Big Roman Numerals

Posted on 19 January 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I recently saw that someone had listed his phone number in Roman numbers, probably to avoid spam-calls.  Creative!

Also, not entirely easy to do, especially when the last four digits are pretty high.

Ancient Roman numerals don’t go very high.  The ancients had a hard time imagining big numbers.  A Roman would say that a countless bunch of things was “600”.  Today, on the other hand, the Obama Administration has the opposite problem, but with trillions.

So, just as we solved the problem of symbols for liturgical texts, versicle and response, HERE, how about some of the Roman numerals from the Medieval period, such as the V with a bar over it to signify 5000?

For example, in the famous song there is the number

867-5309

One way would be: DCCCLXVII-MMMMMCCCIX  – clunky with all those M’s, or … well… I don’t know the code for the character that looks like a V with a bar over it, but for backward C Perhaps U+2184 – (࢈) A number like the one in the other song, 777-9311 could be a real mess. We need a symbol for 10,000 such as 2182 (ࢆ) – thus with 2182 DCCLXX-M(&#2182)CCCII. No? And that other one with 2181 could be shorted to (&#2181)CCCIX. No? They are not displaying for me.

Any ideas?

UPDATE:

Second try…:

Perhaps U+2184 – ࢈ A number like the one in the other song, 777-9311 could be a real mess. We need a symbol for 10,000 such as 2182 ࢆ – thus with 2182 DCCLXX-MࢆCCCII. No? And that other one with 2181 could be shorted to ࢅCCCIX. No? They are not displaying for me.

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YOUR URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

Posted on 19 January 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Please use the sharing buttons!  Thanks!

Continued from THESE.

YOUR URGENT PRAYER REQUESTSI get many requests by email asking for prayers. Many requests are heart-achingly grave and urgent.

We should support each other in works of mercy.

As long as my blog reaches so many readers in so many places, let’s give each other a hand.

YOUR URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

If you have some prayer requests, feel free to post them below. You have to be registered here to be able to post.

But, registered or not, please take a moment to pray for the people about whom you read here below.

Finally, I have now three serious personal petitions.  Yes, three.

Posted in PRAYER REQUEST, SESSIUNCULA |
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VIDEO: Altar Boys

Posted on 19 January 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

My friend Fr. Stephen Reynolds in Sugar Land, Texas has been doing some great things.

Here is the latest in some videos about worship and the life of the parish.

[wp_youtube]EXIWMh7v3Kg[/wp_youtube]

Fr. Z Kudos to Fr. Reynolds!

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Fr. Z KUDOS, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , , ,
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Is Pont. Comm “Ecclesia Dei” building a bridge to the SSPX?

Posted on 18 January 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Our friends at Rorate picked up something from Riposte Catholique (in French).  Apparently, the Pontifical Commission “Ecclesia Dei” sent a letter to the General House of the SSPX in Menzingen, Switzerland.  The letter is signed by the PCED’s Vice-President Archbishop Augustine DiNoia, OP.

A taste:

Abp. Di Noia therefore proposes a new, spiritual, approach. He asks both parties to move forward, each one for their part, to an examination of conscience focused on humility, docility, patience, charity. [Do I hear an “Amen!”? – On both sides, by the way.] The SSPX considers that this cannot exclude, considering the doctrinal questions at stake, the strict confession of faith. Especially considering that the dismantlement of faith, catechesis, sacramental practices adds weight to their considerations. Conversely, it is true, one could say that the continued degradation of the situation of the Catholic faith is a pressing invitation [to the SSPX] to leave their splendid isolation, and join the official rescue corps in the very spot of the accident. [As I have been hoping for years.]

An outline of the concrete solution is left, surely on purpose, somewhat uncertain by Abp. Di Noia. He recalls en passant that Rome expects from Bp. Fellay a response to the document that was given to him last June 14. But, besides that, he proposes to the SSPX a process that could be qualified as transactional:

– On the one hand, the SSPX would find anew the positive charism of the first years at Fribourg and Écône (it would try to reform what can be [reformed], first through the formation of traditional priests and by preparing them for a teaching in conformity with their formation). [They could be helpful, but I suspect they also have a lot of catch-up reading to do.]

– On the other, the SSPX still considering that certain passages of the teaching of Vatican II cannot be reconciled with the preceding Magisterium, it could discuss it, as long as it: [here goes…]

– abstains as a matter of principle from [discussing them in] the mass media; [good]

– does not establish itself as a parallel magisterium; [like the Magisterium of Nuns!]

– always presents the objections in a positive and constructive manner [good]

– bases all its analyses on deep and wide theological bases. [good]

More will come forth about this, but this is positive.

Benedict XVI is the Pope of Christian Unity.

And @Pontifex means “bridge builder”.

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Benedict XVI, Brick by Brick, Magisterium of Nuns, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, Priests and Priesthood, SSPX, SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM, The future and our choices, Vatican II, Year of Faith | Tagged , , , , ,
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The a-maze-ing Sinsinawa Dominicans

Posted on 18 January 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

There is a Wisconsin blogger at Laetificat who, once she gets her teeth into something, she really chews on it.  For example, the other day I linked to her post about the movie/documentary screened at the motherhouse of the Sinsinawa Domincans (wierd) about the glories of being a liberal woman religious HERE).

Laetificat, after her visit to Sinsinawa, picked up on something Karl Keating wrote about the Sinsinawa labyrinths.

Yes, labyrinths.  Remember them?

For years some of these confused people have been walking around in circles.

Here is a taste:

Just when you think the New Age movement has faded into 1980s oblivion, you learn something like this. [Sort of like one of those madcap TV sitcom’s set in a previous decade, ain’t it.] The Sinsinawa Dominicans is a women’s order located in southwest Wisconsin, just across the Mississippi River from Dubuque, Iowa. Its Sinsinawa Mound Center includes a 750-seat auditorium, retreat facilities, meeting rooms that hold up to 400, and walking trails.The order sports not one but two labyrinths:”The labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool, founded as early as 200 B.C.E. Its history includes use in Crete, Tibet, Greece, Celtic spirituality, early European art, and in the Christian tradition. It is a spiritual tool and an effective metaphor for life’s journey for believers of all traditions.””The indoor labyrinth is available for walking most days.” The outdoor labyrinth “consists of 6,000 limestone bricks placed end-to-end to form a perfectly round circle encompassing the symmetrical path walkways to the center. Walking the quadrants in this peaceful atmosphere among the natural surroundings enhances one’s meditation experience, usually exceeding expectations of the labyrinth.” [?!?](How appropriate that the Sinsinawa Dominicans were unable to bring themselves to use “B.C.” Too overtly Christian, I guess.)

No wonder they don’t have any vocations.

I have a theory.  You remember their Sr. Donna Quinn?  See my exposé NUNS GONE WILD!  She is an advocate for legalized abortion who as late as 2009 escorted women to abortion clinics in the Chicago area so they could abort their babies safe from pro-life protesters. Talk about labyrinthine logic. Could it be that constantly walking around in circles on one of these things got her so dizzy that she couldn’t remember who she was?

UPDATE 19 Jan:

A priestly reader sent me this with the message:

I chuckled at the post about the labyrinth and had to send you this picture from my travels in the wilds of mainstream religious life.

The a-maze-ing Sinsinawa Dominicans

Posted in SESSIUNCULA | Tagged , , ,
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QUAERITUR: Do I say an “Amen!” in the 1st Eucharistic Prayer? POLL

Posted on 18 January 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf
QUAERITUR: Do I say an "Amen!" in the 1st Eucharistic Prayer? POLL

Novus Ordo: optional

From a reader:

I have not spent too much time observing the four Eucharistic prayers but I recall that, particularly in the Roman Canon / Eucharistic Prayer I, the priest has the option of saying “Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Are the people supposed to say the Amen, as is commonly heard, or is it reserved for the priest?

Good question.

20130118-095355.jpg

Usus Antiquior: quiet and not optional

First, the Roman Canon (1st Eucharistic Prayer) is probably not commonly heard in many parishes.  I suspect that younger priests are bring it back.  It is hard to say how many use the traditional though optional (in the Novus Ordo) “Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Second, in the traditional manner of recitation of the Roman Canon, in the older form of the Roman Rite, the text “Through Christ our Lord. Amen.” comes several times and it is not an option.  The priest must say it and no one responds.  The Canon is silent, of course.

In the Novus Ordo version of the Roman Canon, there are no rubrical indications that the congregation is supposed to join the priest in saying “Amen” in that optional conclusion.  I also did not see anything in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.

I conclude that, no, people are not to say “Amen” with the priest if he opts to use that conclusion in the Novus Ordo.

That said, I can’t see much harm being done by people saying “Amen”.  I, for one, if I have to say Mass in English, use only the Roman Canon and I use that optional conclusion.  Sometimes I hear some people quietly “amening” in the pews.  Fine.

Frankly, we should just go back to a silent Canon and have done with the options.

Do I hear an “Amen!”?

Let’s find out.

Here is a little poll.  Please pick your best answer and, if you are registered to comment, add your explanation, below.

In the Novus Ordo should priests return to a "silent"/"quiet" Canon/Eucharistic Prayer?

View Results

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Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, POLLS | Tagged , , , , , ,
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Dogs in church – an interesting case

Posted on 18 January 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Haven’t we all seen the movie or TV show or read the book in which our hero is protected by his faithful but mortally wounded dog?  Our hero – incredibly tough and even sometimes cold-blooded, now weeping has to put his own dog out of its misery?

Here is a story in The Telegraph that underscores the strange bond people have with their dogs, seemingly unlike the connection you humans have with any of your planet’s other critters.

Dog turns up to dead owner’s church every day
Two months after his owner died, a dog in Italy keeps turning up each day at the church she used to attend.

By Nick Squires in Rome

Dogs in church - an interesting caseCiccio, [“Pudgy”] a 12-year-old German shepherd, waits in vain in front of the altar of the Santa Maria Assunta church in the village of San Donaci in the southern region of Puglia.
He heads to the church as soon as the bells begin to ring each afternoon, just as he did for years when his owner was alive.
The woman, who was known in local dialect as “Maria tu lu campu” – “Maria of the fields” – died suddenly in November.
Ciccio attended the funeral, following his mistress’s coffin as it was carried into the church.
The dog’s devotion has so impressed villagers that they have adopted him as their own, giving him food and water and letting him sleep in a covered area outside the church.

The local priest, Donato Panna, allows him to sit in front of the altar during Masses, baptisms and other services.
He is now hoping to find a new home for the faithful hound.
His behaviour is reminiscent of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier who became famous in Edinburgh for spending years guarding the grave of his owner.

I suppose this will bring up the whole “dogs in church” thing.

There is nothing per se wrong with an animal in a church, but the risks to the place’s sacral character are obvious.  This, blessing of animals on certain days… in church… nooooo.  Do it outside!   We just had the feast of St. Anthony the Abbot yesterday.  Years ago I stood outside a church in Velletri, Sant’Antonio Abbate, with my holy water bucket and blessed pigs and horses. In church?  Not so much.

But, as hard-hearted as I am, I think I would give Ciccio a pass.

Posted in Just Too Cool, Lighter fare, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , ,
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@Pontifex Project: Week 3

Posted on 18 January 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I missed last Tuesday.  Since today is one of the two days per week when the Roman Curia is open in the evening, let us have Tuesday today.

I suggested a project using Twitter HERE.  Let’s create a “stack” of tweets during the day.  Concentrate your effort on a day and single theme instead of various scatterings over days when they might not be noticed.

I often use Echofon to tweet, a plugin for Firefox.  I also use Tweetdeck.  Makes it easier.

If some of you want to offer other language versions, post below.

Here is the collective tweet for FRIDAY, 18 January 2013.  Copy. Paste. Repost. Retweet.

@Pontifex Holy Father, thank you for the example of giving Holy Communion to people who kneel #catholic

UPDATE LATIN:

@Pontifex_ln Gratias Tibi agimus ob Sanctae Eucharistiae distribuendae genuaflectentibus exemplum! #catholic

Posted in @Pontifex Tuesday Project, Benedict XVI, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged ,
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The War on Boys continues? School shootings result?

Posted on 18 January 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I have a sneaking suspicion that the emotion driven, reason challenged, frenzy in the media about gun control has something to do with decades of systematic work in academia to emasculate boys and men.

Yes, sheer unethical politics is a factor, for political tactics are like water on a pavement: they finds every crack.

I want, for example, to know more about the connection not just with video games and the people who go to shoot up schools, malls or theaters, but also their connection with prescription drugs (you want to go there and read that!), which can often start in school because of some teacher.

I read this on LifeSite:

Eliminating feminist teacher bias erases boys’ falling grades, study finds
BY HILARY WHITE

January 17, 2013, (LifeSiteNews.com) – Has the Sexual Revolution, and the feminist ideology that drives it, pushed men out of universities by undermining boys in school as early as kindergarten? Some writers are beginning to connect the dots between the shift over the last few decades in educational practices from fact-based grading to evaluation based on “non-cognitive” and “emotional skills” and the drop in school performance of boys.

In the 1970s, feminist critics regularly complained that the school system favored “male thinking.” Facts, dates, rote learning, and math skills that were seen as “too masculine” for girls. In the intervening decades, feminists have made huge strides throughout the Western world, and education – particularly in the training of teachers – has been transformed as a result.

That most government policy makers and academics accept this as an unqualified success has left bewilderment as to how the new, more “fair” teaching styles have resulted in poor outcomes for boys and ultimately for the men they must become.

[…]

Read the rest there.

Posted in Liberals, The Drill | Tagged ,
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LONDON – 26 Jan: Lecture by James MacMillan!

Posted on 18 January 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

O how I would love to be at this lecture in London!

James MacMillan, an accomplished composer of sacred music, will give a lecture on Sat 26 January (14.30 – 15.30) will give a talk for the Royal Philharmonic Society.

He wrote to me saying:

In this lecture I will focus on Elgar’s Catholicism and why it has been underplayed; the importance of religion in culture, and will cite TS Eliot’s suggestion that the rejection of religious tradition leads to the reduction of vision in the arts.

On the site of the Royal Philharmonic we read this blurb:

James MacMillan is one of today’s most successful living composers and is also internationally active as a conductor. His musical language is flooded with influences from his Catholic faith, social conscience and Scottish heritage. Taking Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius as a starting point he will examine the idea of Elgar as a visionary artist and explore how social, cultural and religious thought, combined with the pioneering spirit and drive of Edwardian Culture in England, shaped artistic thought through the Twentieth Century and beyond. Celebrating the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Bicentenary and linked to the LPO’s performance of Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius, these events are a part of the Southbank Centre’s The Rest Is Noise Festival.

I envy my friends in London.

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