Importance of the Liturgy

Fr. Z. has a good post regarding the liturgy and it's importance.

It is short and to the point, so I encourage you to read it.

"Save the Liturgy, Save the World."

RS

5 Random Things About Me

I just noticed I was tagged by dadwithnoisykids for the MEME "5 random things about you"

1) I balance my checkbook with a $300 (at the time it was bought 16 years ago) Hewlett-Packard calulator which uses RPN (Reverse Polish Notation)

2) My grandmother began to spoon-fed me coffee when I was about 2 years old, and I have been drinking coffee for the next 32 years. I am 6ft 3in tall (so I don't think it stunts your growth.

3) My name is on two published nuclear physics papers (before I switched to Theology, I was a physics major and did nuclear research data analysis for two summers).

4) I have never seen the movie "E.T. the The Extra-Terrestrial" (and I am proud of that too)

5) I have met Chuck Yeager.

I would like to tag, Fr. Z. of What Does the Prayer Really Say, Joee Bloggs, Fr. Stephanos of Me monk. Me meander., Matt at Absolutely No Spin, and Thomas the American Papist.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - 4th Sunday Per Annum

"Saint Paul Preaching In Athens" by Raphael

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 mind, 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 make 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

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.

Appropriately, I also learned that there is a relic of Saint Ananias in Rome at the Bascilica of Saint Paul's outside the walls. Unfortunately, I did not know about the room of relics and have never seen this in person. But I would love to see this room and learn what other relics of Saints are there.


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"

Unfortunately, I can't make out the words on the other relics with it.

Sancti Paule et Anania, orate pro nobis.

RS

Of course

It shouldn't take an Einstein to figure out these:


Good to know Einstein proves my theories correct. :P

RS

Name popularity

Here's an interesting site which tracks the popularity of names over the last 120 years. As expected, Christian names have dropped in popularity over the last several decades. Although you can also see that "normal" names have also become less frequent too.

The Baby Name Wizard's Name Voyager

It is a neat tool though. You can just type in any name and it will give you the graph for any name beginning with what you typed, and if you hit enter again, you'll get it for just the name you typed.

Ha. My name has become more popular over the years, as shown below.


Another thing I noticed is that all the names seem to start dropping after the 1960's. The graph is based on number of children with that name in a year. I think part of that is not only names becoming less popular, but also the drop in birthrates after the pill and legalized abortion.

I still don't understand what is up with the bizzarre spellings of names nowadays. Even if it a normal name people are changing the letters so it will be "unique" e.g. instead of "Christine" it will be "Krysteen." Of course what is worse is some of the truly unique names people come up with, e.g. "Dweezel" or "Moon Unit." Nouns are probably best avoided also in my opinion.

RS

Is it the plane or the pilot?

I've always enjoyed airplanes.

Wow, the Boeing 777 appears to be able to handle crosswinds rather well.

Some of these angles of approach are insane, yet in spite of the song's title "Boom!" there is not one crash.



It seems to pass the stress test rather well. I'd say if your wings are getting that much stress, you've got a bit more of a problem than turbulence.



RS

Coffee

Benjamin Franklin once said: "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."

I think the same thing can be said about coffee, especially cappuccino.

I am tired today.


RS

Saint Basil the Great on abortion

A woman who deliberately destroys a fetus is answerable for murder. And any fine distinction between its being completely formed or unformed is not admissible among us.

-Saint Basil the Great (A.D. 329-379)

This quote is very useful in today's society where the arguments to support abortion often involve trying to redefine the child in the womb to something that is not yet specifically human, or it is "just" a fetus, etc.

Firstly, this quote shows that abortion has been around quite a while, it is nothing new. And the Church has always shown that abortion is wrong.
Saint Basil also cuts through all the legalistic twisting of language and simply puts it that this a human life, and abortion is a wrongful taking of that human life.

I truly believe that the people of America know this in their hearts, and science has shown this to be true. Very simply put, it's axiomatic that when a human egg and a human sperm combine at conception that a human life is created. Genetically you can see it is human, and that it is alive.

Murder is the deliberate taking of an innocent human life and abortion does just that.

This is so serious that the penalty of immediate excommunication is a result of those who have or assist in an abortion. This penalty is immediate, no declaration of excommunication from an authority in the Church is needed. The Church doesn't have to declair it, those who have or participate in this act bring it upon themselves by their actions.

However, the mercy of the Church is also revealed in this. This is the only excommunication, of which I am aware, that can be lifted by a priest if those guilty of this sin sincerely confess this. Given the gravity of abortion, this is an amazing act of mercy on the part of the Church.

As I posted previously, may this day be a day of prayer and penance, not only for those readers in the United States, but those in other parts of the world as well. I am sure that many of you who read this from other countries have legalized abortion where you live as well.

May God bring about a change in laws around the world, so that the right to life, liberty, and the prsuit of happiness will be given to all. May he also convert those who support, perform, or assist in abortions (including the "chemical abortions" that often occur with the use of certain contraceptives, such as the pill). And may he have mercy on anyone who has had or participated in an abortion, and bring about true repentance, conversion, and salvation.

Contrary to popular or media opinion, the Church does not want to damn people to hell. What the Church does want to do is teach mankind God's laws and how to obey them, so that we may all act according to God's Will and obtain His salvation.

May the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on us.
And may our Lady of Guadalupe, the Patroness of the unborn pray for us.



RS

Monday, January 22nd, is a day of Penance

Louis the Pious doing penance.

As a reminder to all readers in the United States (and even for those in other countries as well), Monday, January 22nd is the 34th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade:

On this anniversary of the Supreme Court decision, Roe vs. Wade (1973), this day shall be observed in all dioceses of the United States as a particular day of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion, and of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarentee of the right to life (GIRM, #373).

RS

Feast of Pope Saint Fabian and Saint Sebastian

Today is the feast of Pope Saint Fabian, and Pope Saint Sebastian.

Although they are separate feasts liturgically, not only are they celebrated on the same day, but they are also venerated in the same place.

Now there is some ambiguity over where the remains of Pope Saint Fabian are. Some books say they are at the catacombs of Saint Callistus, although other books say his remains are at the church of the catacombs of Saint Sebastian.


There is a side chapel off to the right of the sanctuary which has a statue of Pope Saint Fabian, and some of his relics are either in the altar or buried beneath the floor of the chapel.


The catacombs below the church are named after Saint Sebastian who was originally buried in the catacombs. It is a rather extensive maze of tunnels. There is a "large" (compared to the tunnels) chapel in the place where Saint Sebastian's body was originally located. Eventually, a church was build above the catacombs and his body was moved to a side altar in the church which bears his name.


Another interesting relic on the other side of the church is one of the arrows which shot Saint Sebastian.


As I've mentioned earlier, it's really good to get to know the Saints. They can be very helpful, not only in their example, but also through their intercessions and guidance. Visiting tombs and seeing relics can really help you to gain a closeness to the Saints, even more than reading about them. I've been very blessed to be able to visit so many places in Rome and other parts of Italy as well. I would highly recommend that if you get an opportunity to make a pilgrimage you should take it.

My next desire is to make a pilgimage to the Holy Land.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - 3rd Sunday Per Annum

"Christ in the Synagogue" by Gustave Dore

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

Saint Anthony of the Desert

"Madonna and Child with Saint Anthony the Abbot and Saint Paul the Hermit" by Paulo Veronese

Today is the Feast of Saint Anthony of the Desert, aka Saint Antony, Saint Anthony the Abbot, aka Saint Anthony the Great (in Eastern rite circles).

He is commonly called the Father of Monasticism. He may not have been the first monk, but he was probably one of the first well known due to Saint Athanasius of Alexandria writing about him. And this through this writing the example of Saint Anthony's life has had a great influence on the Church in both the East and the West. Most notably on Saint Basil the Great, the greatest influence on monasticsm in the East, and Saint Benedict, considered the father of monasticsm in the West.

In art Saint Anthony is often represented with Saint Paul the Hermit based on a meeting between the two.

You can read his life here:

Life of Saint Anthony by Saint Athanasius (at New Advent)

There is also a site that has pictures of the monastery which was built where Saint Anthony lived in Egypt. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the world and is kept by Coptic Orthodox monks. This site appears to be made by someone who has visited the monastery, not a monk of it, so I can't vouch for the accuracy. However the pictures are interseting. I would love to see Saint Anthony's cave.

Steps that lead to Saint Anthony's cave 1050ft up the mountain.

Saint Anthony's cave.

(There are a couple of popup ads on every page that can get through a popup blocker. I cannot vouch for the ads.)

Monastery of Saint Anthony the Great

RS

Under Construction

I am also going to fiddle around with my template. I am upgrading it so it can supposedly be easier to edit. So if anything looks odd, be patient. Hopefully we can get this looking better.

EDIT - Well, that should work for now. The new "widget" method of editing is a bit simpler, but it seems to limit me since it just adds more confusion for me in looking at the HTML code, and I can't just cut and paste things from the old template. But it doesn't look too bad, so I'll tweak it more later.

EDIT2 - Got the sidebar pretty much under control, although they don't have a "most recent posts" feature anymore, so I guess you'll just have to [gasp] scroll down for older posts. :P At least I finally got Saint Francis up.

EDIT3 - For those contemplating converting your template, just realize that you will probably lose any custom edits you made to your old one. So you will have to make sure you add back your link list, site counters, and other custom things. It is not that hard, just tedious if you have a lot of extra stuff.

RS

Sacred Music Resource

I'm suprised I haven't put this on my sidebar or mentioned it, but there is an excellent sacred music and liturgical resource at Musica Sacra.

The have pdf files of some great resources:

Tridentine Roman Missal of 1961

Graduale Romanum of 1961

And many liturgical documents and other references. Lots to dig through, and it is always being updated with new things. You'll need a pdf reader, but that is easily available on the web.

RS

The Weather

Just thought I would post on the weather as I sit here at home while the U.S. gets gut-punched.
People in Texas get into a frenzy about winter weather. I'm sure weather like this hits up north all the time. Here, you would think a minor Armageddon is coming. I went to the store last night around 10:30 p.m. and had to wait to checkout. There were several shelves that were pretty picked over too. Yet, every time we have "winter weather" in our neck of the woods it usually melts off the next day. Yesterday you could wear shorts because it was 67 degrees F out. Even if this cold snap is a bit longer, I can't imagine people being "snowed in" for more than a few days.
However, the media is what always gets me. You'd think that this ice storm is the reason the Doomsday clock is being moved forward again. I see weather news articles with descriptions like "slams" and "cripples" in the titles. It just reminds me how news is such a business rather than a service.
So, here is your simple public service announcement from the Roman Sacristan: "Watch for ice"


RS

Comparison of Prayers - 2nd Sunday Per Annum

"Christ Turning the Water to Wine at the Wedding Feast of Cana" by Carl Heinrich Bloch

It's always disturbed me that I.C.E.L. can't capitalize Eucharist (even though that word is not even in the original Latin).

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.

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

"The Baptism of Christ" by Mattia Preti

Since the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord was not on Sunday, it didn't fall into the normal line up of Comparison of Prayers, but I did translate it, so here it is, better late than never.

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

Reading List Bleg

Quick blog question (bleg) for any readers.

I am about to finish the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy "Trilogy" (actually five books) and was thinking of what leisure reading to do next.

I was wondering if anyone has read A Canticle for Liebowitz and whether that was enjoyable, especially from a Catholic perspective. Honestly, I don't want to know anything about the book, just whether it is worth reading or not. I prefer getting into a book with no preconcieved ideas or expectations. (I think that is why I enjoyed Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy so much.)

I am also mildly curious about The Illuminatus! Trilogy. I would love a book that makes fun of conspiracy theories, but I can't really tell what the angle is of this work.

RS

Epiphany Announcement Sung

Yours truly singing the Epiphany Announcement.

SemperFiCatholic Radio

Click the link above and then find the line labeled: "Annuntiatio Paschæ Festorumque Mobilium Anno Dómini 2007"

Translation is in an earlier post or you can click here:

Announcement of the Movable Feasts

Couldn't figure out a way to host a pdf file of the text with the chant, so you'll have to make do with the screenshots of the music above. You can click on the pics to enlarge them though.

RS