Literal Translation
And all, having made a genuflection to the Cross, leave in silence.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - Holy Thursday, Mass of the Lord's Supper

2009-04-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

"The Last Supper" by Carl Heirich Bloch

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Sacratíssimam, Deus, frequentántibus Cenam, in qua Unigénitus tuus, morit se traditúrus, novum in saécula sacrifícium dilectionísque suæ convívium Ecclésiæ commendávit, da nobis, quaésumus, ut ex tanto mystério plenitúdinem caritátis hauriámus et vitæ.
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, we are gathered here to share in the supper which your only Son left to his Church to reveal his love. He gave it to us when he was about to die and commanded us to celebrate it as the new and eternal sacrifice. We pray that in this eucharist we may find the fullness of love and life.
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. O God, by frequenting this Most Holy Supper, in Which Your only-Begotten Son, about to hand Himself over to death, forever commended to the Church this new Sacrifice and Banquet of His love, grant us, we beseech You, that from so great a Mystery we may derive the fullness of charity and of 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
Concéde nobis, quaésumus, Dómine, hæc digne frequentáre mystéria, quia, quóties huius hóstiæ commemorátio celebrátur, opus nostræ redemptiónis exercétur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, make us worthy to celebrate these mysteries. Each time we offer this memorial sacrifice, the work of our redemption is accomplished.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Grant us, we beseech You, O Lord, to frequent these Mysteries worthily, for, as often as the commemoration of this Sacrifice is celebrated, the work of our redemption is carried out.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of the Most Holy Eucharist

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, verus æternúsque Sacérdos, formam sacrifícii perénnis instítuens, hóstiam tibi se primus óbtulit salutárem, et nos, in sui memóriam, præcépit offérre. Cuius carnem pro nobis immolátam dum súmimus, roborámur, et fusum pro nobis sánguinem dum potámus, ablúimur.
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.
He is the true and eternal priest who established this unending sacrifice. He offered himself as a victim for our deliverance and taught us to make this offering in his memory. As we eat his body which he gave for us, we grow in strength. As we drink his blood which he poured out for us, we are washed clean.
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.
Who, as true and eternal Priest, instituting the form of the perennial Sacrifice, offered Himself up to You as a Victim for our salvation, and instructed us to offer It in memory of Him. When we receive His Flesh Which He sacrificed for us, we are strengthened, and when we drink His Blood which He poured out for us, we are cleansed.
And so, with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and the Dominations, and with all the host of the Heavenly army, we sing the hymn of Your Glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Roman Canon Changes
Communicántes...

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Communicántes, et diem sacratíssimum celebrántes, quo Dóminus noster Iesus Christus pro nobis est tráditus, sed et memóriam venerántes, in primis gloriósæ semper Vírginis Maríæ, Genetrícis Dei et Dómini nostri Iesu Christi:...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
In union with the whole Church we celebrate that day when Jesus Christ, our Lord, was betrayed for us. We honor Mary, the ever-virgin mother of Jesus Christ our Lord and God: ...

My Own Literal Translation
In communion with, and celebrating that most holy day, in which our Lord Jesus Christ was betrayed for us, and reverently remembering, in the first place, the glorious ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ:...

Hanc ígitur...

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Hanc ígitur oblatiónem servitútis nostræ, sed et cunctæ famíliæ tuæ, quam tibi offérimus ob diem, in qua Dóminus noster Iesus Christus trádididt discípulis suis Córporis et Sánguinis sui mystéria celebránda, quaésumus, Dómine, ut placátus accípias: diésque nostros in tua pace dispónas, atque ab ætérna damnatióne nos éripi et in electórum tuórum iúbeas grege numerári.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Father, accept this offering from your whole family in memory of the day when Jesus Christ, our Lord, gave the mysteries of his body and blood for his disciples to celebrate.

My Own Literal Translation
Therefore we beseech You, O Lord, graciously to receive this offering of our service, and of all Your family, which we offer to You on this day, in which our Lord Jesus Christ gave to His disciples His own Body and Blood by celebrating this Mystery; order our days in your peace, command that we be rescued from eternal damnation, and numbered among the flock of Your elect.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Concéde nobis, omnípotens Deus, ut, sicut Cena Fílii tui refícimur temporáli, ita satiári mereámur ætérna.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Almighty God, we receive new life from the supper you Son gave us in this world. May we find full contentment in the meal we hope to share in your eternal kingdom.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Grant us, we beseech You, Almighty God, that, as we have partaken of this temporal Supper of Your Son, so may we be made worthy to be filled by the Eternal Banquet.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Pray for the Earthquake victims

2009-04-06T09:48:00.004-05:00

Please pray for the earthquake victims in Italy. There was a strong earthquake just north of the city of L'Aquila which has done a lot of damage and at least 50 people have died.

At my monastery in Nursia, the people there pray to Our Lady under the title of the Addolorata (image seen above). They specifically ask her to protect them from earthquakes.

I talked with one of the monks there, and he said they felt the earthquake, but it was not very strong by the time it got up to Norcia. However the L'Aquila area suffered greatly.

Pray also that there are no dangerous aftershocks.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - Palm Sunday

2009-04-05T08:44:00.000-05:00

"Ecce Homo" by Antonio Ciseri

Opening Exhortation

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Fratres caríssimi,
Postquam iam ab inítio Quadragésimæ corda nostra pæniténtia et opéribus caritátis præparávimus, hodiérna die congregámur, ut cum tota Ecclésia præludámus paschále Dómini nostri mystérium, eius nempe passiónem atque resurrectiónem, ad quod impléndum ipse ingréssus est civitátem suam Ierúsalem. Quare cum omni fide et devotióne memóriam agéntes huius salutíferi ingréssus, sequámur Dóminum, ut, per grátiam consórtes effécti crucis, partem habeámus resurrectiónis et vitæ.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Dear friends in Christ, for five weeks of Lent we have been preparing, by works of charity and self-sacrifice, for the celebration of our Lord's paschal mystery. Today we come together to begin this solemn celebration in union with the whole Church throughout the world. Christ entered in triumph into his own city, to complete his work as our Messiah: to suffer, to die, and to rise again. Let us remember with devotion this entry which began his saving work and follow him with a lively faith. United with him in his siffering on the cross, may we share his resurrection and new life.

My Own Literal Translation
Dearest brethren,
From the beginning of Lent until now, we have prepared our hearts with penance and works of charity, we gather on this day, that with the whole Church we may prepare for the Pascal Mystery of our Lord, indeed His Passion and Resurrection, which was about to be fulfilled when He entered His city Jerusalem. Therefore with total faith and devotion prompting us to the memory of this salutary entrance, let us follow the Lord, so that, through the shared grace effected by the Cross, we may have a part in His Resurrection and His Life.

Blessing of the Palms (1st option)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, hos pálmites tua benedictióne + sanctífica, ut nos, qui Christum Regem exsultándo proséquimur, per ipsum valeámus ad ætérnam Ierúsalem perveníre.
Qui vivit et regnat in saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Almighty god, we pray you bless + these branches and make them holy. Today we joyfully acclaim Jesus our Messiah and King. May we reach one day the happiness of the new and everlasting Jerusalem by faithfully following him
who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. All powerful and eternal God, sanctify + these palms by Your Blessing, so that we, who exaltingly follow Christ the King, may be able, through Him, to arrive at the eternal Jerusalem.
He Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui humáno géneri, ad imitándum humilitátis exémplum, Salvatórem nostrum carnem súmere, et crucem subíre fecísti, concéde propítius, ut et patiéntiæ ipsíus habére documénta et resurrectiónis consórtia mereámur.
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, ever-living God, you have given the human race Jesus Christ our Savior as a model of humility. He fulfilled your will by becoming man and giving his life on the cross. Help us to bear witness to you by following his example of suffering and make us worthy to share in his resurrection.
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 made, the Savior, take on our human flesh and undergo the Cross, in order to offer to the human race an example of humility to be imitated, graciously grant, that we may deserve both to possess the teachings of His patience and share in His Resurrection.
He 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
Per Unigéniti tui passiónem placátio tua nobis, Dómine, sit propínqua, quam, etsi nostris opéribus non merémur, interveniénte sacrifício singulári, tua percipiámus miseratióne prævénti.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, may the suffering and death of Jesus, your only Son, make us pleasing to you. Alone we can do nothing, but may this perfect sacrifice win us your mercy and love.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Through the Passion of Your Only-begotten Son, may Your atonement be near to us, which, even if we do not deserve it, through the intervention of this extraordinary Sacrifice, may we hasten to look forward to it because of Your compassion.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface of Passion Sunday

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 pati pro ímpiis dignátus est ínnocens, et pro scelerátis indébite condemnári. Cuius mors delícta nostra detérsit, et iustificatiónem nobis resurréctio comparávit.
Unde et nos cum ómnibus Angelis te laudámus, iucúnda celebratióne 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.
Though he was sinless, he suffered willingly for sinners. Though innocent, he accepted death to save the guilty. By his dying he has destroyed our sins. By his rising he has raised us up to holiness of life.
We praise you, Lord, with all the angels in their song of joy:
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, though innocent, deigned to suffer for the impious, and was unjustly condemned for the wicked. By His death He wiped away our transgressions, and He obtained justification for us by His Resurrection.
And therefore we praise You with all the Angels, proclaiming in joyful celebration:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Sacro múnere satiáti, súpplices te, Dómine, deprecámur, ut, qui fecísti nos morte Fílii tui speráre quod crédimus, fácias nos, eódem resurgénte, perveníre quo téndimus.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, you have satisfied our hunger with this eucharistic food. The death of your Son gives us hope and strengthens our faith. May his resurrection give us perseverance and lead us to salvation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Filled by this sacred Gift, we humbly entreat You, O Lord, that, You Who made us to hope through the death of Your Son which we believe, may make us to come to Him as the Risen One, to Whom we direct our lives.
Through Christ our Lord.

Prayer over the People

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Réspice, quaésumus, Dómine, super hanc famíliam tuam, pro qua Dóminus noster Iesus Christus non dubitávit mánibus tradi nocéntium, et crucis subíre torméntum.
Qui vivit et regnat in saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
[N/A in this form]

My Own Literal Translation
Look upon this Your family, we beseech You, O Lord, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ did not hesitate to be handed over into the hands of the wicked or to undergo the torment of the Cross.
He Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

RS

Where's the milk and honey?

2009-04-01T17:26:00.004-05:00

I just got back into the country after being gone for three months, and I am heartbroken that the country is not flowing with milk and honey and is not a paradise! I thought Obama was going to fix everything. It's almost like you just can't belive what the media tells us to belive anymore. [snicker].

RS

Vocational Discernment and Prayer Request

2009-03-30T16:24:00.002-05:00

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

2009-03-28T05:19:00.002-05:00

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 !".

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

2009-03-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

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

2009-03-21T07:05:00.004-05:00

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)

2009-03-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

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)

2009-03-13T10:00:00.000-05:00

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

2009-03-06T10:00:00.000-06:00

"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

Comparison of Prayers - 1st Sunday of Lent

2009-02-27T10:00:00.000-06:00

"The Three Temptations of Christ" by Sandro Botticelli

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Concéde nobis, omnípotens Deus, ut, per ánnua quadragesimális exercítia sacraménti, et ad intellegéndum Christi proficiámus arcánum, et efféctus eius digna conversatióne sectémur.
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, through our observance of Lent, help us to understand the meaning of your Son’s death and resurrection, and teach us to reflect it in our lives.
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 to us, Almighty God, that, through the annual exercises of this holy forty-day obligation, we may both advance in understanding the mystery of Christ, and by worthy conduct may strive after its effects.
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
Fac nos, quaésumus, Dómine, his munéribus offeréndis conveniénter aptári, quibus ipsíus venerábilis sacraménti celebrámus exórdium.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, make us worthy to bring you these gifts. May this sacrifice help to change our lives.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Make us, we humbly beseech You, O Lord, to be suitably prepared by these gifts which are about to be offered, by which we celebrate the beginning of this venerable holy season.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface of the temptation 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 quadragínta diébus, terrénis ábstinens aliméntis, formam huius observántiæ ieiúnio dedicávit, et, omnes evértens antíqui serpéntis insídias, ferméntum malítiæ nos dócuit superáre, ut, paschále mystérium dignis méntibus celebrántes, ad pascha demum perpétuum transeámus.
Et ídeo cum Angelórum atque Sanctórum turba hymnum laudis tibi 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.
His fast of forty days makes this a holy season of self-denial. By rejecting the devil’s temptations he has taught us to rid ourselves of the hidden corruption of evil, and so to share his paschal meal in purity of heart, until we come to its fulfillment in the promised land of heaven.
Now we join the angels and saints as they sing their unending hymn of 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.
Who for forty days, abstaining from earthly food, established the form of this observance by a fast, and, overthrowing all the insidious acts of the ancient serpent, He taught us to rise above the corruption of evil, so that, celebrating the Paschal Mystery with worthy dispositions, we may at last pass on to the everlasting Paschal Feast.
And so with the Host of Angels and Saints we sing the hymn of praise to You, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Cælésti pane refécti, quo fides álitur, spes provéhitur et cáritas roborátur, quaésumus, Dómine, ut ipsum, qui est panis vivus et verus, esuríre discámus, et in omni verbo, quod procédit de ore tuo, vívere valeámus.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, you increase our faith and hope, you deepen our love in this communion. Help us to live by your words and to seek Christ, our bread of life,
who is Lord for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. . Having been refreshed by this Heavenly Bread, by Which faith is sustained, hope is advanced, and love is strengthened, we humbly beseech You, O Lord, that we may learn to hunger for Him, Who is the Living and True Bread, and may have strength to live in every word, which comes from Your mouth.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Plenary Indulgence on Fridays of Lent

2009-02-26T07:12:00.000-06:00

Reposting:

"Christ on the Cross" by Jacques-Louis David

I would note that we can obtain a plenary indulgences for ourselves. However, we can offer that plenary indulgence for a soul in purgatory instead. This would be a great act of charity and spiritual almsgiving to do during Lent. In my case since I am consecrated to Our Lady under the consecration of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, I try to obtain a plenary indulgence and offer it to Our Lady asking her to apply it to the soul in purgatory most in need. So, I highly encourage all readers to do this and to spread the info with friends and family as well. If we help the souls to be released from purgatory and enter Heaven, they will help us to get to Heaven as well. And nowadays, we can all use all the help we can get.

You can obtain a plenary indulgence every Friday in Lent by saying the following prayer before a Crucifix after receiving Holy Communion. The other usual requirements for a plenary indulgence also apply:
1) Receive communion (ideally on the same day the indulgence act is done)
2) Go to confession (within a week before or after the indugenced act)
3) That one pray for the Pope's intentions (usually by saying an Our Father and a Hail Mary)
4) That one be free from all attachment to sin, even venial sin.

Prayer before a Crucifix
(Latin and English versions)

En ego, o bone et dulcíssime Iesu,
ante conspéctum tuum génibus me provólvo,
ac máximo ánimi adóre te oro atque obtéstor,
ut meum in cor vívidos fídei, spei, et caritátis sensus,
atque veram peccatórum meórum pæniténtiam,
eáque emendándi firmíssimam voluntátem velis imprímere;
dum magno ánimi afféctu et dolóre
tua quinque vúlnera mecum ipse consídero
ac mente contémplor,
illud præ óculis habens,
quod iam in ore ponébat tuo David prophéta de te, o bone Iesu:
Fodóderunt manus meas et pedes meos:
dinumeravérunt ómnia ossa mea.

Behold, O kind and most sweet Jesus,
I cast myself upon my knees in Thy sight,
and with the most fervent desire of my soul I pray and beseech Thee
that Thou wouldst impress upon my heart lively sentiments of Faith, Hope, and Charity,
with true repentance for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment,
whilst with deep affection and grief of soul I ponder within myself
and mentally contemplate
Thy five most precious Wounds;
having before my eyes the words which David in prophecy spoke concerning Thyself, O good Jesus:
“They have pierced my hands and feet;
they have numbered all my bones.”

The “Technical” Stuff

“1. An indulgence is the remission in the eyes of God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose culpable element has already been taken away. The Christian faithful who are rightly disposed and observe the definite, prescribed conditions gain this remission through the effective assistance of the Church, which, as the minister of redemption, authoritatively distributes and applies the treasury of the expiatory works of Christ and the Saints.”
- Handbook of Indulgences, Norms

“23. 1. Besides the exclusion of all attachment to sin, even venial sin, the requirements for gaining a Plenary Indulgence are the performance of the indulgenced work and fulfillment of three conditions: Sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the Pope’s intentions.
2. Several Plenary Indulgences may be gained on the basis of a single Sacramental Confession; only one may be gained, however, on the basis of a single Eucharistic Communion and prayer for the Pope’s intentions.
3. The three conditions may be carried out several days preceding or following performance of the prescribed work. But it is more fitting that the Communion and the prayer for the Pope’s intentions take place on the day the work is performed.
4. If a person is not fully disposed or if the prescribed work and the three mentioned conditions are not fulfilled, the Indulgence will only be partial ...”
5. The condition requiring prayer for the Pope’s intentions is satisfied by reciting once the Our Father and Hail Mary for his intentions (Pater Noster and Ave Maria); nevertheless all the faithful have the option of reciting any other prayer suited to their own piety and devotion.”
- Handbook of Indulgences, Norms

#22 Prayer before a Crucifix
On any Friday during Lent a plenary indulgence is granted the Christian faithful who, after Communion, devoutly recite the above prayer before an image of Jesus Christ crucified. On other days of the year the indulgence is a partial one.
- Handbook of Indulgences, Grants

(Makes me wonder if this can be obtained before a "resifix?" You know, those ones where Christ is risen, sort of floating before a cross, which are sadly in many churches nowadays? I mean, the indulgence does say "before an image of Jesus Christ crucified" [my emphasis]. I'll let those concerned about it write the apostolic penitentiary on that one. If you are worried about it, get a holy card of the Crucifixion and take that with you and say the prayer looking at that after Holy Communion.)

RS

Ash Wednesday and Lent

2009-02-24T07:05:00.002-06:00

Repost from last year.

"Christ in the Desert" by Ivan Kranskoi
Browsing through the Catholic Encyclopedia, I found a few articles that are definitely worth a read to get a better understanding of the season of Lent.

Since tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, a good place to start is the entry on:

Ash Wednesdsay

(As a side note, I think I found a potential answer about the difference in the US and Rome. From the above article, it says that the faithful received ashes in the form of a cross upon their forehead, and that clerics would receive ashes in the form of a cross upon their tonsure (top of their head). One problem is that "tonsure" no longer exists. Another problem is that so many modernists don't like to distinguish between clerics and laity (as if that is something bad or clericalist). Not sure what or why the differences today.)

With that comes the observance upon Ash Wednesday (and Good Friday) of the:

Fast

On fascinating part mentions how fasting has been seen not only as just a religious observance, but also one of natural virtue as it fosters temperance.

It also explains many of the differences we have heard of in fasting, whether it be be not eating at all, having only one meal (The Black Fast), or having one normal meal with two small meals. Overall the conclusion becomes what is demanded by Church law and most importantly common sense.

Then this brings us fully into the season of:

Lent

Which shows a rather varied form of observance throughout the Church in both East and West due to Lent's rather "late" development compared to other annual feasts like Epiphany.

One interesting perspective was something of Saint Gregory the Great in looking at the fasting of Lent as a tithe to God:

"In the time of Gregory the Great (590-604) there were apparently at Rome six weeks of six days each, making thirty-six fast days in all, which St. Gregory, who is followed therein by many medieval writers, describes as the spiritual tithing of the year, thirty-six days being approximately the tenth part of three hundred and sixty-five."

And here are the relavent Canons on fasting and abstinence:

BOOK IV, PART III, TITLE II, CHAPTER II.

Days of Penance

Can. 1249 The divine law binds all the Christian faithful to do penance each in his or her own way. In order for all to be united among themselves by some common observance of penance, however, penitential days are prescribed on which the Christian faithful devote themselves in a special way to prayer, perform works of piety and charity, and deny themselves by fulfilling their own obligations more faithfully and especially by observing fast and abstinence, according to the norm of the following canons.

Can. 1250 The penitential days and times in the universal Church are every Friday of the whole year and the season of Lent.

Can. 1251 Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday. Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

Can. 1252 The law of abstinence binds those who have completed their fourteenth year. The law of fasting binds those who have attained their majority, until the beginning of their sixtieth year. Pastors of souls and parents are to ensure that even those who by reason of their age are not bound by the law of fasting and abstinence, are taught the true meaning of penance.

Can. 1253 The conference of bishops can determine more precisely the observance of fast and abstinence as well as substitute other forms of penance, especially works of charity and exercises of piety, in whole or in part, for abstinence and fast.

All of these articles are definitely worth a read, and can help give us a proper understanding and more focused observance of Lent.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - 7th Sunday Per Annum

2009-02-20T10:00:00.000-06:00

aka 7th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Præsta, quaésumus, omnípotens Deus, ut, semper rationabília meditántes, quæ tibi sunt plácita, et dictis exsequámur et factis.
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 keep before us the wisdom and love you have revealed in your Son. Help us to be like him in word and deed,
for he 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, always meditating upon rational things, which are pleasing to You, we may carry them out in both words and deeds.
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
Mystéria tua, Dómine, débitis servítiis exsequéntes, súpplices te rogámus, ut, quod ad honórem tuæ maiestátis offérimus, nobis profíciat ad salútem.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, as we make this offering, may our worship in Spirit and truth bring us salvation.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Carrying out Your Mysteries as Your dutiful servants, O Lord, we humbly beg You, that, what we offer to the honor of Your Majesty, may advance our salvation.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Præsta, quaésumus, omnípotens Deus, ut illíus capiámus efféctum, cuius per hæc mystéria pignus accépimus.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Almighty God, help us to live the example of love we celebrate in this eucharist, that we may come to its fulfillment in your presence.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Grant, we beseech You, Almighty God, that we may obtain the effect of Him, Whose promise we have received through these Mysteries.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Liturgy "By The Books"

2009-02-15T09:36:00.003-06:00

Just a quick post on two articles I just saw that reinforce the idea of liturgy "by the books"

The first is from Father Angelo of the Fransciscan Friars of the Immaculate. I'm not linking because he gave my blog a "plug" but because of the idea he supports as well:

"Roman Sacristan" at Mary Victrix Blog

The other is from a usual great source, Father Z at What Does the Prayer Really Say:

What happens when we get out of the way

Thanks for the prayers, and please keep them up. The discernment time is going well so far.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - 6th Sunday Per Annum

2009-02-13T10:00:00.000-06:00

aka 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time

"The Sermon on the Mount" by Carl Heinrich Bloch

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui te in rectis et sincéris manére pectóribus ásseris, da nobis tua grátia tales exsístere, in quibus habitáre dignéris.
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 promised to remain for ever with those who do what is just and right. Help us to live in your presence.
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 Who declare that You remain in upright and sincere hearts, grant to us by Your grace to become as those in whom You wish to dwell.
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 nos oblátio, quaésumus, Dómine, mundet et rénovet, atque tuam exsequéntibus voluntátem fiat causa remuneratiónis ætérnæ.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, we make this offering in obedience to your word. May it cleanse and renew us, and lead us to our eternal reward.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
May this oblation cleanse and renew us, we beseech You, O Lord, and by following Your Will may it be the cause of our eternal reward.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Cæléstibus, Dómine, pasti delíciis, quaésumus, ut semper éadem, per quæ veráciter vívimus, appetámus.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, you give us food from heaven. May we always hunger for the bread of life.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Having been fed by these Heavenly delights, O Lord, we humbly beseech You, that we may always hunger for them, through which we truly live.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - 5th Sunday Per Annum

2009-02-06T08:00:00.001-06:00

aka 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time

"The Miraculous Draught of Fishes" by Raphael

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Famíliam tuam, quaésumus, Dómine, contínua pietáte custódi, ut, quæ in sola spe grátiæ cæléstis innítitur, tua semper protectóne muniátur.
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, watch over your family and keep us safe in your care, for all our hope is in you.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Guard Your family, we beseech You, O Lord, with constant merciful love, so that, those who rely on the sole hope of Heavenly grace, may always be preserved by Your protection.
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
Dómine Deus noster, qui has pótius creatúras ad fragilitátis nostræ subsídium condidísti, tríbue, quaésumus, ut étiam æternitátis nobis fiant sacramémtum.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord our God, may the bread and wine you give us for our nourishment on earth become the sacrament of our eternal life.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
O Lord our God, You Who established these creatures above all others to be the aid of our frailty, grant, we beseech You, that they may also become for us the Sacrament of eternity.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui nos de uno pane et de uno cálice partícipes esse voluísti, da nobis, quaésumus, ita vívere, ut, unum in Christo effécti, fructum afferámus pro mundi salúte gaudéntes.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. God our Father, you give us a share in the one bread and the one cup and make us one in Christ. Help us to bring your salvation and joy to all the world.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O God, You Who wished us to be participants of this One Bread and this One Chalice, grant to us, we beseech You, to live in such a way, that, as we have been made one in Christ, we may joyfully bring forth fruit for the salvation of the world.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Black History Month

2009-02-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

A history lesson for Black History Month.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - 4th Sunday Per Annum

2009-01-30T10:00:00.000-06:00

aka 4th Sunday of Ordinary Time

"The Sermon on the Mount" by Cosimo Rosselli
Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Concéde nobis, Dómine Deus noster, ut te tota mente venerémur, et omnes hómines rationábili diligámus afféctu.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord our God, help us to love you with all our hearts and to love all men as you love them.
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 to us, O Lord our God, that we may venerate You with all our soul, and may love all men with rational good will.
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
Altáribus tuis, Dómine, múnera nostræ servitútis inférimus, quæ, placátus assúmens, sacraméntum nostræ redemptiónis effícias.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, be pleased with the gifts we bring to your altar, and make them the sacrament of our salvation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
We bring to Your altars, O Lord, the gifts of our servitude, which, receiving them acceptingly, You may You make them the Sacrament of our redemption.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Redemptiónis nostræ múnere vegitáti, quaésumus, Dómine, ut hoc perpétuæ salútis auxílio fides semper vera profíciat.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, you invigorate us with this help to our salvation. By this eucharist give the true faith continued growth throughout the world.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Having been nourished by this Gift of our redemption, we humbly beseech You, O Lord, that the true Faith may always increase by this Aid of our everlasting salvation.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Commemoration of Saint Ananias

2009-01-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

Saint Ananias Baptizing Saint Paul

Today, January 25th, is the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. However, related to that conversion is the Saint who is also commemorated today, Saint Ananias. [Not to be confused with the Ananias in the Acts of the Apostle who incurred God's wrath because of his lack of generosity before Saint Peter.

The Bible says this about Saint Ananias:

Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for a man of Tarsus named Saul; for behold he is praying, and he has seen a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon Your Name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine to carry My Name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of My Name." So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus Who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was Baptized, and took food and was strengthened.

- Acts 9: 10-19

The 2004 Roman Martyrology has this entry:

2004 Roman Martyrology
Commemorátio sancti Ananíæ, qui, discípulus Dómini, Damásci Paulum convérsum baptizávit.

Translation
The commemoration of Saint Ananias, who, a disciple of the Lord, Baptized the converted Paul at Damascus.

Part of the skull of Saint Ananias is preserved at, appropriately, Saint Paul's Outside the Walls. This last October I was able to get a better picture:

You can read the label [click the picture to "embiggen"] on Saint Ananias' skull in the middle which says:
"Caput S. Ananiae Discipuli Domini"
"The head of S. Ananias, Disciple of the Lord"

Sancti Paule et Anania, orate pro nobis.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul

2009-01-23T08:00:00.000-06:00

This year, since it is in the year of Saint Paul, the Church has given permission to celebrate the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul on Sunday, January 25th.

The famous painting by Caravaggio of "The Conversion on the Way to Damascus" in Santa Maria del Populo, in Rome
"Conversion on the Way to Damascus" by Caravaggio
Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui univérsum mundum beáti Pauli apóstoli prædicatióne docuísti, da nobis, quaésumus, ut, cuius conversiónem hódie celebrámus, per eius ad te exémpla gradiéntes, tuæ simus mundo testes veritátis.
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 taught the gospel to all the world through the preaching of Paul your apostle. May we who celebrate his conversion to the faith follow him in bearing witness to the truth.
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 Who have taught the whole world by the preaching of the blessed Apostle Paul, grant us, we beseech You, that, as we celebrate his conversion today, while advancing to You by his example, we may be witnesses of Your truth to the world.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

"Saint Paul Preaching in Athens" by Raphael
Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Illo nos, quaésumus, Dómine, divína tractántes, fídei lúmine Spíritus perfúndat, quo beátum Paulum apóstolum ad glóriæ tuæ propagatiónem iúgiter collustrávit.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, may your Spirit who helped Paul the apostle to preach your power and glory fill us with the light of faith as we celebrate this holy eucharist.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
While drawing us by this Divine Mystery, we beseech You, O Lord, may the Spirit pour forth by the light of faith, that with which he illuminated the blessed Apostle Paul for the continual spreading of Your glory.
Through Christ our Lord.

"Conversion of Saint Paul" by Rubens
Preface
Preface I of the Apostles - On the Apostles, Pastors of the People of God

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:
Qui gregem tuum, Pastor ætérne, non déseris, sed per beátos Apóstolos contínua protectióne custódis, ut iísdem rectóribus gubernétur, quos Fílii tui vicários eídem contulísti præésse pastóres.
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.
You are the eternal Shepherd who never leaves his flock untended. Through the apostles you watch over us and protect us always. You made them shepherds of the flock to share in the work of your Son, and from their place in heaven they guide us still.
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, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God:
You, O eternal Shepherd, Who do not forsake Your flock, but keep it in Your continual protection through the blessed Apostles, so that it may be governed by those rulers, whom as the vicars of Your Son You have given to be pastors over it.
And so, with all the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominions, with the whole army of heavenly hosts, we sing the hymn of Your glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

"The Conversion of Saint Paul" by Caravaggio
Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Sacraménta quæ súmpsimus, Dómine Deus noster, in nobis fóveant caritátis ardórem, quo beátus apóstolus Paulus veheménter accénsus, ómnium pértulit sollicitúdinem Ecclesiárum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord God, you filled Paul the Apostle with love for all the churches: may the sacrament we have received foster in us this love for your people.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O Lord our God, may the Sacraments Which we have consumed sustain in us the zeal of charity, by which the blessed Apostle Paul being ardently inflamed, bore concern for all the Church.
Through Christ our Lord.

Tomb of Saint Paul, under the main altar
at Saint Paul's Outside the Walls in Rome.
RS

Comparison of Prayers - 3rd Sunday Per Annum

2009-01-23T07:59:00.000-06:00

aka 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Although with it being the Pauline Year, and the Church has granted the permission to celebrate the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul this Sunday, I thought I'd post these since there might actually be parishes which don't celebrate Saint Paul in the Pauline Year.

"The Calling of the Apostles" by Domenico Ghirlandaio
Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, dírige actus nostros in beneplácito tuo, ut in nómine dilécti Fílii tui mereámur bonis opéribus abundáre.
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, direct your love that is within us, that our efforts in the name of your Son may bring mankind to unity and peace.
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, guide our acts in Your good Will, so that in the Name of Your beloved Son we may be made worthy to abound in good works.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Múnera nostra, Dómine, súscipe placátus, quæ sanctificándo nobis, quaésumus, salutaria fore concéde.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, receive our gifts. Let our offerings make us holy and bring us to salvation.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Having been appeased, O Lord, accept our gifts, which are about to be sanctified for us, and grant, we humbly beseech You, that they may become our means of salvation.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Præsta nobis, quaésumus, omnípotens Deus, ut, vivificatiónis tuæ grátiam consequéntes, in tuo semper múnere gloriémur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. God, all-powerful Father, may the new life you give us increase our love and keep us in the joy of your kingdom.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Grant to us, we humbly beseech You, Almighty God, that, obtaining Your life-giving grace, we may always glory in Your gift.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - 2nd Sunday Per Annum

2009-01-16T11:00:00.000-06:00

aka 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

"The Preaching of Saint John the Baptist" by Domenico Ghirlandaio
Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui cæléstia simul et terréna moderáris, supplicatiónes pópuli tui cleménter exáudi, et pacem tuam nostris concéde tempóribus.
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 heaven and earth, hear our prayers, and show us the way to peace in the world.
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 and eternal God, You Who at the same time govern the Heavens and the earth, lovingly give ear to the supplications of Your people, and grant Your peace in our temporal affairs.
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
Concéde nobis, quaésumus, Dómine, hæc digne frequentáre mystéria, quia, quóties huius hóstiæ commemorátio celebrátur, opus nostræ redemptiónis exercétur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Father, may we celebrate the eucharist with reverence and love, for when we proclaim the death of the Lord you continue the work of his redemption,
who is Lord for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Grant to us, we beseech You, O Lord, to frequent these Mysteries worthily, for, as often as the commemoration of this Sacrifice is celebrated, the work of our redemption is carried on.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface II of Sundays Per Annum - On the mystery of salvation

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, humánis miserátus erróribus, de Vírgine nasci dignátus est. Qui, crucem passus, a perpétua morte nos liberávit et, a mórtuis resúrgens, vitam nobis donávit ætérnam.
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.
Out of love for sinful man, he humbled himself to be born of the Virgin. By suffering on the cross he freed us from unending death, and by rising from the dead he gave us eternal 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, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God: through Christ our Lord.
Who, having taken pity on the mistakes of men, deigned to be born of the Virgin. Who, having suffered the Cross, freed us from everlasting death, and rising from the dead, gave us eternal life.
And so, with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominations, and with all the host 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. Spíritum nobis, Dómine, tuæ caritátis infúnde, ut, quos uno cælésti pane satiásti, una fácias pietáte concórdes.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, you have nourished us with bread from heaven. Fill us with your Spirit, and make us one in peace and love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O Lord, pour forth the Spirit of Your love upon us, so that, those whom You have nourished with the one Heavenly Bread, You may make united in the one Act of piety.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - Baptism of the Lord

2009-01-09T11:00:00.000-06:00

"The Baptism of Christ" by Juan Fernandez de Navarrete
Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui Christum, in Iordáne flúmine baptizátum, Spíritu Sancto super eum descendénte, diléctum Fílium tuum sollémniter declarásti, concéde fíliis adoptiónis tuæ, ex aqua et Spíritu Sancto renátis, ut in beneplácito tuo iúgiter persevérent.
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, eternal God, when the Spirit descended upon Jesus at his baptism in the Jordan, you revealed him as your own beloved Son. Keep us, your children born of water and the Spirit, faithful to our calling.
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, when the Holy Spirit descended upon Christ, having been baptized in the Jordan river, You solemnly declared Him Your Beloved Son, grant to Your adopted children, reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, that it may always please You to preserve them.
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 múnera, Dómine, in delécti Fílii tui revelatióne deláta, ut fidélium tuórum oblátio in eius sacrifícium tránseat, qui mundi vóluit peccáta miserátus ablúere.
Qui vivit et regnat in saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, we celebrate the revelation of Christ your Son who takes away the sins of the world. Accept our gifts and let them become one with his sacrifice,
for he is Lord for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Lord, receive the gifts brought for the revelation of Your beloved Son, so that the oblation of Your faithful may be transformed into His Sacrifice, Who having felt compassion desired to wash away the sins of the world.
Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

Preface
Preface of the Baptism 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:
Qui miris signásti mystériis novum in Iordáne lavácrum, ut, per vocem de cælo delápsam, habitáre Verbum tuum inter hómines crederétur;
et, per Spíritum in colúmbæ spécie descendéntem, Christus Servus tuus óleo perúngi lætítiæ ac mitti ad evangelizándum paupéribus noscerétur.
Et ídeo cum cælórum virtútibus in terris te iúgiter celebrámus, maiestáti 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.
You celebrated your new gift of baptism by signs and wonders at the Jordan. Your voice was heard from heaven to awaken faith in the presence among us of the Word made man.
Your spirit was seen as a dove, revealing Jesus as your servant, and anointing him with joy as the Christ, sent to bring the poor the good news of salvation.
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:
You designated the new waters of Baptism at the Jordan through marvelous Mysteries, so that, through Your voice coming down from Heaven, Your Word would be believed to dwell among men;
and through Your Spirit descending in the likeness of a dove, Christ Your Servant would be recognized to be anointed with the oil of gladness and sent to preach the Gospel to the poor.
And so, joined with the powers of Heaven, we on earth praise You, proclaiming Your Majesty without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Sacro múnere satiáti, cleméntiam tuam, Dómine, supplíciter exorámus, ut, Unigénitum tuum fidéliter audiéntes, fílii tui vere nominémur et simus.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, you feed us with bread from heaven. May we hear your Son with faith and become your children in name and in fact.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Having been filled with this sacred Gift, we humbly entreat Your kind Mercy, O Lord, so that, faithfully listening to Your Only-begotten Son, we may be called and truly be Your children.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ

2009-01-02T11:00:00.001-06:00

"Adoration of the Magi" by Peter Paul Rubens
Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui hodiérna die Unigénitum tuum géntibus stella duce revelásti, concéde propítius, ut qui iam te ex fide congóvimus, usque ad contemplándam spéciem tuæ celsitúdinis perducámur.
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 revealed your Son to the nations by the guidance of a star. Lead us to your glory in heaven by the light of faith.
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 a guiding star on this day revealed Your Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant, that we who have already come to know You through faith, may be brought to the contemplation of the beauty of Your Majesty.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, You Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

Announcement of Easter and Movable Feasts in the Year of Our Lord 2009
(This was also ditched in the current English Sacramentary)
Note: These dates are for our diocese in which Ascension Thursday is transferred to Sunday, and Corpus Christi is also moved to Sunday.

Official Latin from the 2002 Roman Missal
(Rubricus: In Epiphanía Dómini, cantáto Evangélio, diáconus vel cantor ex ambóne, e vetústo Ecclésiæ sanctæ institúto, pronúntiat festa mobília anni currentis iuxta hanc formulam:)
Novéritis, fratres caríssimi, quod annuénte Dei misericórdia, sicut Nativitáte Dómini nostri Iesu Christi gavísi sumus, ita et de Resurrectióne eiúsdem Salvatóris nostri gáudium vobis annuntiámus.
Die vigesima quinta februáriis dies Cínerum, et inítium ieiúnii sacratíssimæ Quadragésimæ.
Die duodecima aprilis sanctum Pascha Dómini nostri Iesu Christi cum gáudio celebrábitis.
Die vigesima quarta maii erit Ascénsio Dómini nostri Iesu Christi.
Die trigesima prima eiúsdem festum Pentecóstes.
Die decima quarta iunii festum sanctíssimi Córporis et Sánguinis Christi.
Die vigesima nona novémbris domínica prima Advéntus
Dómini nostri Iesu Christi, cui est honor et glória, in saécula sæculórum. Amen.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
n/a

My Own Literal Translation
(Rubric: On the Epiphany of the Lord, the Gospel having been chanted, the deacon or the cantor from the ambo, from the ancient custom of the holy Church, announces the movable feasts of the current year following this formula:)
Know, dearly beloved brethren, that, acknowledging that by the mercy of God, just as we have been rejoicing in the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, so also do we announce to you the joy of the Resurrection of our same Savior.
On the 25th day of February, Ash Wednesday begins the fast of the most holy Forty Days (Lent).
On the 12th day of March, you will celebrate with joy the holy Easter of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The 24th day of May will be the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
The 31st day of the same month will be the Feast of Pentecost.
The 14th day of June will be the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
The 29th day of November will be the First Sunday in the Advent of Our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be honor and glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Ecclésiæ tuæ, quaésumus, Dómine, dona propítius intuére, quibus non iam aurum, tus et myrrha profértur, sed quod eísdem munéribus declarátur, immolátur et súmitur, Iesus Christus.
Qui vivit et regnat in saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, accept the offerings of your Church, not gold, frankincense and myrrh, but the sacrifice and food they symbolize: Jesus Christ,
who is Lord for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Graciously look down, we beseech You, O Lord, upon the offerings of Your Church, by which gold, frankincense and myrrh are no longer offered, but He Who is manifested by these offerings, is sacrificed and received, Jesus Christ.
Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

Preface
Preface of Epiphany: Of Christ, the Light of the Gentiles

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:
Quia ipsum in Christo salútis nostræ mystérium hódie ad lumen géntium revelásti, et, cum in substántia nostræ mortalitátis appáruit, nova nos immortalitátis eius glória reparásti.
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.
Today you revealed in Christ your eternal plan of salvation and showed him as the light of all peoples. Now that his glory has shown among us you have renewed humanity in his immortal image.
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:
For, today You revealed the Mystery of our salvation Itself in Christ as the Light of the gentiles, and, when He appeared in the substance of our mortality, You restored us with the new glory of His Immortality.
And so, with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and the Dominations, and with all the host of the Heavenly army, we sing the hymn of Your Glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Change in the Roman Canon for Christmas Day (and during the Octave)

Official Latin from the 2002 Roman Missal
Communicántes, et diem sacratíssimum celebrántes, quo Unigénitus tuus, in tua tecum glória coætérnus, in veritáte carnis nostræ visibíliter corporális appáruit: sed et memóriam venerántes, in primis gloriósæ semper Vírginis Maríæ, Genetrícis eiúsdem Dei et Dómini nostri Iesu Christi: ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
In union with the whole Church we celebrate that day when your only Son, sharing your eternal glory, showed himself in a human body. We honor Mary, the ever-virgin mother of Jesus Christ our Lord and God. ...

My Own Literal Translation
In union, we celebrate that most holy day when Your only Son, co-eternal with You in Your glory, showed Himself visibly in a Body truly of our flesh: we also firstly, venerate Mary, the glorious ever-Virgin Mother of the same Jesus Christ our Lord and God: ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Cælésti lúmine, quaésumus, Dómine, semper et ubíque nos praéveni, ut mystérium, cuius nos partícipes esse voluísti, et puro cernámus intúitu, et digno percipiámus afféctu.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, guide us with your light. Help us to recognize Christ in this eucharist and welcome him with love,
for he is Lord for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. We beseech You, O Lord, always and everywhere to go before us with Your celestial light, that this Mystery, of Which You have willed us to be participants, we may discern by pure contemplation, and receive with fitting dispositions.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Translations of Prayers - Vigil of Epiphany

2009-01-02T10:00:00.000-06:00

"The Adoration of the Magi" by Peter Paul Rubens
Note: A Vigil Mass for the Epiphany was not available in the Pauline Use until it was re-introduced in the 2002 Missale Romanum, so there is no I.C.E.L. translation for comparison, thus you won't hear these prayers at a vigil Mass for Epiphany in English.

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 2002 Roman Missal
Orémus. Corda nostra, quaésumus, Dómine, tuæ maiestátis splendor illústret, quo mundi huius ténebras transíre valeámus, et perveniámus ad pátriam claritátis ætérnæ.
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)
n/a

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. May the splendor of Your majesty illumine our hearts, we beseech You, O Lord, which may make us prevail to pass through the darkness of this world, and come to the homeland of eternal light.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, You Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

Announcement of Easter and Movable Feasts in the Year of Our Lord 2009
(This was also ditched in the current English Sacramentary)
Note: This is for our diocese in which Ascension Thursday is transferred to Sunday, and Corpus Christi is also moved to Sunday.

Official Latin from the 2002 Roman Missal
(Rubricus: In Epiphanía Dómini, cantáto Evangélio, diáconus vel cantor ex ambóne, e vetústo Ecclésiæ sanctæ institúto, pronúntiat festa mobília anni currentis iuxta hanc formulam:)
Novéritis, fratres caríssimi, quod annuénte Dei misericórdia, sicut Nativitáte Dómini nostri Iesu Christi gavísi sumus, ita et de Resurrectióne eiúsdem Salvatóris nostri gáudium vobis annuntiámus.
Die vigesima quinta februáriis dies Cínerum, et inítium ieiúnii sacratíssimæ Quadragésimæ.
Die duodecima aprilis sanctum Pascha Dómini nostri Iesu Christi cum gáudio celebrábitis.
Die vigesima quarta maii erit Ascénsio Dómini nostri Iesu Christi.
Die trigesima prima eiúsdem festum Pentecóstes.
Die decima quarta iunii festum sanctíssimi Córporis et Sánguinis Christi.
Die vigesima nona novémbris domínica prima Advéntus
Dómini nostri Iesu Christi, cui est honor et glória, in saécula sæculórum. Amen.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
n/a

My Own Literal Translation
(Rubric: On the Epiphany of the Lord, the Gospel having been chanted, the deacon or the cantor from the ambo, from the ancient custom of the holy Church, announces the movable feasts of the current year following this formula:)
Know, dearly beloved brethren, that, acknowledging that by the mercy of God, just as we have been rejoicing in the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, so also do we announce to you the joy of the Resurrection of our same Savior.
On the 25th day of February, Ash Wednesday begins the fast of the most holy Forty Days (Lent).
On the 12th day of March, you will celebrate with joy the holy Easter of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The 24th day of May will be the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
The 31st day of the same month will be the Feast of Pentecost.
The 14th day of June will be the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
The 29th day of November will be the First Sunday in the Advent of Our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be honor and glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 2002 Roman Missal
Súscipe, quaésumus, Dómine, múnera nostra pro apparitióne Unigéniti Fílii tui et primítiis géntium dicáta, ut et tibi celebrétur laudátio et nobis fiat ætérna salvátio.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
n/a

My Own Literal Translation
Accept, we beseech You, O Lord, our gifts for the manifestation of Your Only-begotten Son and consecrate the first-fruits of the Gentiles, that both praise may be given to You and eternal salvation may be given to us.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface of Epiphany: Of Christ, the Light of the Gentiles

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:
Quia ipsum in Christo salútis nostræ mystérium hódie ad lumen géntium revelásti, et, cum in substántia nostræ mortalitátis appáruit, nova nos immortalitátis eius glória reparásti.
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.
Today you revealed in Christ your eternal plan of salvation and showed him as the light of all peoples. Now that his glory has shown among us you have renewed humanity in his immortal image.
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:
For, today You revealed the Mystery of our salvation Itself in Christ as the Light of the gentiles, and, when He appeared in the substance of our mortality, You restored us with the new glory of His Immortality.
And so, with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and the Dominations, and with all the host of the Heavenly army, we sing the hymn of Your Glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Change in the Roman Canon for Christmas Day (and during the Octave)

Official Latin from the 2002 Roman Missal
Communicántes, et diem sacratíssimum celebrántes, quo Unigénitus tuus, in tua tecum glória coætérnus, in veritáte carnis nostræ visibíliter corporális appáruit: sed et memóriam venerántes, in primis gloriósæ semper Vírginis Maríæ, Genetrícis eiúsdem Dei et Dómini nostri Iesu Christi: ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
In union with the whole Church we celebrate that day when your only Son, sharing your eternal glory, showed himself in a human body. We honor Mary, the ever-virgin mother of Jesus Christ our Lord and God. ...

My Own Literal Translation
In union, we celebrate that most holy day when Your only Son, co-eternal with You in Your glory, showed Himself visibly in a Body truly of our flesh: we also firstly, venerate Mary, the glorious ever-Virgin Mother of the same Jesus Christ our Lord and God: ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 2002 Roman Missal
Orémus. Sacra alimónia renováti, tuam, Dómine, misericórdiam deprecámur, ut semper in méntibus nostris tuæ appáreat stella iustítiæ et noster in tua sit confessióne thesáurus.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
n/a

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Having been renewed by this sacred food, we humbly beseech Your mercy, O Lord, that Your star of justice may always appear in our hearts and our treasure may be in our profession of faith in You.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

2008-12-31T08:00:00.000-06:00

"Regina Angelorum" by William Bouguereau
Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui salútis ætérnæ, beátæ Maríæ virginitáte fecúnda, humáno géneri praémia præstitísti, † tríbue, quaésumus, ut ipsam pro nobis intercédere sentiámus, per quam merúimus Fílium tuum auctórem vitæ suscípere.
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)
et us pray. God our Father, may we always profit by the prayers of the Virgin Mother Mary, for you bring us life and salvation through Jesus Christ her 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, by the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary, You have brought forth to mankind the reward of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech You, that we may perceive her intercession for us, through whom we merited to receive the Author of Life, 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
Deus, qui bona cuncta ínchoas benígnus et pérficis, da nobis, de sollemnitáte sanctæ Dei Genetrícis lætántibus, sicut de inítiis tuæ grátiæ gloriámur ita de perfectióne gaudére.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
God our Father, we celebrate at this season the beginning of our salvation. On this feast of Mary, the Mother of God, we ask that our salvation will be brought to its fulfillment.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
O God, You Who kindly begin all good things and bring them to completion, grant to us, rejoicing because of this Solemnity of the Holy Mother of God, that just as we glory in the beginning of Your grace we also rejoice in its perfection.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of the B.V.M. - on the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin 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:
Et te in Maternitáte beátæ Maríæ semper Vírginis collaudáre, benedícere et prædicáre. Quæ et Unigénitum tuum Sancti Spíritus obumbratióne concépit, et, virginitátis glória permanénte, lumen ætérnum mundo effúndit, Iesum Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Per quem maiestátem tuam laudant Angeli, adórant Dominatiónes, tremunt Potestátes. Cæli cælorúmque Virtútes, ac beáta Séraphim, sócia exsultatióne concélebrant. Cum quibus et nostras voces ut admítti iúbeas, deprecámur, súpplici confessióne 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 as we celebrate the motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, she became the virgin mother of your only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who is for ever the light of the world.
Through him the choirs of angles and all the powers of heaven praise and worship your glory.
May our voices blend with theirs as we join in their unending hymn:
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:
And that we should praise, bless, and extol You for the Motherhood of Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin. Who both conceived Your Only-begotten Son by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, and, preserving the glory of her Virginity, brought forth to the world the Eternal Light, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Through Whom the Angels praise, the Dominations adore, and the Angelic Powers tremble at Your Majesty. The Hosts of the Heavens and the blessed Seraphim celebrate in united exultation. And we beg You that You may be pleased to unite our voices with theirs, in humble confession saying:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Change in the Roman Canon for Christmas Day (and during the Octave)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Communicántes, et diem sacratíssimum quo beátæ Maríæ intemeráta virgínitas huic mundo édidit Salvatórem: sed et memóriam venerántes, in primis eiúsdem gloriósæ semper Vírginis Maríæ, Genetrícis eiúsdem Dei et Dómini nostri Iesu Christi: ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
In union with the whole Church we celebrate that day when Mary without loss of her virginity gave the world its savior. We honor Mary, the ever-virgin mother of Jesus Christ our Lord and God ...

My Own Literal Translation
In union, we celebrate that most holy day, on which the blessed Mary without loss of her virginity, brought forth the Savior of the world, and reverently remembering, in the first place, the same glorious, ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ: ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Súmpsimus, Dómine læti sacraménta cæléstia: † præsta quaésumus, ut ad vitam nobis profíciant sempitérnam, qui beátam semper Vírginem Maríam Fílii tui Genetrícem et Ecclésiæ Matrem profitéri gloriámur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, we proclaim the Virgin Mary to be the mother of Christ and the mother of the Church, may our communion with her Son bring us to salvation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O Lord, having received this Heavenly Sacrament of joy: grant we beseech You, that It may assist us unto life everlasting, whereby we glory to proclaim the Blessed ever-Virgin Mary, the Mother of Your Son and Mother of the Church.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

3, 2, 1 ... 1 ... Happy New Year

2008-12-31T07:59:00.000-06:00

Can't wait another second for 2009 to get here? Well, you'll have to. Yes, add an extra 1 to your countdown this year. The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service is adding an extra second to the year due to the Earth's revolution around the Sun not being exactly a year. It's the organization that monitors the difference in the two timescales and calls for leap seconds to be inserted or removed when necessary.

Basically it's like a leap second.

Full article here:

This year will be just a second longer
'Leap second' is tacked on to clocks every so often to keep them correct

RS

Saint Thomas Becket

2008-12-29T14:51:00.002-06:00

In honor of the feast of Saint Thomas Becket, I thought I'd post the powerful excommunication scene from the movie "Becket"

RS

What was the pope saying?

2008-12-29T12:05:00.006-06:00

A friend of mine noticed that at a papal Mass the pope ends the Mass differently (than just the "The Lord be with you," "and also with you." "May almighty God bless you ...") and asked me what he was saying.

I'm not sure exactly what Mass she saw, so I'm not sure if there was anything different at that Mass. However, bishops have a slightly different ending "part."

Usually it goes like this:

Bishop: Dominus vobiscum (The Lord be with you)
People: Et cum spiritu tuo (and with your spirit)
Bishop: Sit nomen Domini benedictum (May the Name of the Lord be blessed)
People: Ex hoc nunc et usque in saculum (both now and forever)
Bishop: Adiutorium nostrum in nomine Domini (Our help is in the Name of the Lord)
People: Qui fecit caelum et terram (Who made Heaven and earth)
Bishop: Benedicat vos omnipotens Deus, Pater, et Filius, et Spiritus Sanctus. (May Almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit).
People: Amen.

* I believe that abbots may have the same priviledge to use this formula too.

RS

Tomb of Saint Stephen and Saint Lawrence

2008-12-27T09:23:00.004-06:00

I know I'm a day late, but I did want to post these.

My last trip to Rome, I finally made it out to the Basilica of Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls. Father Benedict's uncle is a Deacon and he was at the ordination. So, since I wanted to go to Saint Lawrence, I was able to take the Deacon there with me. After trying to walk the distance from Termini, the main train station in Rome, and then getting lost, and then coming upon some big student protest, we decided to take a taxi the rest of the way.

We finally made it to the church.

Both Saint Stephen and Saint Lawrence are buried here.

Their tomb is under the main altar in the confessio.

If you go behind the altar and tabernacle in the confessio you can see their tomb.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - Feast of the Holy Family

2008-12-26T15:11:00.000-06:00

"The Holy Family" by Sisto Badaloccio
Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui præclára nobis sanctæ Famíliæ dignátus es exémpla præbére, concéde propítius, ut, domésticis virtútibus caritatísque vínculis illam sectántes, in lætítia domus tuæ praémiis fruámur ætérnis.
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 live as the holy family, united in respect and love. Bring us to the joy and peace of your eternal home.
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 O God, You Who willed to hold up for us the noble example of the Holy Family, graciously grant, that, following them in the domestic virtues and bonds of charity, we may delight in the eternal rewards of Your house in joy.
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
Hóstiam tibi placatiónis offérimus, Dómine, supplíciter deprecántes, ut, Deíparæ Vírginis beatíque Ioseph interveniénte suffrágio, famílias nostras in tua grátia fírmiter et pace constítuas.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, accept this sacrifice and through the prayers of Mary, the virgin Mother of God, and of her husband, Joseph, unite our families in peace and love.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
We offer to You this pleasing Victim, O Lord, humbly begging, that, by the intercessory support of the God-bearing Virgin and Blessed Joseph, You might establish our families firmly in Your grace and peace.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of the Nativity of the Lord: Of Christ the Light

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 per incarnáti Verbi mystérium nova mentis nostræ óculis lux tuæ claritátis infúlsit: ut, dum visibíliter Deum cognóscimus, per hunc in invisibílium amórem rapiámur.
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.
In the wonder of the incarnation your eternal Word has brought to the eyes of faith a new and radiant vision of your glory. In him we see our God made visible and so are caught up in love of the God we cannot see.
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, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God:
Because through the Mystery of the Incarnation of the Word the new light of Your glory shined upon the eyes of our souls: so that, while we know God visibly, through Him we may be drawn to a love of things invisible.
And so, with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and the Dominations, and with all the hosts of the Heavenly army, we sing the hymn to Your Glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Change in the Roman Canon for Christmas Day (and during the Octave)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Communicántes, et diem sacratíssimum quo beátæ Maríæ intemeráta virgínitas huic mundo édidit Salvatórem: sed et memóriam venerántes, in primis eiúsdem gloriósæ semper Vírginis Maríæ, Genetrícis eiúsdem Dei et Dómini nostri Iesu Christi: ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
In union with the whole Church we celebrate that day when Mary without loss of her virginity gave the world its savior. We honor Mary, the ever-virgin mother of Jesus Christ our Lord and God ...

My Own Literal Translation
In union, we celebrate that most holy day, on which the blessed Mary without loss of her virginity, brought forth the Savior of the world, and reverently remembering, in the first place, the same glorious, ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ: ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Quos cæléstibus réficis sacraméntis, fac, clementíssime Pater, sanctæ Famíliæ exémpla iúgiter imitári, ut, post ærúmnas saéculi, eius consórtium consequámur ætérnum.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Eternal Father, we want to live as Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, in peace with you and one another. May this communion strengthen us to face the troubles of life.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O most loving Father, make us, whom You refresh with these Heavenly Sacraments, to imitate the example of the Holy Family, so that, after the hardships of this world, we may attain His eternal fellowship.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Christmas Mass translation roundup

2008-12-24T10:21:00.002-06:00

Comparison of Prayers - Christmas Vigil

Comparison of Prayers - Christmas Midnight Mass

Sorry, our parish doesn't have a Mass at dawn, so I haven't done those translations.

Comparison of Prayers - Christmas Mass During the Day

Merry Christmas!

RS

Comparison of Prayers - Christmas Mass During the Day

2008-12-24T10:19:00.003-06:00

"The Nativity" by Jean-Baptiste-Marie Pierre
Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui humánæ substántiæ dignitátem et mirabíliter condidísti, et mirabílius reformásti, † da, quaésumus, nobis eius divinitátis esse consórtes, qui humanitátis nostræ fíeri dignátus est párticeps.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord God, we praise you for creating man, and still more for restoring him in Christ. Your Son shared our weakness: may we share his glory,
for he 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 both wonderfully created the dignity of man’s substance and more wonderfully restored it, grant, to us, we beseech You, to be sharers in His Divinity, Who deemed it worthy to be made a partaker of our humanity.
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
Oblátio tibi sit, Dómine, hodiérnæ sollemnitátis accépta, qua et nostræ reconciliatiónis procéssit perfécta placátio, et divíni cultus nobis est índita plenitúdo.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Almighty God, the saving work of Christ made our peace with you. May our offering today renew that peace within us and give you perfect praise.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
May the Offering of today’s Solemnity be acceptable to You, O Lord, Which is both the perfect placation to advance our reconciliation, and having been given to us is the fullness of the divine worship.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of the Nativity of the Lord: Of Christ the Light

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 per incarnáti Verbi mystérium nova mentis nostræ óculis lux tuæ claritátis infúlsit: ut, dum visibíliter Deum cognóscimus, per hunc in invisibílium amórem rapiámur.
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.
In the wonder of the incarnation your eternal Word has brought to the eyes of faith a new and radiant vision of your glory. In him we see our God made visible and so are caught up in love of the God we cannot see.
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, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God:
Because through the Mystery of the Incarnation of the Word the new light of Your glory shined upon the eyes of our souls: so that, while we know God visibly, through Him we may be drawn to a love of things invisible.
And so, with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and the Dominations, and with all the hosts of the Heavenly army, we sing the hymn to Your Glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Change in the Roman Canon for Christmas Day (and during the Octave)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Communicántes, et diem sacratíssimum quo beátæ Maríæ intemeráta virgínitas huic mundo édidit Salvatórem: sed et memóriam venerántes, in primis eiúsdem gloriósæ semper Vírginis Maríæ, Genetrícis eiúsdem Dei et Dómini nostri Iesu Christi: ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
In union with the whole Church we celebrate that day when Mary without loss of her virginity gave the world its savior. We honor Mary, the ever-virgin mother of Jesus Christ our Lord and God ...

My Own Literal Translation
In union, we celebrate that most holy day, on which the blessed Mary without loss of her virginity, brought forth the Savior of the world, and reverently remembering, in the first place, the same glorious, ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ: ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Præsta, miséricors Deus, ut natus hódie Salvátor mundi, † sicut divínæ nobis generatiónis est auctor, ita et immortalitátis sit ipse largítor.
Qui vivit et regnat in saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, the child born today is the Savior of the world. He made us your children. May he welcome us into your kingdom
where he lives and reigns with you for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Grant, O Merciful God, that the Savior of the world having been born today, as He is the Author of divine generation for us, may He also be the Bestower of immortality.
He Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - Christmas Midnight Mass

2008-12-24T10:17:00.000-06:00

"The Nativity" by Jacob de Backer
Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui hanc sacratíssimam noctem veri lúminis fecísti illustratióne claréscere, † da, quaésumus, ut cuius in terra mystéria lucis agnóvimus, eius quoque gáudiis perfruámur in cælo.
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 make this holy night radiant with the splendor of Jesus Christ our light. We welcome him as Lord, the true light of the world. Bring us to eternal joy in the kingdom of heaven,
where he 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 made this most holy night to make clear the manifestation of Your True Light, grant, we beseech You, that as we have known the Mystery of His Light on earth, we may also fully enjoy His joys in Heaven.
He Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Grata tibi sit, Dómine, quaésumus, hodiérnæ festivitátis oblátio, ut, per hæc sacrosáncta commércia, in illíus inveniámur forma, in quo tecum est nostra substántia.
Qui vivit et regnat in saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, accept our gifts on this joyful feast of our salvation. By our communion with God made man, may we become more like him who joins our lives to yours,
for he lives for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
May the offering of today’s Feast be pleasing to You, O Lord, that, through this sanctifying Exchange, we may be found conformed to Him, in Whom our substance is united with You.
He Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

Preface
Preface I of the Nativity of the Lord: Of Christ the Light

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 per incarnáti Verbi mystérium nova mentis nostræ óculis lux tuæ claritátis infúlsit: ut, dum visibíliter Deum cognóscimus, per hunc in invisibílium amórem rapiámur.
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.
In the wonder of the incarnation your eternal Word has brought to the eyes of faith a new and radiant vision of your glory. In him we see our God made visible and so are caught up in love of the God we cannot see.
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, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God:
Because through the Mystery of the Incarnation of the Word the new light of Your glory shined upon the eyes of our souls: so that, while we know God visibly, through Him we may be drawn to a love of things invisible.
And so, with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and the Dominations, and with all the hosts of the Heavenly army, we sing the hymn to Your Glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Change in the Roman Canon for Christmas Eve

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Communicántes, et noctem sacratíssimam qua beátæ Maríæ intemeráta virgínitas huic mundo édidit Salvatórem: sed et memóriam venerántes, in primis eiúsdem gloriósæ semper Vírginis Maríæ, Genetrícis eiúsdem Dei et Dómini nostri Iesu Christi: ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
In union with the whole Church we celebrate that night when Mary without loss of her virginity gave the world its savior. We honor Mary, the ever-virgin mother of Jesus Christ our Lord and God ...

My Own Literal Translation
In union, we celebrate that most holy night, on which the blessed Mary without loss of her virginity, brought forth the Savior of the world, and reverently remembering, in the first place, the same glorious, ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ: ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Da nobis, quaésumus, Dómine Deus noster, † ut, qui Nativitátem Redemptóris nostri frequentáre gaudémus, dignis conversatiónibus ad eius mereámur perveníre consórtium.
Qui vivit et regnat in saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. God our Father, we rejoice in the birth of our Savior. May we share his life completely by living as he taught.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Grant to us, we beseech You, O Lord our God, that, we, who rejoice to observe the Birth of our Redeemer, may merit by a worthy way of life, to come to fellowship with Him.
Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - Christmas Vigil

2008-12-23T08:00:00.001-06:00

"Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Judah" by Michelangelo

"Perez, Hezron, and Ram" by Michelangelo

I'm using these pictures again this year because it's hard to find a picture appropriate for this Gospel.
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham begot Isaac. And Isaac begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Judas and his brethren. And Judas begot Phares and Zara of Thamar. And Phares begot Esron. And Esron begot Aram. And Aram begot Aminadab. And Aminadab begot Naasson. And Naasson begot Salmon. And Salmon begot Booz of Rahab. And Booz begot Obed of Ruth. And Obed begot Jesse. And Jesse begot David the king. And David the king begot Solomon, of her that had been the wife of Urias. And Solomon begot Roboam. And Roboam begot Abia. And Abia begot Asa. And Asa begot Josaphat. And Josaphat begot Joram. And Joram begot Ozias. And Ozias begot Joatham. And Joatham begot Achaz. And Achaz begot Ezechias. And Ezechias begot Manasses. And Manesses begot Amon. And Amon begot Josias. And Josias begot Jechonias and his brethren in the transmigration of Babylon. And after the transmigration of Babylon, Jechonias begot Salathiel. And Salathiel begot Zorobabel. And Zorobabel begot Abiud. And Abiud begot Eliacim. And Eliacim begot Azor. And Azor begot Sadoc. And Sadoc begot Achim. And Achim begot Eliud. And Eliud begot Eleazar. And Eleazar begot Mathan. And Mathan begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. So all the generations, from Abraham to David, are fourteen generations. And from David to the transmigration of Babylon, are fourteen generations: and from the transmigration of Babylon to Christ are fourteen generations. Now the generation of Christ was in this wise. When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child, of the Holy Ghost. Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things, behold the angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Jesus. For he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: Behold a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. And Joseph rising up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took unto him his wife. And he knew her not till she brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.
- from Douay Rheims Bible Online

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui nos redemptiónis nostræ ánnua exspectatióne lætíficas, præsta, ut Unigénitum tuum, quem læti suscípimus Redemptórem, veniéntem quoque Iúdicem secúri vidére mereámur Dóminum nostrum, Iesum Christum.
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, every year we rejoice as we look forward to this feast of our salvation. May we welcome Christ as our Redeemer, and meet him with confidence when he comes to be our judge,
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 gladden us with the annual expectation of our redemption, grant, that we, who now joyfully receive Your Only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, may also without fear be made worthy to see Him coming as our Judge, our Lord Jesus Christ.
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
Tanto nos, Dómine, quaésumus, promptióre servítio hæc præcúrre concéde sollémnia, quanto in his constáre princípium nostræ redemptiónis osténdis.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, as we keep tonight the vigil of Christmas, may we celebrate this eucharist with greater joy than ever since it marks the beginning of our redemption.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Grant us, we beseech You, O Lord, to anticipate this solemnity by so great a more willing servitude, as you manifest Yourself on this solemnity to establish the beginning of our redemption.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of the Nativity of the Lord: Of Christ the Light

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 per incarnáti Verbi mystérium nova mentis nostræ óculis lux tuæ claritátis infúlsit: ut, dum visibíliter Deum cognóscimus, per hunc in invisibílium amórem rapiámur.
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.
In the wonder of the incarnation your eternal Word has brought to the eyes of faith a new and radiant vision of your glory. In him we see our God made visible and so are caught up in love of the God we cannot see.
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, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God:
Because through the Mystery of the Incarnation of the Word the new light of Your glory shined upon the eyes of our souls: so that, while we know God visibly, through Him we may be drawn to a love of things invisible.
And so, with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and the Dominations, and with all the hosts of the Heavenly army, we sing the hymn to Your Glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Change in the Roman Canon for Christmas Eve

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Communicántes, et noctem sacratíssimam qua beátæ Maríæ intemeráta virgínitas huic mundo édidit Salvatórem: sed et memóriam venerántes, in primis eiúsdem gloriósæ semper Vírginis Maríæ, Genetrícis eiúsdem Dei et Dómini nostri Iesu Christi: ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
In union with the whole Church we celebrate that night when Mary without loss of her virginity gave the world its savior. We honor Mary, the ever-virgin mother of Jesus Christ our Lord and God ...

My Own Literal Translation
In union, we celebrate that most holy night, on which the blessed Mary without loss of her virginity, brought forth the Savior of the world, and reverently remembering, in the first place, the same glorious, ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ: ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Da nobis, quaésumus, Dómine, Unigéniti Fílii tui recensíta nativitáte vegetári, cuius cælésti mystério páscimur et potámur.
Qui vivit et regnat in saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, we ask you to give us a new birth as we celebrate the beginning of your Son’s life on earth. Strengthen us in spirit as we take your food and drink.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Grant us, we beseech You, O Lord, to be animated by the celebration of the birth of Your Only-begotten Son, by Whose heavenly Mystery we are fed and given drink.
He Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

RS

Fratres, sobrii estote et vigilate

2008-12-21T00:01:00.001-06:00

"Quaerens Quem Devoret" by Jean Leon Gerome
"Fratres: Sóbrii estóte, et vigiláte: quia adversárius vester diábolus, tamquam leo rúgiens círcuit, quaerens quem dévoret: cui resístite fortes in fide." - I Peter 5: 8-9

I often repeat this verse to myself in a time like this. I don't know what is going on, but the devil seems to really be active of late. It seems like all sorts of you-know-what is hitting the fan in things going on around me. So, the above verse helps me to keep things in perspective and to not let my guard down.

I guess the devil is really getting wound up before this Christmas. In this case the old saying of "it's always darkest before the light" is spiritually true too. So, stay vigilant, friends.

(Brethren, stay sober and alert, your adversary the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour, resist him being strong in your faith.) - I Peter 5: 8-9

RS

Comparison of Prayers - 4th Sunday of Advent

2008-12-19T10:00:00.002-06:00

"The Annunciation" by Caravaggio
"And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever. And of his kingdom there shall be no end. And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man? And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she also hath conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her that is called barren: Because no word shall be impossible with God. And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her."
- from: Douay-Rheims Bible Online

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Grátiam tuam, quaésumus, Dómine, méntibus nostri infúnde, ut qui, Angelo nuntiánte, Christi Fílii tui incarnatiónem cognóvimus, per passiónem eius et crucem ad resurrectiónis glóriam perducámur.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, fill our hearts with your love, and as you revealed to us by an angel the coming of your Son as man, so lead us through his suffering and death to the glory of his resurrection,
for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech You, O Lord, Your grace into our hearts, so that we, who learned of the Incarnation of Christ Your Son, by means of the Angel’s announcing, may by His Passion and Cross be led to the glory of the Resurrection.
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
Altári tuo, Dómine, superpósita múnera Spíritus ille sanctíficet, qui beátæ Maríæ víscera sua virtúte replévit.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, may the power of the Spirit, which sanctified Mary the mother of your Son, make holy the gifts we have placed upon this altar.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
O Lord, may that Spirit, Who filled the womb of blessed Mary with His power, sanctify these gifts placed upon Your altar.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface II of Advent: On the twofold expectation of Christ

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.
Quem prædixérunt cunctórum præcónia prophetárum, Virgo Mater ineffábili dilectióne sustínuit, Ioánnes cécinit affutúrum et adésse monstrávit. Qui suæ nativitátis mystérium tríbuit nos præveníre gaudéntes, ut et in oratióne pervígiles et in suis invéniat láudibus exsultántes.
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.
His future coming was proclaimed by all the prophets. The virgin mother bore him in her womb with love beyond all telling. John the Baptist was his herald and made him known when at last he came. In his love Christ has filled us with joy as we prepare to celebrate his birth, so that when he comes he may find us watching in prayer, our hearts filled with wonder and praise.
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, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God: through Christ our Lord.
Whom the proclamations of all the Prophets foretold, the Virgin Mother bore Him with ineffable love, John prophesied His coming and pointed Him out when He came. He Who has granted us to joyfully anticipate the Mystery of His birth, so that He may find us both vigilant in prayer and exulting in His praise.
And so, with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominations, and with all the host 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. Sumpto pígnore redemptiónis ætérnæ, quaésumus, omnípotens Deus, ut quanto magis dies salutíferæ festivitátis accédit, tanto devótius proficiámus ad Fílii tui digne nativitátis mystérium celebrándum.
Qui vivit et regnat in saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, in this sacrament we receive the promise of salvation; as Christmas draws near make us grow in faith and love to celebrate the coming of Christ our Savior,
who is Lord for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Having obtained this Pledge of eternal redemption, we beseech You, Almighty God, that as the day of the saving feast day approaches, we may so much more devoutly make progress in worthily celebrating the Mystery of the birth of Your Son.
Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

RS

The Reality of Santa Claus

2008-12-18T15:51:00.006-06:00

Did you know that Santa Claus is a physicist? Well, a scientist at North Carolina State University has shown the science behind the seemingly impossible task of Santa delivering presents to all the children of the world in one night.

Santa does it with advanced technology such as:

- exploiting relativity (for 1 night delivery)

- nanotechnology (for actually "growing" the presents)

- genetic engineering (flying reindeer)

- high level communications antenna (knowing who's naughty or nice)

Article here:

Technology helps Santa make magic, scientist says.

And very low res interview broken up into 4 parts (quicktime format):

1) What is Dr. Silverberg's theory on Santa?

2) How does Santa get around the world in one night?

3) Time moves differently for Santa

4) Other researchers have come to different answers than you

RS

Favorite Christmas Song

2008-12-16T08:55:00.003-06:00

Time for some levity.

A classic. It pretty much sums up all the things I hate about the commercialization and secularization of Christmas.

The Twelve Pains of Christmas by Bob Rivers. Well done homemade video too.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - 3rd Sunday of Advent

2008-12-13T08:00:00.000-06:00

Gaudete Sunday

"John the Baptist" by Titian
“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to give testimony of the Light, that all men might believe through him. He was not the Light, but was to give testimony of the Light. And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent from Jerusalem priests and Levites to him, to ask him: 'Who art thou?' And he confessed, and did not deny: and he confessed: 'I am not the Christ.' And they asked him: 'What then? Art thou Elias?' And he said: 'I am not.' 'Art thou the prophet?' And he answered: 'No.' They said therefore unto him: 'Who art thou, that we may give an answer to them that sent us? What sayest thou of thyself?' He said: 'I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Isaias.' And they that were sent, were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said to him: 'Why then dost thou baptize, if thou be not Christ, nor Elias, nor the prophet?' John answered them, saying: 'I baptize with water; but there hath stood One in the midst of you, Whom you know not. The same is He that shall come after me, Who is preferred before me: the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to loose.' These things were done in Bethania, beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.”

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui cónspicis pópulum tuum nativitátis domínicæ festivitátem fidéliter exspectáre, præsta, quaésumus, ut valeámus ad tantæ salútis gáudia perveníre, et ea votis sollémnibus álacri semper lætítia celebráre.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord God, may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ experience the joy of salvation and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving.
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 Who look attentively upon Your people faithfully awaiting the feast day of the birth of the Lord, grant, we beseech You, that we may be worthy to attain to the joys of so great a salvation, and to celebrate them always with eager joy through these solemn offerings.
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
Devotiónis nostræ tibi, Dómine, quaésumus, hóstia iúgiter immolétur, quæ et sacri péragat institúta mystérii et salutáre tuum nobis poténter operétur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, may the gift we offer in faith and love be a continual sacrifice in your honor and truly become our eucharist and our salvation.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
May this Sacrifice of our devotion, we beseech You, O Lord, be continually offered to You, that It may both accomplish the purpose of this Sacred Mystery and powerfully work in us Your salvation.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of Advent: On the two comings of Christ

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, primo advéntu in humilitáte carnis assúmptæ, dispositiónis antíquæ munus implévit, nobísque salútis perpétuæ trámitem reserávit: ut, cum secúndo vénerit in suæ glória maiestátis, manifésto demum múnere capiámus, quod vigilántes nunc audémus expectáre promíssum.
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.
When he humbled himself to come among us as a man, he fulfilled the plan you formed long ago and opened for us the way to salvation. Now we watch for the day, hoping that the salvation promised us will be ours when Christ our Lord will come again in his glory.
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, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God: through Christ our Lord.
Who, in His first coming in the lowliness of assumed flesh, fulfilled the work of Your ancient arrangement, and opened to us the path to eternal salvation: so that, when He will come again in the Glory of His Majesty, we may then indeed openly take hold of that gift, a promise which we now dare to await with vigilance.
And so, with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominations, and with all the host 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. Tuam, Dómine, cleméntiam
implorámus, ut hæc divína subsídia, a vítiis expiátos, ad festa ventúra nos praéparent.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. God of mercy, may this eucharist bring us your divine help, free us from our sins, and prepare us for the birthday of our Savior,
who is Lord for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. We beg of Your merciful love, O Lord, that this Divine Assistance, by atoning for our offenses, may prepare us for the coming Feast day.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Church issues bioethical document.

2008-12-12T07:59:00.007-06:00

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has issued a bioethical document addressing many of the current problems and trends in our present times.

It addresses things like:

- Embryonic and adult stem cell research

- Contraception, especially oral contraceptives

- Receiving vaccines which were derived from aborted fetuses

- In vitro fertilization and test tube babies.

- Frozen embryos.

- Gene therapy

- Human cloning

The document can be found here:

Dignitatis Personae (The Dignity of a Person) at the USCCB website. (document in pdf format)

A VERY important document for our times. President-elect Obama needs to read this if he's as open minded as he says he is.

It's also Providential to find the document on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who is the patroness of the unborn and who helped convert a nation which practiced human sacrifice. Maybe this document can be a help in converting our own nation of the Untied States from it's human sacrifice of abortion and euthanasia.

Our Lady of Guadlupe, ora pro nobis!

RS

Pope Saint Damasus I

2008-12-11T08:16:00.006-06:00

Today is the feast of Pope Saint Damasus I. Although he is not very well known, he did have great influence upon the Church. He was the one who commissioned Saint Jerome to translate the Bible which resulted in the Vulgate translation of the Bible. He also decreed the canon of the New Testament, ie what books officially make up the New Testament.

He is buried in Rome in the church of San Lorenzo in Damaso. I was able to visit him my last time in Rome. It is not an easy place to find. I walked past it once before I found it. The outside isn't really that "churchy". The name of the church comes from the fact that it is believed that the pope himself founded this church on his own home and dedicated it to Saint Lawrence.

However, the inside is simple (well for a church in Rome), but beautiful. It's also nice and quiet.

He is buried under the altar here.

And when I got there, I noticed there is another Saint buried there as well.

Saint Eutychius, Martyr. Unfortunately, I can't really find any information about him. I think he is the Saint Eutychius whose feast is on February 4th.

Pope Saint Damasus I and Saint Eutychius, orate pro nobis.

RS

Our Lady of Loreto

2008-12-10T10:25:00.011-06:00

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Loreto.

Loreto is a town in upper-mideast Italy which has the Holy House where the Angel Gabriel visited Mary on the Annunciation. Obviously, the house was originally in Nazareth. Legend says that the House was carried by Angels one night, and brought to Loreto. Although embellished, it is based on historical fact. Back during the Crusades, many Western Christians were bringing back relics from the Holy Land to rescue them from the Muslims. Sometimes for pious reasons and sometimes for more worldly reasons.

Anyway, the Angeli family (brought by "Angels") helped to bring the Holy House to Italy in Loreto and a basilica was built around it.

I was very blessed to be able to go there on my last trip to Italy back this October.

If you go there today, you have to go up on top of the large hill where the city is. At the top you'll come to a large fortress structure.

Then going through the gate, you'll see the basilica.

Then in the middle of the basilica is the Holy House. You can't see the outside of the house because it is covered in marble with reliefs.

I wasn't able to get a picture of the inside since they were strict about pictures and there were A LOT of people praying in there, so I didn't want to disturb them. So here's a picture I pulled off the web.

Fr. Benedict was able to say his 2nd Mass here in Latin, which I was blessed to serve. It really struck me when we processed in, as right behind the altar in gold letters you see:

"HIC VERBUM CARO FACTUM EST"
("HERE THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH")
And to think that Father Benedict was about to bring that about again at the Consecration as he said the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It was a very profound experience.

There's also a custom in the mountain towns which I find rather humorous. In Norcia, and I believe other mountain towns in Italy, on the Feast of Our Lady of Loreto, they build these huge bonfires in the piazzas of the town.

Bonfire in the Piazza di San Lorenzo in Norcia on the Feast of Our Lady of Loreto, 2001
This commemorates the legend of when the Angels carried the Holy House through the night to Loreto, and the Italians will light bonfires in the mountian towns to "guide" the Angels to Loreto so they don't bump into the mountains. I don't know why, but I find it humorous.

Anyway, today is a great opportunity to meditate upon the Annunciation and the fact that God became man. For a good meditation, here's an excellent homily by Fr. Angelo Geiger, FFI:

Homily on the Immaculate Conception

"The Annunciation" by Philippe Champaigne
RS

Religious persecution and the rise of communism

2008-12-09T10:58:00.007-06:00

Although there is a lot in the gloom and doom crowd who are fearing the complete supression of religion under Obama, I think we have to realize that we here in the United States are VERY blessed with religious freedom to the degree in which we have it. But in spite of what happens, I think all Catholics and other Christians need to ask ourselves: if religious persecution does happen, are we willing to stand up and sacrifice ourselves for the Truth? I think many of us fear increases in religious persecution because it might mean we would have to do something and put ourselves in the way of danger and stand up for our beliefs and convitions ... and really look at ourselves and see if we really believe our beliefs and are convicted about our convictions.

It reminds me of a friend of mine who was born in Cuba and was a small boy when the communist revolution there happened. He said that Catholics who had been going to daily Mass for years were suddenly persecuting the Church and handing over priests to be arrested. He ended up fleeing Cuba with his mother. I can tell you, the popularity of the Che Guevara icon and the pro-Cuba leanings of many in the entertainment industry drives him nuts.

Fr. Tim Finigan at The Hermeneutic of Continuity posted this video from the Don Camillo series in Italy, which should be a reminder that religious persecution has been pretty recent.

And communism is still a player in Italian politics. I took this photo in October of 2008 just outside of Norcia, Italy:

And, sadly, the Democratic party has been sliding down the path to socialism and communism as well, esepecially under Barak Obama. It's a slippery slope, and once a country falls under it's spell, it is hard to let it go. As momentous as the fall of communism was in the Soviet Union, there is a growing number of people in Russia who want communism back. People had become so dependant on the government, that they are willing to throw away liberties to have programs spoon fed to them by the government again.

Hopefully, our country can wake up from its morbid fascination with socialism and move back to freedom and responsibility.

RS

Plenary Indulgence for those Consecrated to Mary

2008-12-08T05:30:00.003-06:00

Saint Maximilian Kolbe, O.F.M.Conv.

PLENARY INDULGENCE REMINDER
There is a plenary indulgence for those who are the enrolled in Militia Immaculata (Knights of the Immaculata) and renew their Consecration to Mary according to Saint Maximilian Kolbe on December 8th (or are making their consecration on Dec 8th). The other usual requirements for a plenary indulgence apply:

“23. 1. Besides the exclusion of all attachment to sin, even venial sin, the requirements for gaining a Plenary Indulgence are the performance of the indulgenced work and fulfillment of three conditions: Sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the Pope’s intentions.
2. Several Plenary Indulgences may be gained on the basis of a single Sacramental Confession; only one may be gained, however, on the basis of a single Eucharistic Communion and prayer for the Pope’s intentions.
3. The three conditions may be carried out several days preceding or following performance of the prescribed work. But it is more fitting that the Communion and the prayer for the Pope’s intentions take place on the day the work is performed.
4. If a person is not fully disposed or if the prescribed work and the three mentioned conditions are not fulfilled, the Indulgence will only be partial ...”
5. The condition requiring prayer for the Pope’s intentions is satisfied by reciting once the Our Father and Hail Mary for his intentions (Pater Noster and Ave Maria); nevertheless all the faithful have the option of reciting any other prayer suited to their own piety and devotion.”
- Handbook of Indulgences, Norms

More info can be found at the U.S. site for the
Militia of the Immaculata at Marytown

I'm not sure if there is a plenary indulgence for those who are consecrated to Mary according to Saint Louis de Montfort's formula. Maybe some readers would know (and if so, could provide sources).

RS

Comparison of Prayers - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

2008-12-07T22:48:00.002-06:00

Miter of Pope Pius IX depicting the Immaculate Conception

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui per immaculátam Vírginis Conceptiónem dignum Fílio tuo habitáculum præparásti, quaésumus, ut, qui ex morte eiúsdem Fílii tui prævísa, eam ab omni labe præservásti, nos quoque mundos, eius intercessióne, ad te 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. Father, you prepared the Virgin Mary to be the worthy mother of your Son. You let her share beforehand in the salvation Christ would bring by his death, and kept her sinless from the first moment of her conception. Help us by her prayers to live in your presence without sin.
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 through the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for Your Son, we beseech You, that, as by the same Son’s anticipated death, You preserved her from all stain, You may also grant to us, through her intercession, to be cleansed of our sin, and to come unto 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
Salutárem hóstiam, quam in sollemnitáte immaculátæ Conceptiónis beátæ Vírginis Maríæ tibi, Dómine, offérimus, súscipe dignánter, et præsta, ut, sicut illam tua grátia præveniénte ab omni labe profitémur immúnem, ita, eius intercessióne, a culpis ómnibus liberémur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, accept this sacrifice on the feast of the sinless Virgin Mary. You kept her free from sin from the first moment of her life. Help us by her prayers, and free us from our sins.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
O Lord, kindly accept this saving Victim, Which we offer to You on this solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and grant, that, as we profess her being preserved from all stain through Your surpassing grace, so also, through her intercession, may we be freed from all our faults.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface of the Immaculate Conception - on the Mystery of Mary and the Church

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:
Qui, beatíssimam Vírginem Maríam ab omni originális culpæ labe præservásti, ut in ea, grátiæ tuæ plenitúdine ditáta, dignam Fílio tuo Genetrícem præparáres, et Sponsæ eius Ecclésiæ, sine ruga vel mácula formosæ, signáres exórdium.
Fílium enim erat puríssima Virgo datúra, qui crímina nostra Agnus ínnocens aboléret; et ipsam præ ómnibus tuo pópulo disponébas advocátam grátiæ et sanctitátis exémplar.
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.
You allowed no stain of Adam’s sin to touch the Virgin Mary. Full of grace, she was to be a worthy mother of your Son, your sign of favor to the Church at its beginning, and the promise of its perfection as the bride of Christ, radian in beauty.
Purest of virgins, she was to bring forth your Son, the innocent lamb who takes away our sins. You chose her from all women to be our advocate with you and our pattern of holiness.
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:
You preserved the most Blessed Virgin Mary from all stain of original sin, so that in her, enriched with the fullness of Your grace, You were preparing her as the worthy Mother of Your Son, and of His Spouse the Church, without wrinkle or stain to her beauty, You sealed her from the beginning.
For she was the most pure Virgin about to bring forth Your Son, the innocent Lamb Who destroys our offenses; and You arranged for her to be an advocate for Your people as an example of grace and holiness in the sight of all.
And so, with the choirs of the host of Angels, we praise You in joy professing:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Sacraménta quæ súmpsimus, Dómine Deus noster, illíus in nobis culpæ vúlnera réparent, a qua immaculátam beátæ Maríæ Conceptiónem singuláriter præservásti.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord our God, in your love, you chose the Virgin Mary and kept her free from sin. May this sacrament of your love free us from our sins.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O Lord our God, may the Sacraments Which we have received heal in us the wounds of that original sin, from which You singularly preserved the Immaculate Conception of Blessed Mary.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS