Great news

Folks, I received very good news today. Three sources confirmed something for me of great importance and a matter of consolation. At the moment, it is best not to publish it or talk too much about it, until it is brought to light by the proper authority.

Nevertheless, I would kindly ask readers of WDTPRS in print and in this blog general to say in advance a prayer of thanksgiving to God. Whenever we have petitions, it is good to add a prayer of thanks together with the petition.

So, I ask you kindly to say a prayer of thanks for something in particular, even if you don’t know yet what it is. I am really not trying to be cagey with this. Sometimes people who run blogs or write articles rush to publicize something before its times and, in doing so, create unnecessary complications. Just say a prayer of praise to God, for this and other blessings in your lives.

We praise Thee, O God:
we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord.
All the earth doth worship Thee:
the Father everlasting.

To Thee all Angels cry aloud:
the heavens and all the powers therein.
To Thee Cherubin and Seraphin:
continually do cry,
Holy, Holy, Holy:
Lord God of Sabaoth;
Heaven and earth are full
of the Majesty: of Thy glory.

The glorious company of the Apostles: praise Thee.
The goodly fellowship of the Prophets: praise Thee.
The noble army of Martyrs: praise Thee.

The holy Church throughout all the
world: doth acknowledge Thee;
The Father: of an infinite majesty;
Thine honourable, true: and only Son;
Also the Holy Ghost: the Comforter.

Thou art the King of glory: O Christ.
Thou art the everlasting Son: of the Father.

When thou tookest upon Thee to deliver man
Thou didst not abhor the Virgin’s womb.

When Thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death:
Thou didst open the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

Thou sittest at the right hand of God:
in the glory of the Father.

We believe that Thou shalt come: to be our Judge.

We therefore pray Thee, help Thy servants:
whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy precious blood.

Make them to be numbered with Thy Saints:
in glory everlasting.

O Lord, save Thy people:
and bless Thine heritage.
Govern them:
and lift them up for ever.

Day by day: we magnify Thee;
And we worship Thy Name:
ever world without end.

Vouchsafe, O Lord:
to keep us this day without sin.
O Lord, have mercy upon us:
have mercy upon us.

O Lord, let Thy mercy lighten upon us:
as our trust is in Thee.
O Lord, in Thee have I trusted:
let me never be confounded.

About Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Fr. Z is the guy who runs this blog. o{]:¬)
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62 Comments

  1. What? says:

    By “proper authority” do you mean “the superior authority”?

  2. Tim Ferguson says:

    Laudetur Dominus!

  3. Jon says:

    Father,

    Remember those two Tennesseans in John Wayne’s “The Alamo?” Well, I’ll put their question to you:

    Do this mean what I think it do?

  4. Kevin says:

    Sounds exciting, anyway. We can guess, I suppose, based on your interests?

  5. Jordan Potter says:

    Well, it’s always fitting and just to give thanks to the Lord, our God, whether or not we know what it is you’ve asked us to give thanks for. (Though I imagine we all know pretty well what it is.)

    Since today is the Feast of Saints Crispin and Crispinian, perhaps we ought to sing “Non nobis” (thinking of your Shakespearian reference today).

  6. The Te Deum, mmmmm, but in the vernacular errrrr?
    How soon though?

  7. tim says:

    Deo Gratias! But do let us know after it can be revealed what it was, Ok? Unless it will be obvious, eh? ;-)

  8. fr.franklyn says:

    Thank you Jesus! Thank You Jesus!

  9. tim says:

    Tim F., that is certainly great news, but I do hope the news is better than that.

  10. Matthew says:

    Fr. J:
    I did as asked and prayed the Te Deum for your intention and for the graces that are abundant in my own life.
    That being said a question: Why is it that “The glorious company of Apostles, prais you.” Should this not read “PRAISES You”? The subject of the sentence is ‘company’ not “Apostles’.
    Just askin’.
    Matthew

  11. Tim F: You refered to this: >>By the way, the regularly scheduled Novos [sic] Ordo Masses at St. Peters are all now in Latin – except for the readings – which are in a variety of languages and the homily – and it is chanted.<< Nope. That is also great news, of course.

  12. Matthew says:

    Sorry, that should read in the first instance “praises You.”

  13. Matthew says:

    My guess is Reggie Foster and his new school.

  14. Ferde Rombola says:

    Obviously it’s the second coming of Our Lord.

    Can’t wait!

  15. Henry Edwards says:

    Remember those two Tennesseans …

    The Te Deum, mmmmm, but in the vernacular errrrr?

    As a genuine vernacular Tennessean, let me say that Fr. Z’s translation Do Say What The Prayer Really Means. (“When thou tookest upon Thee” … Just like they talk down at the store!) A very nice translation, indeed.

  16. Ferde: Right! NEW FLASH!! The Lord is Coming! I don’t think we needed needed three sources to confirm that, however.

  17. Henry: I think it is from the Book of Common Prayer.

  18. tim says:

    Re: praise vs. praises: isn’t that a common UK-english idiom to use teh plural verb for a collective noun?

    As in, Manchester United have won the FA Cup?

  19. JB Kuang says:

    Yes, Yes, Yes. Te Deum laudamus.

    Let us pray even more fervently.

  20. I know, I know:
    Upon review of the new English translation of the Mass, the Vatican has decided that America had better universally revert back to Latin liturgies, so as to rehabilitate the population in their sense of the sacred. With all this excitement, it can’t be anything less! :)

  21. Tim Ferguson says:

    In light of St. Crispin’s day, may we sing “Non nobis” along with Te Deum?

  22. Maureen says:

    As fellow body parts of the Body of Christ, of course we give thanks and rejoice with you — even though we haven’t got a clue what we’re rejoicing about!

    So I will make an intrinsically Christian gesture of hope — I’ll cross my fingers!

  23. Brian Day says:

    Fr. Z,

    Any sense to the timing of the announcement?

  24. Catholic Lady says:

    Interesting that the expectation of news has resulted in more comments than actual news.

    Patiently and with thanksgiving, we wait.

  25. I’m with Catholic Lady. The ladies will wait patiently like they did at the Tomb

  26. Jeffrey Stuart says:

    The new phonebooks are here? ;)

    -Stu

    (I will remain optimistic that this is what we have all been waiting for.)

  27. Henry Edwards says:

    I will remain optimistic that this is what we have all been waiting for.

    I assume, Jeffrey, that you assume that Fr. Z means that the Pope has finally decided to reject the “for all” translation of pro multis in the new English translation of the Novus Ordo.

  28. RBrown says:

    It will interesting to see whether there is any co-ordination between the would-be Motu Proprio on the use of the 1962 Missal and the Apostolic Exhortation following the Synod on the Eucharist.

    And I hope that sometime in the future some document would make direct reference to Veterum Sapientia.

  29. Something close to this translation (3 differences) was used by the Lutheran church I grew up in. The end of this prayer (starting with “Dignare, Domine”) played a role in my becoming Catholic.

    I’d venture that this has something that will apply to “the Holy Church throughout all the world”.

  30. Jeffrey Stuart says:

    One thing at a time Mr. Edwards. Though maybe the new phonebooks are here. :)

    -Stu

  31. Rahem Ensar says:

    +
    JMJ

    Deo Gratias! Amice me! Quemadmodem cervus…..AMDG

    Lacho calad! Drego Morn!

  32. Dan Hunter says:

    Dear Father Zuhlsdorf,thank you for all the sacred and beautiful work you have done for the betterment of our Catholic Faith,and this news sounds important.Father would it make Bishop Antonio de Castro Mayer happy if he were still alive.Is it making him happy now?God Bless you,Father

  33. Sidney says:

    Deo Gratias!

  34. MJ says:

    Fr:
    Will this make a big difference to us in the Diocese of Lincoln? I have a liturgy meeting tonight and would love to be albe to update them on the lastest. We anxiously and prayerfully await the news~!!!

  35. Fr Jerome says:

    Dearest Father John

    I will offer my Tridentine Mass tomorrow in thanksgiving and for yuour intention… I hope it’s what we’ve all been praying for…!

  36. Sidney says:

    Is it about the Indult of St Pius V Mass???????
    Please, tell me YES!

    Deo Gratias!

  37. RBrown: >>And I hope that sometime in the future some document would make direct reference to Veterum Sapientia.<< *whew*... wouldn't that be something? Quote it in a real way?

  38. David says:

    Please let it be what I hope and pray it is.

    Mater misericordiae ora pro nobis!

  39. Deacon Jeffery BeBeau says:

    I’ve taken The Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described by Fortescue-O’Connell off the books shelf and began to re-read it in anticipation of Fr. Z’s joyful news. I hope its the right book.

    :-)

  40. seamas o dalaigh says:

    Father,

    Done.

    James Daly

  41. Siobhan says:

    Dear Father, thank you for sharing your tidings of joy with us. We have sung the Te Deum tonight joining in your thanksgiving. And we also sang a Non Nobis for St. Crispin’s Day! We hold you in our prayers. Please give us your blessing.
    Yours in these Two Hearts, Jesus and Mary,

    Siobhan, Maeve, and family

  42. Diane says:

    Did someone say, “Te Deum Laudamus”?

    Wonderful reminder Father, of the need to give thanks, even when we don’t yet know what we are thankful for. Deo Gratias!

    I feel like a kid at Christmas waiting on this news.

    God Bless and do announce it when you can!!!

  43. AuntieD says:

    “Company” is a singular whole and uses the singular verb.

    I, too, said the Te Deum in thanksgiving for whatever is coming. It’s exciting
    to imagine all the different things it could be: JPII’s beatification, reunion
    with the Eastern Orthodox, a revival of solemn Catholic worship, etc. As He
    wills.

    + + + “That in All Things God May Be Glorified” + + +

  44. Brian Murphy says:

    Yes, perhaps it will be Christmas in November this year. I can’t wait to see what our Holy Father has in store fous.

  45. DCN JB: >>Fortescue-O’Connell<< Always interesting reading, that. So is the Latin grammar of Guildersleeve & Lodge.

  46. Fr Jerome says:

    If reading Fortesque O\’Connell may I suggest purchasing the latest revised edition edited by The Revd Dr Alcuin Reid? It is much easier reading than the original editions for where they don\’t mention things because it is assumed you are doing it already – he fills in the gaps, which makes up for the lack of regular practice!

    Te Deum and the \’real\’ Mass offered in anticipatory thanksgiving Father Z!

  47. Fr. Jerome: Of course “real” by virtue of it being celebrated by a validly ordained priest with faculties and according to a properly authorized edition of the Missale Romanum. VBG

  48. Pingback: Vigilate et Orate :: Es kommt (sehr) bald… :: October :: 2006

  49. Christopher says:

    Tim: Yes, the British do many times use plural verbs with collective nouns,
    while here in the States we use the singular verb.

    British: “The choir are going on tour.”
    States: “The choir is going on tour.”

    But the Brits don’t always use the plural, so I haven’t figured out the “rules.”

    In any case, this translation is from the Book of Common Prayer and is probably
    the translation used by Catholics before the Reformation.

    Fr. Z: Thanks for this news. I know you can’t say, but I’m guessing that it is
    the ‘freeing’ of the TLM. Can’t wait to see what form it takes.

  50. Paul Haley says:

    When the motu-proprio is issued, do you believe EWTN will immediately begin
    celebrating the Mass according to the 1962 missal? And, do you believe the
    restrictions previously imposed on the SSPX will be lifted?

  51. Paul: Wow. Good questions. I suppose that the rulings of the USCCB on televising Masses will still be in place and the local bishop will need to be included. I am delighted by the idea, however. Still, I wonder if that group in Birmingham is interested in the older form?

    Will the “restrictions” on the SSPX be lifted? Well, there is the matter of the excommunications: those will be individual matters, I think. Otherwise, their clerics are suspended a divinis. The SSPX and its clerics will need to make individual or a large collective move toward the Holy See to obtain faculties and reconciliation. I believe that the Holy Father is trying to send signals that he would like them to ask for help.

  52. ED says:

    Let’s hope it’s even more than we expected!!!

  53. Henry Edwards says:

    When the motu-proprio is issued, do you believe EWTN will immediately begin celebrating the Mass according to the 1962 missal?

    EWTN’s daily televised Mass is celebrated by priests of her associated Franciscan order. If and when they have in place a sympathetic bishop, this Mass will surely be televised from Mother Angelica’s Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament. The ad orientem Latinate Novus Ordo there is a step beyond any yet seen on TV – perhaps closer in intensity and spirituality to the TLM than you might think the Novus Ordo could get.

    I believe you’ll also see occasional TLMs broadcast on EWTN but (at least initially) celebrated by others.

    Of course, all this depends on the new episcopal appointment for the Diocese Birmingham, which has now been vacant almost 18 months, since barely two weeks after Benedict’s installation.

    One would assume Rome knows this appointment is critical to future liturgical development, since EWTN reaches and influences far more faithful Catholics throughout the world than any ordinary bishop has direct access to.

  54. Diane says:

    I’ve often run into people complaining about the friars at EWTN because they may not be traditional enough for some folks. But, I’ll give them this much: They have a reverent Mass – far more than most can hope to experience anywhere in their diocese. Young people especially talk with enthusiasm saying, “I want an EWTN style Mass”. This is recognized by progressive priests as well. In one local parish, a priest took a jab, saying “We don’t do that here because this is the real world, not EWTN”

    Thanks for your insights Henry – as always!

  55. Scott says:

    I of course can’t say for sure about EWTN, but I have met some big EWTN “stars” after indult Masses in D.C. So there are at least important people there who dearly love the 62 missal.

    The thought of it on EWTN has made me happy again. :)

    pax,
    Scott

  56. Paul Haley says:

    Fr. Z, I just had the thought that if Pope Benedict XVI were to release the
    motu-proprio at a Pontifical Mass, concelebrating with the SPPX bishops, in St.
    Peter’s Basilica he would at once bring modernism to its knees, prove the SSPX
    is not outside the Church and unite all traditional Catholics under the banner
    of unity in support of and allegiance to the Holy Father. Under such circum-
    stances he could point out that previous announcements regarding the SSPX were
    null and void, the Society having accepted the authority of the Bishop of Rome.
    He could continue that much work remains to integrate fully the SSPX into the
    daily life of the Church but that the work has already begun in a spirit of
    understanding and unity of belief. He could have his private messenger contact
    the Society with plans for such an event and ask for their concurrence and
    participation. Do your sources have the ear of the Holy Father?
    unity of belief.

  57. Joe says:

    Whatever it is,m let us give heartfelt thanks to God.

    On the subject of UK- versus US-English grammar, here in the UK a very bad habit seems to be is gaining ground where the collective singular noun is ignored and is thus followed by a plural verb. This is grammatically incorrect and, though it’s a bit hard for an Emglishman to say, you have it right in the US. The correct form, is for example “Manchester United has won the match” not “have” or, “the Government has been defeated in the House of Commons”.

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