Monday, November 28, 2016

John Vennari undergoes cancer surgery

Here is a note he wrote recently:
This is a note to tell my friends that I have to go into surgery on Saturday morning, November 26.

Cancer is a nasty beast, and it has caused an obstruction in the GI that must be addressed immediately. Immediately.

As noted already, my case has been serious from the start, and this latest problem came to a head at the same time I returned from three weeks of cancer treatment in Mexico.

I am presently not able to update my CFN webpage (I write this note from the hospital). I was blessed to receive the Sacrament of Extreme Unction this afternoon.

Please feel free to forward and/or post this, along with the link below that provides background and info for those who wish to share prayerful and financial support. http://www.oltyn.org/vennari.htm

Thank you for all your prayers and support up until now. Please pray and ask others to pray, especially communities of religious and convents of nuns.

Am I am a little afraid of surgery? Who wouldn’t be? But I place my trust in Our and Our Lady, and take heart from all the kindness and concern I’ve received. Your outpouring of love has been astounding.

I may not be able to update for a few days.

Thank you.

John Vennari
[Hat tip to L.V.]
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Shusaku Endo's book, Silence, now a movie

The Japanese Graham Greene's novel, Silence (Jap. 沈黙, 'Chinmoku'), is now a movie Directed by Martin Scorsese. Coming soon to a theater near you. I hope Scorsese keeps faith with the well-known novel.


[Hat tip to B.E.]

Related: "'Silence' = the antithesis of 'A Man for All Seasons'" (Rorate Cali, November 30, 2016).
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Sunday, November 27, 2016

Tridentine Community News - St. Patrick Cathedral Mass report; First Communions at OCLMA on May 7; Bishop Dabrowski to visit St. Benedict on March 12; Confirmation registration at St. Benedict; TLM Mass schedule


"I will go in unto the Altar of God
To God, Who giveth joy to my youth"

Tridentine Community News by Alex Begin (November 27, 2016):
November 27, 2016 – First Sunday of Advent

St. Patrick Cathedral Mass Report

One of the most significant events in the history of the Traditional Latin Mass after Vatican II took place on Monday, November 14. As reported in the November 6 edition of this column, the first Holy Mass in the Extraordinary Form at New York’s St. Patrick Cathedral to held in 20 years took place that evening. Despite only two weeks’ advance notice for the event and a very limited amount of advance publicity, approximately 1,000 faithful were in attendance. The recently renovated and restored building was ideally suited for the Traditional Mass. Fr. Leonard Villa was the celebrant, a large professional-grade choir assembled for the event sang Orlando di Lassus’ Missa Bell’ Amfitrit’ altera, and many familiar faces from Manhattan’s Holy Innocents Parish served the Mass.



Metro Detroit was represented by former St. Josaphat parishioner William Yap, now a resident of Long Island, vested and in procession as a Knight of Malta; and by this author, attending in the congregation. St. Patrick Cathedral Rector Msgr. Robert Ritchie welcomed the pilgrims and seemed impressed by the turnout. Kudos are due to the Knights of Columbus councils that organized the event in spite of the political challenges that stood in the way.

We’ve saved the best part for last: Another Tridentine Mass has apparently already been scheduled at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in February.

First Communions at OCLMA on May 7

First Holy Communions at the Oakland County Latin Mass Association will be held on Sunday, May 7, 2017 at the 9:45 AM Mass at the Academy of the Sacred Heart Chapel in Bloomfield Hills. Parents of children who are interested in receiving First Communion on that date are requested to make arrangements with Msgr. Browne, or e-mail info@oclma.org, or call (248) 250-2740.

Bishop Dabrowski to Visit St. Benedict on March 12


Diocese of London, Ontario Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Dabrowski will make his first visit to the St. Benedict Tridentine Community on Sunday, March 12, when he will attend the 2:00 PM Mass at St. Alphonsus Church in Windsor. Mark your calendars to join us for Mass that day. Confirmation Registration at St. Benedict

The St. Benedict Tridentine Community is collecting names of children and adults who are interested in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation according to the Extraordinary Form. Please sign up on the form available at the back of both St. Alphonsus and Holy Name of Mary Churches, or e-mail info@windsorlatinmass.org, or call (519) 734-1335.

Tridentine Masses This Coming Week
  • Mon. 11/28 7:00 PM: Low Mass at St. Josaphat (Feria of Advent)
  • Tue. 11/29 7:00 PM: Low Mass at Holy Name of Mary, Windsor (Feria of Advent)
  • Fri. 12/02 7:00 PM: High Mass at Old St. Mary’s, Detroit (St. Vivian, Virgin & Martyr) – First Friday – Devotions precede Mass; Reception will follow Mass in the Parish Hall
  • Fri. 12/02 7:00 PM: Low Mass at St. Joseph, Sarnia, Ontario (St. Vivian, Virgin & Martyr) – First Friday
  • Fri. 12/02 7:00 PM: High Mass at St. Joseph, Detroit (St. Vivian, Virgin & Martyr) – First Friday
  • Sat. 12/03 8:30 AM: Low Mass at Miles Christi (St. Francis Xavier, Confessor)
[Comments? Please e-mail tridnews@detroitlatinmass.org. Previous columns are available at http://www.detroitlatinmass.org. This edition of Tridentine Community News, with minor editions, is from the St. Albertus (Detroit), Academy of the Sacred Heart (Bloomfield Hills), and St. Alphonsus and Holy Name of Mary Churches (Windsor) bulletin inserts for November 27, 2016. Hat tip to Alex Begin, author of the column.]
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Tridentine Masses coming this week to metro Detroit and east Michigan


Tridentine Masses This Coming Week

Sunday


Monday


Tuesday


Wednesday


Thursday

  • Thu. 12/01 7:30 AM: Low Mass at Assumption Grotto, Detroit (Feria of Advent - 3rd class, or Jesus Christ the High Priest - 3rd class)
  • Thu. 12/01 8:00 AM: Low Mass St. Joseph's Church, Detroit (Feria of Advent - 3rd class, or Jesus Christ the High Priest - 3rd class)
  • Thu. 12/01 7:00 PM: Low Mass at Assumption Grotto, Detroit (Feria of Advent - 3rd class, or Jesus Christ the High Priest - 3rd class)

Friday

  • Fri. 12/02 7:00 PM: Tridentine Mass at St. Joseph, Sarnia, Ontario (St. Vivian - 3rd class, or Sacred Heart of Jesus - 3rd class) [First Friday]
  • Fri. 12/02 7:30 AM: Low Mass at Assumption Grotto, Detroit (St. Vivian - 3rd class, or Sacred Heart of Jesus - 3rd class) [First Friday]
  • Fri. 12/02 8:00 AM: Low Mass St. Joseph's Church, Detroit (St. Vivian - 3rd class, or Sacred Heart of Jesus - 3rd class) [First Friday]
  • Fri. 12/02 7:00 PM: Low Mass (usually) at Assumption Grotto, Detroit (St. Vivian - 3rd class, or Sacred Heart of Jesus - 3rd class) [First Friday]
  • Fri. 12/02 7:00 PM: High Mass (periodically) at St. Joseph's Church, Detroit (St. Vivian - 3rd class, or Sacred Heart of Jesus - 3rd class) [First Friday]
  • Fri.12/02 7:00 PM: High Mass at Old St. Mary's, Greektown, Detroit (St. Vivian - 3rd class, or Sacred Heart of Jesus - 3rd class) [First Friday]
    • Windsor's St. Benedict Choir will be there!
  • Fri. 12/02 7:00 PM: Tridentine Mass at St. Joseph, Sarnia, Ontario (St. Vivian - 3rd class, or Sacred Heart of Jesus - 3rd class) [First Friday]

Saturday

  • Sat. 12/03 7:30 AM: Low Mass at Assumption Grotto, Detroit (St. Francis Xavier - 3rd class, or Immaculate Heart of Mary - 3rd class) [First Saturday]
  • Sat. 12/03 8:00 AM: Tridentine Mass at St. Edward on the Lake, Lakeport (St. Francis Xavier - 3rd class, or Immaculate Heart of Mary - 3rd class) [First Saturday]
  • Sat. 12/03 8:30 AM: Low Mass at Miles Christi, South Lyon, MI (St. Francis Xavier - 3rd class, or Immaculate Heart of Mary - 3rd class) [First Saturday]
  • Sat. 12/03 9:00 AM: High Mass at St. Anthony, Temperance (St. Francis Xavier - 3rd class, or Immaculate Heart of Mary - 3rd class) [First Saturday]
  • Sat. 12/03 9:00 AM: Low Mass and Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help at St. Joseph's Church, Detroit (St. Francis Xavier - 3rd class, or Immaculate Heart of Mary - 3rd class) [First Saturday]
  • Sat. 12/03 6:00 PM Tridentine Mass at SS. Cyril & Methodius Slovak Catholic Church, Sterling Heights (St. Francis Xavier - 3rd class, or Immaculate Heart of Mary - 3rd class) [First Saturday]

Sunday


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Tonya car troubles ...

Tonya contacted me yesterda to say that the engine light just came on in her 'new' car, an old Mercury Sable with a recent transmission replacement. The car was checked out by several of us and seemed to be in pretty good condition -- beautiful, clean, with all the work repair records in good order. Request: please play that whatever is behind this engine light going on may not be a serious issue.
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Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Car finally puchased for Tonya with your Fund Raiser moneys!

Just a note to let you know that after two weeks of looking, we finally located and purchased a car for Tonya yesterday with the money many of you contributed. A couple of us checked out the vehicle. It looks good. More details to follow.
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Sunday, November 20, 2016

Fr. Perrone: How our corporate prayers after Mass have been modified following the election

Fr. Eduard Perrone, "A Pastor's Descant" (Assumption Grotto News, November 20, 2016):
Years ago, in the time of my youth, after every Sunday Low Mass the priest would say the "Leonine Prayers," so-named after Pope Leo XIII who originally had ordered them to be said. The stated intention for these in my time was "for the conversion of Russia," that is, for Soviet Russia, the then much-afeared enemy of God and the USA.

These prayers were conducted in this way. The preist and servers would kneel on the alter step after Mass and, after announcing the intention (above) would say three Hail Marys in dialogue with the people (as in the rosary), the Hail Holy Queen, then a prayer for the conversion of sinners and freedom of the Church. This was followed by the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel and was concluded with a threefold invocation for mercy to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

I have many times written and spoken about our rosary after Mass offered for the good of our country, to which we added, before the election, the Memorare said thrice. Now that the presidential election is behind us, what should we do?

I sense that our rosaries have been very powerful as prayers of petition for the USA. I don't think we should stop them now. Even if Mr. Trump proves to be a reformer of some of the outlandish and frightening directions in which we have been headed morally, our people are still much divided over moral truth with obedience to God's law versus the caprice to act without restriction. To change hearts is much harder than to change laws and policies. We need prayer to ensure the freedom of the Church and the common good of our American people. Moreover, the president-elect will need prayers for his protection and his success. The rosary after Mass ought to remain. But it would be good to modify the remainder of what we have been doing somewhat in line with the former Leonine Prayers to better direct our intentions for our people and for the Church in our country. Accordingly, I would not make these changes in our post-Mass prayers: after the rosary, immediately the Memorare (said once), the verse and response ("Pray for us, O holy Mother of God ..."), the Oration (from the Leonine Prayers, said by the priest alone) "O God our refuge and our strength ...", the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel (to curb the power of the devils from wreaking havoc in the world). This would not take any more time than the prayers as offered formerly but would be more expressive of our purpose. You should also know that those extra prayers for the intentions of the Pope to gain the plenary indulgence for a group recitation of the rosary may be said privately, and need not be said in common.

The American people need a real conversion from sin and a healing of all the damage that has been done in recent decades through loose morals. What has easy divorce and ready availability of contraceptives, rampant porn watching, and the killing of babies in their mothers' wombs done to the minds and hearts of Americans? Who can calculate the spiritual fallout?

If anything, the stress and fear generated by the days preceding the presidential election have had the good effect of making some people more fervent and steadfast in their prayers. I myself have felt this not only in my private devotions and sacrifices but also in our public rosary and the Memorares we were committed to say.

Beginning this weekend we will adopt these prayers. I hope you will continue to remain and pray as a parish. We are stronger when united as a body of suppliant parishioners.

Fr. Perrone
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Tridentine Community News - Fr. Louis Madley named chaplain of the Flint Tridentine Community; another impressive church restoration: St. Mary Church, David City, Nebraska; TLM Mass schedule


"I will go in unto the Altar of God
To God, Who giveth joy to my youth"

Tridentine Community News by Alex Begin (November 20, 2016):
November 20, 2016 – Last Sunday After Pentecost

Fr. Louis Madey Named Chaplain of the Flint Tridentine Community


Fr. Louis Madey has been a champion of the Traditional Latin Mass longer than many of us have known much about the Extraordinary Form. In the 1990s he was one of the original celebrants of the Latin Mass Community of Calgary (full story here: http://unavocecalgary.org/home/?page_id=20), which is now flourishing as an apostolate of the Fraternity of St. Peter. Upon moving back to this part of the world and incardinating in the Diocese of Lansing, he relocated the Jackson Latin Mass Community from the humble storefront chapel where it began to the much more hospitable St. Joseph Church, of which he was pastor. To this day he remains one of the regular celebrants of the Jackson Tridentine Mass, now based at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church.

After assuming his position as Professor of Theology at Orchard Lake’s Ss. Cyril & Methodius Seminary, Fr. Madey became one of the regular celebrants at St. Josaphat, in Flint at All Saints Church, and on a fill-in basis pretty much everywhere that the Tridentine Mass is held in this region. He has offered Holy Mass at St. Albertus; St. Hyacinth; the Oakland County Latin Mass Association at the Academy of the Sacred Heart Chapel; in Windsor at Assumption, St. Alphonsus and Holy Name of Mary; and on the bus tours of Prayer Pilgrimages. Notably, if one of our regular celebrants is forced to cancel, Fr. Madey can be counted on to fill in at the last minute as long as he does not have a conflicting responsibility.

It is fitting, then, that the intrepid Fr. Madey has at last been given an actual title, Chaplain of the Flint Tridentine Community at St. Matthew Church. Fr. Zach Mabee, a young priest of the Diocese of Lansing, has been named Assistant Chaplain. This new arrangement will relieve the Flint Community – Southeastern Michigan’s oldest – from the responsibility of having to seek out different celebrants every week.

Fans of Fr. Madey need not despair that he will be secluded in Flint; even since assuming his new responsibilities, he has been happy to continue to help out at other locations in the area as time permits.

Another Impressive Church Restoration: St. Mary Church, David City, Nebraska

The re-traditionalization of formerly modernized churches is becoming a growth industry. Following in the footsteps of the previously-reported restorations of Holy Name of Jesus Church in Brooklyn and St. Mary Church in Fennimore, Wisconsin, the latest church to return to its original décor is St. Mary in David City, Nebraska, in the Diocese of Lincoln. Via a joint venture between Clark Architects Collaborative, Evergreene Architectural Arts, and King Richard’s Liturgical Design, the addition of an historic High Altar and traditional mural art transformed the formerly bland sanctuary into a truly inspiring sacred space. [Photo by King Richards]


As an increasing number of such projects are undertaken, it is interesting to note that new firms not formerly known in the traditional Catholic world are becoming involved. This suggests that as skills are developed among a wider spectrum of design and contracting companies, we can expect the pace of such restorations to increase.

Tridentine Masses This Coming Week
  • Mon. 11/21 7:00 PM: Low Mass at St. Josaphat (Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
  • Tue. 11/22 7:00 PM: Low Mass at Holy Name of Mary, Windsor (St. Cecilia, Virgin & Martyr)
  • Sat. 11/26 8:30 AM: Low Mass at Miles Christi (St. Sylvester, Abbot)
[Comments? Please e-mail tridnews@detroitlatinmass.org. Previous columns are available at http://www.detroitlatinmass.org. This edition of Tridentine Community News, with minor editions, is from the St. Albertus (Detroit), Academy of the Sacred Heart (Bloomfield Hills), and St. Alphonsus and Holy Name of Mary Churches (Windsor) bulletin inserts for November 20, 2016. Hat tip to Alex Begin, author of the column.]
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Tridentine Masses coming this week to metro Detroit and east Michigan


Tridentine Masses This Coming Week

Sunday


Monday


Tuesday


Wednesday


Thursday


Friday


Saturday


Sunday


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Friday, November 18, 2016

Need a little 'pick-me-up'?

Anything got you down? Here's something that might cheer you up. Sort of the opposite of the National Debt Clock. Check it out. You know you've been waiting for this for a LONG time! Click HERE.
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Monday, November 14, 2016

Important! Four Cardinals OFFICIALLY ask Pope Francis to clarify Amoris Laetitia

"EXPLOSIVE! 4 Cardinals OFFICIALLY ask Pope Francis to Clarify Amoris Laetitia" (Rorate Caeli, November 14, 2016). The four signatories are Italian Carlo Cardinal Caffara, American Raymond Cardinal Burke, and the Germans Walter Cardinal Brandmüller, and Joachim Cardinal Meisner. Read further for details ...
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Sunday, November 13, 2016

Tridentine Masses coming this week to metro Detroit and east Michigan


Tridentine Masses This Coming Week

Sunday


Monday


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Thursday


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Saturday


Sunday


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Tridentine Community News - Christmas week bus tour of historic churches in Chicago; Devotional books for the souls in Purgatory; TLM Mass schedule


"I will go in unto the Altar of God
To God, Who giveth joy to my youth"

Tridentine Community News by Alex Begin (November 13, 2016):
November 13, 2016 – Resumed Sixth Sunday After Epiphany

Christmas Week Bus Tour of Historic Churches in Chicago

One of the highlights of the year for church architecture buffs is Prayer Pilgrimages’ annual bus tour of historic churches in Chicago. This year’s expedition will be three days instead of the usual two, to allow for more time to explore the architectural riches of that city. The tour takes place Wednesday-Friday, December 28-30. Pilgrims will stay in downtown Chicago and will have time to explore the secular sights of the city as well.

High Masses in the Extraordinary Form will be offered at three of Chicago’s most beautiful houses of worship, Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica, St. Mary of the Angels Church, and St. John Cantius Church.


After a false start in 2013, when plans had to be changed at the last minute, history will be made on this trip: The Tridentine Mass to be offered at Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica will be the first to be celebrated there in at least 46 years. Known for its arcade of twelve Side Altars and massive, barrel-vaulted nave, the basilica has two principal Side Altars which are larger than most churches’ High Altars. Our Lady of Sorrows was the site of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen’s famous black-and-white video, “The Immemorial Tridentine Mass”. Filmed in 1941 and viewable on YouTube, this video features Archbishop Sheen narrating an Easter Sunday Solemn High Mass. [Above photo © 2009, Jeremy Atherton]


Mentioned many times before in this column, St. Mary of the Angels is arguably the most impeccably restored church in North America, reflecting an investment of approximately $20 million in the building over the past two decades. Every detail of the church is perfect, as can be seen in the above photo of the left Side Altars. St. John Cantius Church needs little introduction, as it is one of North America’s premier sites for traditional liturgy.

Fr. Louis Madey will be the celebrant of the Tridentine Masses on this tour. For further information or to register, visit www.prayerpilgrimages.com or call (248) 250-6005.

Devotional Books for the Souls in Purgatory


In this month of November which is devoted to the Holy Souls in Purgatory, it is worth mentioning a few resources which can assist your devotion to relieving the Poor Souls of their suffering. One of the most comprehensive prayer books on the subject is the Purgatorian Manual, originally published in 1946 and reprinted by the Daughters of Mary Press. (http://www.daughtersofmarypress.com/store/item_view.php?id=1000151&item=purgatorian-manual-~~~1softcover). While the prayers in it are lovely, the indulgences described as being associated with them are no longer in force.

The classic explanatory work on Purgatory is Fr. F.X. Schouppe’s Purgatory: Explained by the Lives and Legends of the Saints, first published in 1893 and reprinted by TAN Books: https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/purgatory-explained-explained-by-the-lives-and-legends-of-the-saints-2362.html

Susan Tassone is our modern era’s most prolific author and speaker on the subject of Purgatory, having written more books than can be listed here. Go to amazon.com and search for Tassone Purgatory to see her numerous titles, which offer a more contemporary though still orthodox treatment of the topic.

The Manual of Indulgences and its Latin edition, the Enchirídion Indulgentiárum, are the definitive sources of the currently-in-force prayers and acts by which one can gain Partial and Plenary Indulgences on behalf of the Suffering Souls.

Tridentine Masses This Coming Week
  • Mon. 11/14 7:00 PM: High Mass at St. Josaphat (St. Josaphat, Bishop & Martyr)
  • Tue. 11/15 7:00 PM: Low Mass at Holy Name of Mary, Windsor (St. Albert the Great, Bishop, Confessor, & Doctor)
  • Sat. 11/19 8:30 AM: Low Mass at Miles Christi (St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Widow)
[Comments? Please e-mail tridnews@detroitlatinmass.org. Previous columns are available at http://www.detroitlatinmass.org. This edition of Tridentine Community News, with minor editions, is from the St. Albertus (Detroit), Academy of the Sacred Heart (Bloomfield Hills), and St. Alphonsus and Holy Name of Mary Churches (Windsor) bulletin inserts for November 13, 2016. Hat tip to Alex Begin, author of the column.]
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The other (neglected) side of biblical mercy


Remember that wonderful Psalm about mercy and loving kindness and compassion? (Psalm 135 in the older Catholic numbering and Psalm 136 in the newer common numbering) People who know it love its refrain: "... for His mercy endures forever." Other translations have "for His steadfast love endures forever," or "for His loving kindness endures forever." But one of the most common translations is 'mercy.' Both the Douay-Reims and the King James Bible use 'mercy.'

But however this tender, compassionate, loving word is translated into English, there's another side to it that is often neglected. You know that if you stand for anything, you have to oppose something, right? If you love justice, you have to hate injustice. The Bible is very clear on this 'other side' to love, compassion, kindness, and, yes, mercy. Though it's easy to lose sight of this in today's pervasive and oft-too-giddy talk of 'mercy.'

I'm about half-way through Holy Scripture once again in one of my periodic read-throughs, which I cannot recommend highly enough. The blessings and riches of the Bible are beyond telling. So I'm in the Psalms, and I've just been reading the Psalm in question. And half-way through last night, I noticed the following which made me sit up and take notice in a way I hadn't before -- probably precisely because of all the recent talk of 'mercy.' Here are the verses in question from the Msgr. Ronald Knox translation of the Bible [Note: the spelling of 'Pharao' is Knox's]:
Eternal his mercy, who smote the Egyptians by smiting their first-born ...
Eternal the mercy that drowned in the Red Sea Pharao and Pharao's men ...
Eternal the mercy that smote great kings ...
Eternal the mercy that slew the kings in their pride, Sehon king of the Amorrhites,
His mercy is eternal,
And Og the king of Basan,
His mercy is eternal.
Think about it. Why are these smitings and drownings and slayings 'merciful'? It's not as obvious as you'd think. Yes, He's merciful to those whom He saved from these oppressors. But start down that rabbit hole and you'll find much more!
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Blogging reprieve and slow-down

Just a heads-up about what's going on with my slowed-down blogging schedule. There are a number of things converging to make the next two months (possibly more, but at LEAST the next two months) very busy for me. I won't trouble you with the details here, but just to say that I know that I've already been on a somewhat reduced blogging schedule and you will certainly be seeing even less of me the next two months: part of it is job related; another part is church related; another part is family related; and another part is related to our recent fund-raiser (thank you again, for your great generosity). I should probably be retired, but feel like I've had two full-time jobs and have just been asked to take on another. Say a Hail Mary for me.

What you will continue to see, I hope, are my weekly posting of local Tridentine Mass schedules, Tridentine Community News columns, and Fr. Perrone's weekly columns (as long as I can afford the time to transcribe these).
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Saturday, November 12, 2016

"Reform of reform" is "an error," says Francis; "True love is not rigid"

"IMPORTANT: In interview, Pope Francis questions Traditional Catholics and their motives; Ends 'Reform of the Reform' for good" (Rorate Caeli, November 11, 2016):
The excerpt is translated by Rorate from the interview published in the past few days in Italy -- the interview was conducted by the editor of the official journal of the Holy See (Civiltà Cattolica), Fr. Antonio Spadaro, SI, as part of a book containing homilies of the Pope when he was Archbishop of Buenos Aires:
***

The simplicity of children makes me also think of adults, with a rite that is direct, participated intensely [translator's note: reference to notion of 'actuosa participatio'], of parish masses experienced with so much piety. What comes to mind are proposals that encourage priests to turn their backs to the faithful, to rethink Vatican II, to use Latin. I ask the Pope what he thinks of this. The Pope answers:

[Pope:] "Pope Benedict accomplished a just and magnanimous gesture [translator's note: the motu proprio 'Summorum Pontificum'] to reach out to a certain mindset of some groups and persons who felt nostalgia and were distancing themselves. But it is an exception. That is why one speaks of an 'extraordinary' rite. The ordinary in the Church is not this. It is necessary to approach with magnanimity those attached to a certain form of prayer. But the ordinary is not this. Vatican II and Sacrosanctum Concilium must go on as they are. To speak of a 'reform of the reform' is an error."

I ask him: "Other than those who are sincere and ask for this possibility out of habit or devotion, can this desire express something else? Are there dangers?"

[Pope:] "I ask myself about this. For example, I always try to understand what is behind those individuals who are too young to have lived the pre-Conciliar liturgy, and who want it nonetheless. I have at times found myself in front of people who are too rigid, an attitude of rigidity. And I ask myself: how come so much rigidity? You dig, you dig, this rigidity always hides something: insecurity, at times perhaps something else... [sic] The rigidity is defensive. True love is not rigid."

I insist: what about tradition? Some understand it in a rigid way.

[Pope:] "But no: tradition blooms!" he responds. "There is a Traditionalism that is a rigid fundamentalism: it is not good. Faithfulness instead implies a growth. Tradition, in the transmission from one age to the next of the deposit of the faith, grows and consolidates with the passage of time, as Saint Vincent of Lérins said in his Commonitorium Primum. I read it always in my breviary: 'Ita etiam christianae religionis dogma sequatur has decet profectuum leges, ut annis scilicet consolidetur, dilatetur tempore, sublimetur aetate' (Also the dogma of the Christian religion must follow these laws. It progresses, consolidating with the years, developing with time, deepening with the age.)"

[Pages provided by Mr. Andrew Guernsey]

*****
Rorate's comment (in the form of a Tweet):
St Paul: "The sure foundation of God stands firm"
Pope Francis: "These firm, rigid, Catholics are insecure, and are hiding something!"
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Friday, November 11, 2016

If Dad was this easy, would any of us take him seriously?

Jeanne Smits, "French bishop opens door for remarried divorced couples to receive the sacraments" (LifeSiteNews, November 9, 2016).

I know! Maybe we can petition for a reform of the 1983 Code of Canon Law to permit a new canonical status alongside Consecrated Virgins: a Pontifical Institute of Consecrated Divorcées! Who am I to judge? Are there any limits of God's mercy?
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Fr. Perrone on what we prayed to be spared

With each passing year, as our society continues to evolve, I grow ever fonder of our parish, which in so many ways is unlike nearly any other I've experienced. By the same token, I suspect, in the eyes of the surrounding society (even Catholic society), our parish must seem proportionally out-of-step and weirdly antiquated. What makes it so? Simply that it has resisted evolving along with society. There's nothing really extraordinary about our parish at all in the great historical scheme of things. The fact is, it is simply Catholic; and Catholic precisely in the sense that any of our Catholic great-grandparents would have immediately recognized. They would have found it entirely ordinary; which is what makes it so extraordinary today. This is one reason I like to include those parts of these weekly reflections by our pastor that open a window onto our parish life -- like the concluding two paragraphs of his column below, which was published the Sunday preceding the presidential election. Enjoy.

Fr. Eduard Perrone, "A Pastor's Descant" [temporary link] (assumption Grotto News, November 6, 2016):
I recently came across this and thought you'd enjoy reading it these days just before the election.

*****

A Fable

Once upon a time in a not too distant land there was a people who had just elected a New Leader (NL) who promised, if elected, to enforce contraception funding, support unlimited abortion rights and fetal experiments, and uphold gay marriages, and who was known to have done criminal deeds but people didn't much care about that because their own sins blinded them to see them. One of NL's goals that had not been kept too much of a secret was to penalize any religious body that opposed sweeping social changes for a brave new society. While some people protested these, only one religious group proved big and powerful enough to stand in the way of NL's new ways. So an order came down on them. "Either change your ways and your beliefs to fit with the new program or else heavy taxes will be levied on all your properties, and you'll be shut down in no time!" This threat terrorized the hierarchy and made the hearts of believers tremble. But to keep peace some of the hierarchy said, "Let's give in to this new program so we can keep our properties, stay in control, and keep some semblance of our religion." Others, clergy and laity alike, were adamant and refused to change. These had their parishes shut down for lack of money to pay the taxes and their clergy went into hiding -- some of whom were imprisoned. And so there was a huge split in this church. While the side of those who went along with the new policies resented the oppressive controls they weren't really all that sad. "NL means well," they said. "Besides, most of us -- unlike those rigid forlks who were shut down and forced undegroudn -- secretly agreed with a lot of what NL wanted done anyhow." And so these got on rather well, though theyfelt deeply guilty for their conformity. The diehards meanwhile, those who refused to change their ways, kept the old religion alive, conducting their religious services clandestinely and teaching their children the old religion of their fathers. So there was now an officially recognized church under NL's control and the opporessed reactionaries who kept to their traditional ways in secret.

Meanwhile the whole land was now beginning to feel other pressures as NL pushed on to greater and greater control of people's lives. Taxes were increased to unbearable limits to create the new society that promised freedom, equality, and happiness for everybody -- everybody except those who opposed the new program. Conformists with the reforms were rewarded with jobs and privileges while the general population suffered emotionally and economically, even unto wretchedness. But whenever somebody began to object or criticize NL or the new reforms they were forcibly silenced and punished severely. In this way NL exercised total control over everything in this land and many pretended they liked things this way -- though they really resented them -- because they were afraid.

Life went on a long time in this land and the people were miserable. All the while, however, the underground believers and other dissidents kept going quietly under oppression, living by their old beliefs and ways as best they could, keeping alive in their hearts the hope that someday NL would be gone, the former order reinstated, and liberty restored.

But in the meantime, the people lived most unhappily and were very sorry that they had ever brought this sufering upon themselves.

*****

Recall that there will be an overnight prayer vigil in our church this Monday night after the 7:00 p.m. Mass through Tuesday morning just before the 7:30 a.m. Mass. We will be prostrate before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, precisely as we sing the Benediction hymn, veneremur cernui, that is, falling down before God. This is expressed well also in (Vulgate) Psalm 94 that is prayed in the Divine Office every morning: "Come, let us adore, and bow down before God, let us weep before the Lord." We have great reason to pray so very humbly for a good outcome to this election.

The Forty Hours Devotion opens this Friday at the 7:30 a.m. Mass with its procession following, closing just before the 7:00 p.m. Mass. It will reopen Saturday morning at 6:30 (with Mass at the usual 7:30 time), closing 8:00 p.m. On Sunday morning adoration begins at 6:00 a.m. and continues through the solemn closing Mass at noon (procession with the Blessed Sacrament is at the end of the Mass). Note that during the Sunday Masses, the Eucharist is not exposed, except during the noon Mass due to a special privilege for the closing Mass of Forty Hours.

Fr. Perrone

Pancake Sunday today.
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Tridentine Community News - New York's St. Patrick Cathedral to hold Tridentine Mass; The Angel's Prayer from Fatima; Food for thought on the Triditional Mass; TLM Mass schedule


"I will go in unto the Altar of God
To God, Who giveth joy to my youth"

Tridentine Community News by Alex Begin (November 6, 2016):
November 6, 2016 – Resumed Fifth Sunday After Epiphany

New York’s St. Patrick Cathedral to Hold Tridentine Mass


Twenty years ago, in 1996, one of the best attended Tridentine Masses in modern times was held at New York’s St. Patrick Cathedral. The late Alfons Cardinal Stickler, the prefect emeritus of the Vatican Library and a vocal proponent of the Traditional Mass, was the celebrant. The enormous church was overflowing with over 4,000 worshippers. New York’s Archbishop at the time was John Cardinal O’Connor, who had given his blessing to reprint what is now the de facto standard altar missal for the Extraordinary Form in North America, Roman Catholic Books’ Missále Románum 1962. Not long thereafter, a second, more modestly attended Mass was celebrated at St. Patrick’s by Fr. John Perricone. One would think that with such success, additional Tridentine Masses would be held in short order. Unfortunately, such was not the case. Vocal objectors to the Traditional Mass got the Cardinal’s ear, and since that time, despite many efforts, no one has been able to obtain permission to hold another Tridentine Mass there. Until now.


On Monday, November 14 at 7:00 PM, two councils of the Knights of Columbus have arranged the first Traditional Latin Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral in twenty years. It is being promoted as a closing event for the Year of Mercy.

The recent multi-million dollar refurbishment of the cathedral leaves it in pristine shape to host such a Mass. The freestanding altar has been removed, leaving only the High Altar under the baldacchino. The Communion Rail is intact. What a glorious sight it will be to have the Old Rite return there, hopefully on a more regular basis going forward.

The Angel’s Prayer from Fatima


When making a visit to the Blessed Sacrament, or indeed when arriving at a church before Mass, a good way to begin is to pray the Angel’s Prayer from Fatima. It is to be prayed three times, with one’s head profoundly bowed:
My God, I believe, I adore, I trust, and I love Thee! I beg pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not trust, and do not love Thee. O Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, I adore Thee profoundly, and I offer Thee the most precious Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles throughout the world, in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges, and indifference by which He is Himself offended. By the infinite merits of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and by the intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg the conversion of poor sinners.
Food for Thought on the Traditional Mass

Around fifty years ago, Dr. Dietrich von Hildebrand posed the following questions: “Does the new Mass, more than the old, bestir the human spirit – does it evoke a sense of eternity? Does it help raise our hearts from the concerns of everyday life – from the purely material aspects of the world – to Christ? Does it increase reverence, an appreciation of the sacred?”

The texts and rituals of the Tridentine Mass do just that. The Traditional Latin Mass formed Saints over the centuries and continues to inspire commitment to the Holy Catholic Faith today.

Tridentine Masses This Coming Week
  • Mon. 11/07 7:00 PM: Low Mass at St. Josaphat (Feria)
  • Tue. 11/08 7:00 PM: High Requiem Mass at Holy Name of Mary, Windsor (Daily Mass for the Dead)
  • Sat. 11/12 8:30 AM: Low Mass at Miles Christi (St. Martin I, Pope & Martyr)
[Comments? Please e-mail tridnews@detroitlatinmass.org. Previous columns are available at http://www.detroitlatinmass.org. This edition of Tridentine Community News, with minor editions, is from the St. Albertus (Detroit), Academy of the Sacred Heart (Bloomfield Hills), and St. Alphonsus and Holy Name of Mary Churches (Windsor) bulletin inserts for November 6, 2016. Hat tip to Alex Begin, author of the column.]
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Tuesday, November 08, 2016

Fund raiser now closed! $3,650.93!!

How about some unambiguously GOOD news on this otherwise politically tumultuous day? Here it is:

First of all, the solicitations are now ended!!!!! Donations are now officially closed!

But secondly, check this out: YOU have now raised in three weeks a total of $3,650.93 for our friend, Tonya!!!

Today I visited Tonya and presented her with THE certified cashier's check we've been waiting to give her. She couldn't bring herself to open it right then because she was weeping. I told her that I would be in touch if she wished for help in the actual purchase of a car.

I included in the envelope with her check a letter telling her how I went about raising the funds -- by means of this blog, direct emails, and Facebook posts -- all without disclosing her identity, as she wished. I also told her the number of contributions she received. And from where -- one from Mexico, two from Ireland, three from Canada, five from Plymouth, MI, one from Utah, another from Seattle, NC, TN, NY, etc. -- again, without disclosing any names.

I told her how touched I was by your exceeding generosity -- how gifts kept coming in through online donations and checks in denominations mostly in the $50.00 - $100.00 range, a few a bit less, a few much more. And the amazing thing was that MANY of these gifts were from people I've never met! And even more amazing was the fact that all of you were donating to someone unknown to you!

While donations are officially closed, there have been a few additional contributions that have come in, and I will see to it that these are forwarded as soon as possible to Tonya as well. For their most recent contributions, my thanks to Philip Lynch in Ireland (our second contributor from Ireland!), to Peter Paolini, and to Nathaniel Maas Blosser currently assigned to the USS Nimitz in the Pacific.

My hearty thanks to each of you, once again, for your thoughtfulness, kindness, and generosity in contributing to our fund-raiser to help Tonya buy her new (used) car! She told me that she was planning to write a thank you letter to all of you, which I will be posting in the near future. In the meantime, she asks me to convey to each of you her heart-felt gratitude. Not in a long time have I felt so keenly the significance of the metaphor, the 'Body of Christ,' with Christ as our Head and we as His members. I have been profoundly touched by your largesse, and I know Tonya has been too.

Thank you!
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Monday, November 07, 2016

"It's the economy, stupid!" It's the Church, Stupid!

All of us have been obsessing over the politics of the presidential election recently, and with good reason: despite the unfavorable ratings of both candidates, what is at stake are radically divergent platforms and visions of America, our country.

I don't want to go into all that now, but just to remind all of us, as I was reminded recently by Michael Voris, that a far more momentous issue is the battle between radically divergent visions of the Church.

As you pray for a positive outcome of the presidential election tonight, please remember also to pray for the Church and her leaders for fidelity to that which the Apostles received from our Lord and passed on to us (to borrow a recurrent locution of St. Paul) and clear-headed resistance to any revisionist agenda aiming to substitute 'another Gospel' for the one we've received from our Lord.

The future of the world, even of our country, depends far more on the 'health' of the Church than on the outcome of any particular presidential election, as important as that may be. If you know your Bible and Church history, you're well aware of that.
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Sunday, November 06, 2016

Tridentine Masses coming this week to metro Detroit and east Michigan


Tridentine Masses This Coming Week

Sunday


Monday

  • Mon. 11/07 7:30 AM: Low Mass at Assumption Grotto, Detroit (Feria - 4th class, or Daily Mass for the Dead - 3rd class)
  • Mon. 11/07 8:00 AM: Low Mass St. Joseph's Church, Detroit (Feria - 4th class, or Daily Mass for the Dead - 3rd class)
  • Mon. 11/07 12:00 Noon: High Tridentine Mass at Assumption Grotto, Detroit (Feria - 4th class, or Daily Mass for the Dead - 3rd class)
  • Mon. 11/07 7:00 PM: Low Mass at St. Josaphat, Detroit (Feria - 4th class, or Daily Mass for the Dead - 3rd class)
  • Mon. 11/07 7:00 PM: Low Mass at Assumption Grotto, Detroit (Feria - 4th class, or Daily Mass for the Dead - 3rd class) - followed by all night vigil and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament inside the main church with special intentions for the presidential election
  • Mon. 11/07 7:00 PM: Low Mass at St. Joseph's Church, Detroit (Feria - 4th class, or Daily Mass for the Dead - 3rd class)

Tuesday

  • Tue. 11/08 7:00 AM Low Mass at Assumption Grotto, Detroit (Feria - 4th class, or Daily Mass for the Dead - 3rd class, or Four Holy Crowned Martyrs - 4th class)
  • Tue. 11/08 8:00 AM: Low Mass St. Joseph's Church, Detroit (Feria - 4th class, or Daily Mass for the Dead - 3rd class, or Four Holy Crowned Martyrs - 4th class)
  • Tue. 11/08 7:00 PM: Low Mass at Holy Name of Mary, Canada (Feria - 4th class, or Daily Mass for the Dead - 3rd class, or Four Holy Crowned Martyrs - 4th class)
  • Tue. 11/08 7:00 PM: Low Mass at Assumption Grotto, Detroit (Feria - 4th class, or Daily Mass for the Dead - 3rd class, or Four Holy Crowned Martyrs - 4th class)

Wednesday

  • Wed. 11/09 7:30 AM: Low Mass at Assumption Grotto, Detroit (Dedication of the Archbasilica of Our Holy Savior - 2nd class)
  • Wed. 11/09 12:00 Noon: Low Mass St. Joseph's Church, Detroit followed by Perpetual Novena to St. Joseph (Dedication of the Archbasilica of Our Holy Savior - 2nd class)
  • Wed. 11/09 7:00 PM: Low Mass at Assumption Grotto, Detroit (Dedication of the Archbasilica of Our Holy Savior - 2nd class)

Thursday


Friday


Saturday


Sunday


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One more day! Fund raiser at $3,427.65!!

Hello folks. No we haven't forgotten. Here we are on the penultimate eve of the presidential election and the eve of our fund raiser's concluding day: Monday, Nov. 7th.

We just want you to know how GENEROUS you have all been! We have now reached $3,427.65!!! This is impressive! Thank you!!

At the end of the day tomorrow, I will tally up any more donations that have come in and go to the bank and have a certified check cut for the total amount. The following day I will give the check to the lady we've all been praying for and desiring to help. I can't wait!

For anyone still wishing to donate. There's still time. Even checks can be processed after-the-fact as long as you tell me in advance how much you're pledging by emailing me at blosser.philip@shms.edu. I will in turn let you know where to send your check.



Please note that when you click on the 'Donate' button, you will be re-directed to a page that says "Donate to Academy Press" (either by Paypal or credit card). 'Academy Press' is the name of the account which we're using to process donations for Tonya, the single-mother who needs a reliable automobile to get to work.

Thank you for your generosity!!
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Tuesday, November 01, 2016

Thank you! Fundraiser tops goal at $3,015.54

My friends,

How can I thank you! You've exceeded our expectations with a spate of generous donations today! Thank you, Dr. Janet Smith! Thank you Mr. Henry Kuhlman! And a hearty thank you also to our friends with fellow-children at Spiritus Sanctus Academy: Mr. Philip Pucillo, Mr. Guy Winter, Mrs. Maisa Haddad, and from a bit earlier, Tim and Karla Dorweiler, Mrs. Teresa Grindlay, James and Beth Ann Putlock!! And thanks also to our college-era friend Dan Clark from Iowa, who may disagree with our politics but has a heart of gold!

We set out two weeks ago with a goal of $3000.00 not knowing what to expect, but trusting that we were doing the right thing. We knew someone in need, and I was convinced we had the means and willing hearts to do so. Again, I am humbled by your willingness to help a complete stranger based on your trust in me and my report about our friend, Tonya, the woman and sister-in-Christ we're trying to help. I am awed by your generosity in a time when a lot of us are tightening our belts with tuition costs and mortgages, and when our nation is consumed with daily unsettling news from the political and ecclesiastical fronts.

We've also received several leads on places to possibly look for a reasonably priced yet reliable used car for Tonya. Thank you for those leads, Monica Miller, Teresa Grindlay, and Heidi Bratton!

Thank you all sincerely for your willingness to reach out and help this lady. I will keep you posted on developments: when we present our cashier's check to Tonya, when she gets her car, etc.

In the meantime, we will gladly continue accepting donations up through Monday of next week, the day before our national election! Just five more days. We will also gladly accept prayers for Tonya and her family (and her prospective car purchase!!), as well as any further leads or suggestions about possible places to look for automobiles (we want to consider all options)!

Thanks again!! You are all wonderful!! In a time full of depressing and disturbing news, it's wonderful to be reminded of the existence of so many good people in our lives -- people such as yourselves. May the Lord bless you abundantly!

If you would still like to donate, it's not too late; and you can be sure your donation will be put to good use getting Tonya a yet more dependable car to drive to work. You may send a check by emailing me at blosser.philip@shms.edu for instructions. Alternately, you may use the online 'Donate' button below to contribute with a credit card or by means of Paypal online.





Also, please note that when you click on the 'Donate' button, you will be re-directed to a page that says "Donate to Academy Press" (either by Paypal or credit card). 'Academy Press' is the name of the account which we're using to process donations for Tonya.

Thank you for your generosity!!
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Humor: POTUS Trump

The irrepressible Amateur Brain Surgeon, known for his sometimes dark humor, has posted a darkly piece entitled "POTUS Trump. It is a matter of justice." (Mick Jagger gathers no Mosque, October 31, 2016): 

POTUS Trump. It is a matter of justice.

It is a matter of justice that those of us who refuse to vote should end-up with a POTUS who might very well publicly insult some other head of state:
Merkel is a fat ugly idiot.
On a trip to some Latin America country: You call this a country? I’ve see bigger garbage scows, believe me, and I’ll tell you another thing; the garbage scow smelled better.
At a formal White House Dinner: Can we get a high chair for this little Japanese Ambassador? 
because as the national politicians drag us down into Hell, we ought to be able to derive some humorous pleasure out of it, even if it is only a certain form of black humor.
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