What Does The Prayer Really Say?
W D T P R S

From the Regular Guy we find this:

 USCCB President To Participate In Latin Mass

His Eminence Francis Cardinal George, Archbishop of Chicago, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, will assist in a celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM):

    Francis Cardinal George at Special Event at the Shrine of Christ the King

    On Saturday, Decemer 29th, His Eminence Francis Cardinal George will come to the Shrine of Christ the King to solemnly crown the statue of the Divine Infant King. This crowning will occur during a Solemn High Mass at which His Eminence will assist. The Mass, at 1:30 pm, will be celebrated inside the church building, which is under restoration.

    All are welcome to attend this moment of grace in the history of our Shrine.

The Shrine is located at 6401 S. Woodlawn Ave. in Chicago, just south of the University of Chicago campus. Perhaps I’ll see you there.

Although I have been critical of Cardinal George’s actions (and inactions) in the past, I applaud the Cardinal’s continuing support for the TLM and those who prefer it, including the Institute of Christ the King, and the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius.

Things are looking brighter every day!

Remember my remark some time ago: "Did someone find the keys for the old dusty wardrobes?"

I think they did.

As Shouts points out, this chair, so much more dignified than the one we have seen for years in the Basilica, has been around for a while.

Meanwhile for the Urbi et Orbi blessing…

Precious miter of John Paul I, cope of John XXIII, throne of Leo XIII.   ‘Nuf said. 

And there is the not so little matter of the famous Seventh Candle.



"But Father!  But Father!", some of you are no doubt saying, "What’s with that seventh candle thing anyway?  Big deal!"

Yes, it is a big deal.   It is a signal to a watching world.  Indeed the whole world was watching, too: this was the televised Midnight Mass.

The seventh candle could be used for Pontifical High Mass when celebrated by an Ordinary in his diocese (or by the Pope anywhere, of course). The seventh candle, placed in the middle and in line with the other six, but it should be a little higher.  This pushes the crucifix a little out of line… which also emphasizes it, in my opinion.  Pope Benedict is acutely sensitive to the position of the Cross during Holy Mass. 

I wonder when the last time it was used?

The Holy Father, with his choice of vestments and the accouterments for the altar for Mass and for Vespers during Advent, not to mention the change of Master of Ceremony, is giving us a new orientation for divine worship. 

Old cabinets are being opened, wardrobes explored, curtains drawn back in rooms that have been locked, boxes brought into the light once again. 

Time to buy stock in silver and gold polish companies as well as the makers of dusters and citrus oils.