Plenary Indulgences in the Year of Priests

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.

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

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

"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

"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

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!

RS

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

"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

"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

"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

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

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

Needed some humor today too:



RS

Happy Mothers' Day

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

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

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.

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

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

"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