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About this blog…
“This blog is like a fusion of the Baroque ‘salon’ with its well-tuned harpsichord around which polite society gathered for entertainment and edification and, on the other hand, a Wild West “saloon” with its out-of-tune piano and swinging doors, where everyone has a gun and something to say. Nevertheless, we try to point our discussions back to what it is to be Catholic in this increasingly difficult age, to love God, and how to get to heaven.” – Fr. Z
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YOUR RECENT COMMENTS
- on Daily Rome Shot 1180: “Hard to imagine a less-fitting design and color-choice unless it were a rainbow pentagram. One can only hope and pray…”
- on ASK FATHER: 8 December 2024 is Immaculate Conception but also the 2nd Sunday of Advent – What to do? – UPDATED: “Hwriggles4- Metropolitan archbishops do not have the authority to dispense the faithful of a suffragan diocese. Each bishop must make…”
- on Daily Rome Shot 1180: “This chasuble is ugly, but it still compares favourably to the tie died horrors they inflicted on Benedict XVI in…”
- on Daily Rome Shot 1180: “Right after the fire, they started raising funds to rebuild Notre Dame. I thought to myself, “When will I ever…”
- on New book SHUTS DOWN the old chestnut objections to the Traditional Latin Mass. Get ready to respond to objections and to deepen your understanding.: “Dear samwise, There are many ways to gain expertise: by academic degree, by self-study, or as an adjunct area to…”
- on Letter of Bp. Jude Noble to the Faithful of the Diocese of Black Duck concerning 8 December 2024: “Father, you mention that the 1962 rubrics allows the Feast of the Immaculate Conception to take precedence over a Sunday…”
- on ASK FATHER: 8 December 2024 is Immaculate Conception but also the 2nd Sunday of Advent – What to do? – UPDATED: “After reading this yesterday I was motivated to do some further research. Several dioceses and archdioceses are giving dispensations -…”
- on Daily Rome Shot 1180: “Magnus Carlsen won the first of two “Freestyle” games against Fabiano Caruana in Singapore. Game two is today. Meanwhile, the…”
- on Letter of Bp. Jude Noble to the Faithful of the Diocese of Black Duck concerning 8 December 2024: “This just shows the farcical situation of having two calendars according two Missalia of the one Roman Rite. Its far…”
- on New book SHUTS DOWN the old chestnut objections to the Traditional Latin Mass. Get ready to respond to objections and to deepen your understanding.: “samwise: Stop digging. As far as an audio version, you didn’t read my post much less the book. You have…”
- on ASK FATHER: 8 December 2024 is Immaculate Conception but also the 2nd Sunday of Advent – What to do? – UPDATED: “The problem with the comment by Joseph Corvus is that it makes sense, clearly more than we can expect from…”
- on Letter of Bp. Jude Noble to the Faithful of the Diocese of Black Duck concerning 8 December 2024: “Problem is that even setting aside the very strange American Saturday-and-Monday dispensations (is the Immaculate Conception an exception to that…”
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1. I feel better today, the nerve pain in my leg is gone.
2. I love my job.
3. I love praying and I’m getting better at it.
4. The neighbors don’t complain about the banjo.
5. It’s spring.
6. I have 3 tomato plants and 6 butterfly bushes which are all healthy.
My wife told me last night we’re expecting our sixth! Seventh, if you count the baby we miscarried. A blessing, no matter how you slice it.
Bishop Garcia of the Diocese of Monterey, California is now allowing those that attend the Latin Mass to receive Holy Communion on the tongue during the Swine Flu outbreak. Only the Latin Mass is allowed this, the NO Masses are not supposed to even shake hands for the sign of peace. Deo Gratias!
I’m almost done with my second year of theology in the seminary. Three years to ordination!! September I start my pastoral year.
One of my brothers passed his exam for his drivers licence :D
tomorrow fssp in urbe has solemn high mass in pantheon at 2 pm and that is rather positive.
Angelica:
Thank you for sharing. How interesting. I rarely get out to the EF Mass in San Juan Bautista but go to Carmel Mission instead. However it would seem if you’re allowed to receive on the tongue at one liturgy, you should be able to at all of them… oh well!
I spent an hour before the Blessed Sacrament last night!
A group who wishes to be introduced to the Extraordinary Form will be coming to a High Mass tomorrow at our FSSP parish.
Last week I reported that the parish where I’m a catechist was planning a May Crowning for the first time in years. It stopped raining for the procession, and although only 2 of us there had ever attended one before, it went pretty well.
Also, I wore my chapel veil there (it’s not the parish I attend) and the steeple didn’t fall….
And my baby has started getting the hiccups–only 4 months to go!
My son will be ordained transitional deacon this Sunday. Prayers are welcomed.
My Monastic Diurnal arrived in the post today! So I’m happy because I can start learning the traditional Benedictine office, and my sister is happy because I can give her my English LoH which is on her list of stuff to bring when she enters the convent.
The sun is shining.
God has shown us His mercy once again in this lovely day – sunny or not (I’ll remind myself of that the next time I have to cycle through the pouring rain).
Ordained to the Priesthood on Sunday! Thanks be to God! Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/josephop/May2009Ordination#
I have been in an FSSP chapel for ten years. I read with amusement all the stories we have missed over those years. A homosexual archbishop? Who would believe it? A pope who was/wasn’t in Die Jugend? Nein! We have four priests and we enjoy a wonderful sense of order. They protect their flock from all this schmutz. Benedicamus Domino!
Next week I’ll have an extra day off, which I will spent in front of the Blessed Sacrament ih the Cathedral St. Joseph. And I’m counting down the days before I start my pilgrimage….
Congratulations Fr. Andrew!
One of my best friend’s brothers is being ordained a transitional deacon for the Lincoln, NE diocese May 22nd!!
My fiance is miraculously recovering from ovarian cancer! We believe it is through the prayers of Fr. Joseph Muzquiz, a priest of Opus Dei. And she’s a Methodist turning the corner slowly toward Catholicism.
Brian in Wisconsin:
Congratulations! May God bless you and your wife and children during this special time of expectation!
Dennis:
Congrats to you and your family! We’ll be praying for him and all seminarians. Vocations come from strong families, so you and your family are to be congratulated for leading your son to listen to God’s call. Deo Gratias!
Fr. Andrew:
Congratulations to you as well! May God bless the Ordination Class of 2009.
My sister was accepted to her first-choice college, a rather selective conservatory. She’ll soon be living less than 45 minutes from me after six years of living 2,000 miles apart!
None of my kids are crying, for now. Yeah!
My son with autism spectrum disorder will be moved from special ed to general ed, as well as moved to a better and closer school. Please pray for him and for me as we decide how best to handle first reconciliation and communion. (If anyone has any advice, that wouldn’t be turned away either…saintinthemaking@gmail.com.)
I’ve been accepted to postulancy at a monastery.
My sister-in-law was in labor this morning, but got to the hospital and they got it stopped. Since she’s only 26 weeks pregnant, stopping labor is a very good thing.
Just yesterday, I rid the back closet of our Sacristy from the plagues of the 70’s era silk-nightgown-style vestments, as well as the too-short-for-even-the-shortest-priest-style chasubles with rainbow chalices embroidered on it. This was done for us and for posterity. Hoorah! Oh…I found the one dalmatic that we own; that’s gone as well: we decided the brown wool falling off of the faded yellow material was a bit too much. ;-)
Tomorrow is one of my favorite feast days…Our Lady of Fatima!
I am graduating from high school.
I have found my soul-mate and we are going to Adoration together this evening as we do ever Tuesday evening to be with our Lord.
Oh, and people, this feed is for “good news” comments, not your outrage of something Father Z posted somewhere else. Be considerate of what he is asking of us. Send him a personal email instead of making it public in another feed. It makes you sound disingenuous. None of us want to read it, either.
My husband got the job he applied for, after a very long, stressful process. This is practically his dream job, and the town that we are moving to has a plethora of reverent Masses to choose from.
My son, Doninic Augustine, turns 3 weeks old tomorrow. He and mom are doing great. Praise God!
That’s DOMINIC
After much trial and many setbacks, our Marian devotions will begin tonight (God willing!).
And my sons are coming to visit.
It is a beautiful day.
I have a wonderful spiritual director. I am also blessed with a very good confessor. And I can get to a TLM one Sunday a month and the FSSP hopes to be able to bring that to every week starting this summer! May they have many more HOLY vocations!
The peonies this year are amazing.
I left my troubles on the altar last Sunday and I now know they won’t be there next Sunday. Deo gratias!
Yes, I do have some good news. Those of you who were so helpful last week when
I was whining about the music at our church…my prayers have been answered, at
least for this week. On Sunday a guest organist and choir from a prestigious
Manhattan church will be providing the music at one of our Masses. Thanks be
to God!
Lost my sons car keys on our street. Found them!! Thank you St. Anthony.
Its my birthday today and I graduate (Masters) on Saturday. I also have been notified I am leading graduate students of my college in the ceremony.
Last Saturday we had a procession honoring Our Lady, Queen of Heaven and Earth. It was a three mile walk with rosary and hymns, carrying the statue of Our Lady of Fatima through the streets of Sacramento, ending at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. Our FSSP priests from St. Stephen the First Martyr celebrated Solemn High Mass with 40 some altar boys processing and in attendance, and St. Stephen’s schola, choir and choristers outdoing themselves (forgive the pride). The Cathedral was full. Four priests distributed Holy Communion with kneelers set up at the center and side aisles. This is the third time in as many years that St. Stephen’s has held such a Mass at the Cathedral. Each time the pews are more crowded than the last time. The May crowning followed Mass. Deo Gratias.
The Catholic hospital in my area has gotten rid of a really ugly modern Holy Family and instead, a very traditional statue of St. Joseph and the Child Jesus is in the hallway.
I have what I think might be great news, filed under the “brick by brick” department. My home parish just got a new pastor, a priest I’ve known for some time. He is very orthodox, and already changes are being made. First, he has already moved the tabernacle from its hidden place on the side where it was surrounded by artificial trees and flowers, to directly behind the altar, where it belongs. Second, he is in the process of removing the risen Christ that is behind the altar and replacing it with an actual crucifix (my parish is merging, and so he’s bringing the crucifix from the other church that is merging into ours and using that behind the altar). Third, and this isn’t confirmed yet but I am almost certain this is what’s happening, but we have a beautiful choir with an excellent director and organist, except for the fact that he’s one of those directors who does things his way and not the church’s way. An example, after the Gospel reading, he has the choir sing the Alleluia a second time. Anyway, we also have a problem where after communion they always sing their most rousing song, and every single time, no matter how good or mediocre the performance (and I use that word intentionally) may be, the people always give them a round of applause. Our previous pastor attempted to address this, but it only made the people more defiant. Anyway, the choir is set right up by the altar, off to the side (more prominent than the tabernacle!). What I think and am almost certain the new pastor is doing is removing them from that spot and placing them in what will become the choir loft in the back of the church and a floor up. That used to be a choir loft several decades ago, but it was transformed into a cry room for children. Anyway, finally they will at least no longer be a visible focus.
The other thing about this priest, when he gives homilies, he talks about sin. He doesn’t pussyfoot around it. He talks about its objective reality. He even from time to time speaks of indulgences, and properly catechizes from the pulpit. It’s wonderful. We are truly blessed to have this new pastor.
Had our annual May Crowning this past Sunday during our weekly TLM. I also was blessed to serve
for the first time!
On Mother’s Day my seven year old and five year old grandsons shared some shocking, exciting, miraculous news with me…their Mommy (and Daddy, my eldest son)are having a baby! I never, ever expected this (neither did Mommy and Daddy (^;!) but nothing could be better.
Thank God for such an unexpected blessing. May I never forget to thank Him for this and all the blessings He has given me and my family.
A large, strong of Sumatra coffee (just like Fr. Z)!
This always cheers me up, by reminding me that God is merciful:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo7TKBxqno8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJJT108WZ7o
Our parish pastor has returned today after having suffered his second stroke and being in hospital for an extended period. God be praised!
My niece just made her First Communion.
Christ is Risen! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
My 15 year old just chanted a high Mass and did a beautiful job. The pastor has done an excellent job training 3 other boys…and in about a month they will sing a Requiem Mass. They have beautiful voices! Two other sons served the High Mass, and the 13 year old chanted some of the Morning Prayers. God has been so good to us to have such a good priest/mentor for the boys!
My best friend had her first baby on Saturday! And, even though he is premature, he is getting excellent medical care. (Prayers for his speedy recovery would still be appreciated, though)
My friends’ babies were Baptized on Sunday. Well, Hester Mary Bernadette (my friend Bridget’s little girl) was baptized and Matthew (my friend Barbara’s little boy) was welcomed into the church as he had an emergency baptism as he was premature. It was a great way to spend mother’s day.
I saw our friend, Fr. Juan Maria Solana, LC, on the stage with the Holy Father yesterday at the Notre Dame Institute in Jerusalem, looking good as always.
My wife gave birth to our first child yesterday!
Thank you Lord for a safe delivery and our beautiful baby boy!
With the help of the Holy Spirit and Our Blessed Mother I sailed through a rather grueling project presentation in front of a room full of bigwigs at work today.
Now time for cold beer :)
I love these posts…especially that last one from Jake.
My daughter just won the award for teacher of the year at Christ the King Catholic School in Dallas. AND…she gave me a copy of Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI for Mother’s Day.
To all of you good fellow Catholics: congratulations and blessings!
My son remembered it was Mother’s day on sunday and called me!!
I’m still pregnant in spite of the problems we have had keeping me pregnant! Prayers for getting our little girl here are always welcome!!
I’ve got the best husband.
I’m getting married in 3 days, 17 hours, 5 mins, and 5 seconds to the most beautiful woman on this earth!
My 3rd grade catechism students made their First Communions recently. They were ready, willing and able to answer the questions Father asked them during his homily.
— Maria S.
My brother finished his BS in neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh a couple weeks ago and is working at one of their labs. He’s not sure if he wants to go into medicine or get his doctorate in neuro.
I also just bought my first new car and I’ve been speaking with my parish’s recruitment director for the Knights of Columbus.
Yesterday was the 4th anniversary of my return to the Church! It was also my blog’s 1st birthday. (I started my blog in celebration of my return to the Church.)
I kept on celebrating this morning with Confession and am all set to start my 5th year as a practicing Catholic! :D
I got my tickets yesterday to fly up and check out the seminary I may be attending in the fall.
My schola sounded awesome last night, portending good things (I hope) for when we sing this coming Sunday.
Last Sunday my beginning chant choir, which is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary as Queen of Heaven chanted our first full NO Mass. Hopefully the first of many
I have arranged to have lessons with one of the priests at my FSSP parish so that I can be welcomed into the Church! This is great news for me, it’s been a long-cberished dream!
My family just got home from a bowling party at our TLM parish bowlatorium. Yes, our FSSP parish has its own bowling alley. What fun!
A good priest friend of mine from Scranton, PA is going to Rome for additional studies at the Pontifical Biblical Institute and two other friends will be studying in Rome for the diocese of Rochester. Only a few more years until Bishop Clark retires!!! YAY!!
This Sunday at the TLM we will be singing as a recessional hymn, “Bring Flowers of the Fairest”.
I’ve been asked to serve as Deputy Grand Knight of my Knights of Columbus council and as Outer Sentinel of my 4th Degree Assembly.
Good news you say? I have now served within the Extraordinary Mass twice, yet I have been attending it for about two years: I started going when I was 18. To tell you the truth I thought I knew enough of the mass to get by. When I started serving I realized I had underestimated the entire depth of it all; I had just submerged myself in the shallow end of a universal and historically rich rite.
One aspect I like about serving is the sense of great respect for Christ as we unworthily help the priest out. Here is an image that comes to my mind. The servers and the priest are similar to the pre-holy spiritized apostles (I know, I am making up words now) and the post-holy spiritized apostles. The servers gravel whenever they approach God, crawling up to God (or going up the steps while still kneeling) because of their unworthiness to even be so close to God. Everything that happens on the altar is a mystery to us servers; we are blind to the true form of Christ. In some ways, the servers can partake in what the apostles felt at the transfiguration: the awe and the fear when they saw Jesus as he truly is, yet blinded to what happened. The Priest is like what the apostles became when they received the Holy Spirit. While they are still sinners, they have an unchangeable mark on their soul that allows them to approach God and face him. The priest, as he leads the mass, has a better understanding of who Jesus is and what is going on. The priest may also help participate in Gods creation by changing bread and wine and flesh, but I don’t really need to go further into the role of the priest. Kind of obvious what they are and do since they are here because of the apostolic succession.
So far, whenever I don’t know what to do, I do what feels right. Funny thing is when I do what feels right: it is. When I shy away from what feels right, it is wrong. Its like pouring cement mixture in a mold, it just can’t help but shape itself to it. If the substance tries to resist the mold, it is not the mold that breaks, but the substance itself. When serving, the server tries to align himself to the mass. If he tries to resist or just happens to do something wrong, it somehow feels incorrect. There seems to, in my mind anyway, be less room for error for both server and priest.
Started my own blog! thepinoycatholic.blogspot.com Huzzah!
Exemplified as a 4th degree Knight of Columbus, the highest degree of the brotherhood! Huzzah!
My youngest child is receiving her First Confession this week-end
My youngest child is receiving her First Holy Communion at Pentecost in the Traditional Roman Rite (One hundred years and a day after her namesake – her great-great grandmother).
My Brother and his bride-to-be will be married in June
My Wife and I will be celebrating our 8th wedding anniversary in June.
I live in a small, backwater, rinky-dink diocese with fewer than 100,000 catholics (Kalamazoo, MI)…we have 19 seminarians including four of which are at the NAC in the Vatican. In the last 10 years we have ordained about a dozen priests, most all of whom are faithful, traditional and orthodox pastors…as are all of those seminarians I mentioned. We have 24 hour Eucharistic adoration, regular tridentine masses, a dynamic Catholic homeschool community and a robust Catholic Information Center. Praise God and thanks so much to Him.
This…Father Z…is all good news!
May God richly bless you, those whom you love, and those for whom you pray…and everyone reading this today!
I just mailed an article I wrote, “St. Joan of Arc-How Americans Perceive Her”, to a writer in Paris whom I met at Auriesville Shrine on April 30. I hope he likes it!
Congratulations on your ordination, Fr. Andrew-especially in this ‘Year of the Priest’!
A good priest friend of mine from Scranton, PA is going to Rome for additional studies at the Pontifical Biblical Institute and two other friends will be studying in Rome for the diocese of Rochester. –Jim
Jim, your friends will be in good company. My cousin, Fr. Paul Nord, OSB is there having completed his first year, and has 3-4 to go. He’s to teach at the St. Meinrad Seminary.
Congratulations and prayers, Father Andrew!
The spring semester is over and I only have one more year of coursework for my PhD. That also means that I get to move out of Los Angeles next year!
I just found out that my boyfriend (who is 30 years old,) has NEVER received Communion in the hand! wow! doesn’t that make you jealous?
I received The Mass and the Saints by Thomas Crean for mother’s day. This is a book of quotes from the saints regarding the mass and different parts. You may like this Fr.
Child number four is head-down (no longer transverse & breech) and could come at any time. Child numero uno turns 4 on Friday.
I witnessed the ordaination of three men to the transitional Diaconate and one to the Priesthood (Fr. Andrew OP, above) this past Sunday!
Deo Gratias.
On May 9th I gave birth to my TWINS! Marcel and Lucia.
My daughter has finally moved back home.