Fr. Z's Blog | Formerly entitled: "What Does The Prayer Really Say?" – Clear, straight commentary on Catholic issues, liturgy and life by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf o{]:¬)

McBrien and Novus Ordo refusers: on the same side?

Posted on 5 May 2009 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Let me give you two "hooks" before we get into the meat of this entry.

First, some time ago I posted a question from a reader about some people who arrived at church thinking to find their usual TLM and, on discovering that the schedule had been changed, decided not to attend a Novus Ordo Mass, decided it would be better to neglect their Sunday obligation rather than go to a Novus Ordo Mass.

That entry provoked some discussion.

Second, I noted with horror a similarly scandalous attitude in a piece in NCR by Richard McBrien. He takes the same position as the hard-core traditionalists, above. McBrien tells people that if they find a liturgy which is – how to put this – too traditional, too pre-Conciliar, too Catholic, not adequately progressive, insufficiently horizontal, then they should "take a vacation from Church". That is, they should not go to Mass, not seek the sacrament of Penance, not be validly married in Church, etc.

In other words what happens in church must conform to our expectations.

In some ways there is a similiaritly between those who refused to attend the Novus Ordo because it wasn’t a TLM and those who refuse to attend the Novus Ordo that is insufficiently twisted.

I received this from a priest reader over a week ago and have just now gotten to it. It was written for readers rather than for me. My emphases.

Father:

If you wish to share it, here’s my comment on this subject–of "traditional" Catholics missing Mass because it’s "novus ordo"…

This idea fills me with sadness.

Here is my story and perspective, for what it’s worth. When I was 19, I had one of those powerful conversion experiences — but at that time, I was much influenced by Evangelical friends, and in their well intentioned zeal, they helped me come to believe I’d had an experience that meant my Catholic faith wasn’t so important: and I left the Catholic Church.

It was 10 years before, with the constant help of the Holy Spirit, I found my way back to the Catholic Faith. Ten years, until I came back to the sacrament of confession — and in about 10 minutes, I was absolved, reconciled, and free and welcome to receive the Holy Eucharist. Ten years without the Blessed Sacrament. I will never forget that.

I know a man who struggles to be a good Catholic. It isn’t easy for him, and because he struggles, he has had to refrain from the Eucharist. How hard that is! How hard it is to wrestle with that! But he does that, out of respect for the Eucharist – and yet it pains him deeply. Many are in that situation, whether because of their particular struggles with sin, or involvement in irregular marriages. My point is – they are not sharing in the Eucharist, and it deeply pains them.

Then I read about folks who could get in the car, and go to a church, and take part in the Sacrifice, and receive the Body and Blood of the Lord. And they are not people who fail to understand the awesomeness of this or their need for the Eucharist. They *know* this in their bones! AND YET THEY DO NOT GO!

I am truly sorry that priests celebrate the Mass with less fervor, or fidelity to the norms, then they ought. I am sorry for the state of affairs, that a priest who tries and wants to do so, is subject to all manner of trouble. You might consider that – it will surprise you perhaps, but it is true – that many priests face any number of problems if they try to be totally faithful.

You can say, they should just bull it through, and let the chips fall as they may, no matter what….but I will tell you it just isn’t that simple, and when you’ve walked in the shoes of a pastor, you will understand a little better why the shepherd doesn’t say, I really don’t care how many of the 100 wander off because they don’t agree with my approach. You might understand why the shepherd doesn’t say, well, this flock doesn’t appreciate me, so I will go find a good, solid, traditional flock who does–because if I leave this flock, who will come in my place? Will a wolf — in shepherd’s clothing — take my place?

But, yes…there are priests who are just wrong on such things, and I am truly sorry for that. But: they are, however poorly, offering the Sacrifice.

Yes, they are. I know–you wonder if it’s a valid Mass. And yes, I know–I’m not there to tell you. But here is my particular experience.

Before I became a priest, I traveled quite a lot on business, visiting about 40 states. I attended daily or Sunday Mass in all these places, never knowing what I’d encounter. And, yes, at that time, I wasn’t particularly sophisticated in my liturgical knowledge. But: I knew what made the Mass valid. And I can tell you, that in all that, only twice did I have reason to doubt the validity of the Mass I took part in. The other hundreds, whatever else they were, they were valid Masses–meaning, they were real, actual participations in the one, true Sacrifice of Christ on Calvary! And I was privileged to be there!

Saint Francis of Assisi was asked about taking part in the Mass offered by a sinful priest, and what he would think? He said, as I recall, he would receive the true Eucharist from the hands of that priest and be grateful. And that sounds just right to me. I am amazed by those who seem so sure their judgment is better than that of Saint Francis. I do not imagine I am spiritually wiser than he, but — no doubt — some of you are.

Go to Mass! Go to Mass! I’m sorry for the failings of that parish. I truly am. If I can atone or offer penance, let me know. Many priests, more than you know, are sorry and we wish we could fix it. We’re trying.

But go to Mass! Just go! Swallow everything else and go.

If it really is as bad as you say – and however skeptical I may be, who am I to say you are wrong? Think of Saint Maximilian Kolbe. However bad it is for you, to be at that church, at that Mass – will you say it is worse than being where he was? In Auschwitz? *That* was hell on earth, or as near enough. And yet, somehow, in that hell, he did not forget who he was, and he not only *was* sanctified, he in turn sanctified that horrible place by his presence – yes, just by his presence. What if he had not been there?

So you can say, your local parish is horrible, terrible, awful, just the worst place in the world. Well, maybe–but I think Auschwitz was worse. And Saint Maximilian received–and served to bring–grace there. I think you can both receive–and bring–grace to any parish where you choose to take part in the Mass. Maybe they need you to be there, for their sake–just as that
man, in Auschwitz, needed Father Maximilian, to offer his life in his place.

So: GO TO MASS!

Fraternally in Christ, …

I think I will leave the combox closed, for I sense that the knuckle-heads are waiting in the wings. People with something thoughtful to say can e-mail me and I might post it.

Posted in Linking Back, Mail from priests | Tagged Mass, McBrien, TLM
2 Comments

Bp. Wenski’s Mass of Reparation – sermon (Orlando, 3 May)

Posted on 4 May 2009 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I had posted about the Mass of Reparation in the Cathedral of Orlando to be celebrated by Bp. Wenski on 3 May. This Mass was brought about by alumni of Notre Dame because of the recent scandal there.

A priest reader sent the text of the sermon.

Prepare to be edified.

My emphases and comments:

Mass of Reparation – May 3. 2009

Today’s Mass is offered in reparation for the sins and transgressions committed against the dignity and sacredness of human life in our world today. We do this at the initiative of Notre-Dame alumni here in Central Florida who, like many other Catholics across the country, are confused and upset that their alma mater would grant an honorary doctorate to President Obama despite his rather extremist views on abortion. In granting this honorary degree, Notre-Dame chose to defy the Bishops of the United States who have said that “the Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions."

The hurt felt by many throughout the United States is real, for Notre-Dame’s actions, despite its protests to the contrary, seem to suggest that it wishes “to justify positions that contradict the faith and teachings of the church; to do so, as Pope Benedict reminded Catholic educators in Washington, DC last year “would obstruct or even betray the university’s identity and mission.” At the very least, Notre-Dame’s actions suggest that, unlike a beauty queen from California, it lacks the courage of its convictions. [Zzzzzot!]

However, our purpose here this evening is not to rail against the insensitivity or thoughtlessness exhibited by Notre-Dame’s president and board. As I told a reporter who asked me last week, why I am celebrating a Mass of Reparation, “I am a bishop; and so I am not going to send upset Catholics to storm Notre-Dame with pitchforks, I am going to tell them to pray.” [Excellent]

Our proper response is prayer – but our prayer should not resemble that of the Pharisee who, in the presence of the remorseful Publican, prayed: “Thank you, God that I am not like the rest of men. In our prayer, we seek to make reparation not just for Notre-Dame’s regrettable decision, but more importantly we seek to make reparations for our own complacency. [Indeed… it took a long time to get to this point, didn’t it?] Yes, we pray for Notre-Dame – for Notre-Dame holds a unique place in the heart of most American Catholics and not just its alumni; but we pray for ourselves as Catholics in America. [Once again we hear the emerging theme of "Catholic identity in the public square".]

We live in a nation where abortion laws are among the most liberal among the Western democracies. We Catholics have become too complacent about the legal killing of unborn children in America and elsewhere. This complacency contributed to the climate that led Notre-Dame’s president to think that it would be no big deal to defy the bishops in granting this honorary degree to President Obama. And, as the world’s lone superpower, with President Obama’s setting aside the Mexico City policy, we as a nation are once again using our wealth and influence to export abortion to nation’s weaker and poorer than ourselves. [promotion of abortion abroad is framed as exploitation of the weak] Before the completion of his first 100 days in office, President Obama has already expanded federal funding for abortion, directed tax payer funded support for embryonic stem cell research which requires the destruction of living human beings, and has challenged conscience protection provisions that allow health care workers and institutions to refuse to participate in abortions and other procedures that violate their ethical or religious views.

Soon after the election, the Bishops promised their prayers and support to the then newly elected president. Cardinal George, president of the USCCB, pledged our cooperation in working with the new administration to advance the common good. And we do hope to work with the President and his team on any number of important issues. We do this because we are Catholics and Americans; and as Catholics and Americans we can and must engage and work with people of good will, even those with whom we might disagree to promote the common good. [To contribute properly in the public square Catholics must have a clear identity.] But, at the same time, as Catholic journalist, John L. Allen observed, “how to engage public figures who hold pro-choice views without seeming to endorse, or wink at, those views is critically important”. We must always insist that the common good is never served by making wrongs –like abortion- into rights. [Read carefully…] That President Obama speaks at Notre-Dame is not the issue – and certainly, the President takes the dignity of his Office with him to Notre-Dame. The issue is that giving him an honor is understood by many to indicate approbation – and thus undermines the efforts of bishops and others who want to offer [wait for it…] a Catholic perspective to the shaping of public policy. [Again… Catholic identity in the public square.]

But, let’s return to the issue of our complacency. We have become complacent, because we have become comfortable – too accommodated and too uncritical of the larger culture in which we live. [Comfort lulls us into thinking that there really isn’t a war going on.] Perhaps, as Catholics, we have become victims of our own success. For much of American history, the Catholic Church and Catholics were viewed with great suspicion by our fellow Americans. In fact, we still are –Anti-Catholicism is the last acceptable prejudice in American life. The US government established diplomatic relations with Red China long before it did with the Vatican. It would be considered impolite and politically incorrect to make jokes about Muslims, Jews, gays or African Americans – but, it is still open season on Catholics. If you don’t think so, just tune in any comedy show on HBO.

We have craved “respectability”; we have wanted to be accepted. Ironically, Catholic education – our grammar schools, our high schools and our universities opened the way to upward mobility and social acceptance the children of immigrant Catholics in America. Catholics schools aimed to teach us not only how to do good, but how to do well. Thanks in large measure to Catholic education, our Catholic laity are among the best educated, and the most affluent, in America today. Catholics – 25% of the American population – are now part of the American mainstream. But, at what price? [If those Catholics don’t have a clear identity, what good can they contribute as Catholics?]

A few months ago, the State government of Illinois was shaken by “the pay to play” scandal over the senate seat vacated by President Obama. But, today, too often Catholics are being told that in order to play in America one must pay the price of surrendering one’s own convictions and principles. Catholics who want to enter public life more often than not have to pay the price “privatizing” their religious faith and convictions to play roles of significance in the halls of power. You can be sure that President Obama would not consider a Catholic for the position of Supreme Court justice – unless that Catholic “bracketed” his beliefs on the dignity and the rights of the unborn.

The options before us are not just between flight and capitulation: we need not retreat into a Catholic ghetto – for Christ calls us to be in the world; nor, must we necessarily surrender to the culture around us and accept to be absorbed by and assimilated into the ascendant secularism – for Christ tells us not to be of the world. [IN the world but not OF the world… this is also the problem with most inculturated liturgy. The logical priority of what the Church has to give to the world is set in second place to what the world then gives back after having been formed according to what Christ entrusted to the Church.] There is a third option, to be for the world. [Good. Now watch the "clear Catholic identity" theme I keep harping about all the time…] We are best for the world, when we preach and live the gospel coherently. In a world which pretends that God doesn’t matter, we must witness that life is meaningful and joyful only when we live in a way that shows that God does matter.

Jesus in the gospel says: I am the good shepherd: I know mine and mine know me. The challenge is not how to change the gospel message to make it more palatable, more relevant to the world, but to allow the gospel message to change the world. [See the logical priority here?] But, it will not change the world unless the gospel changes us first. [identity]

In today’s first reading, Peter says: “There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved." This is a rather bold statement – but because Peter and those who share Peter’s faith believed it – it inspired an equally bold evangelical movement to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth.
As Catholics, we need not flee from the world, nor should we surrender to the world; rather we need to recover that bold conviction of Peter and the early disciples that will make it possible for us to change the world – not by imposing our beliefs but by making our proposal, informed by gospel values, about what constitutes the best conditions for human flourishing in our society.. Peter, in our first reading, spoke truth to power; today we need that the truth be spoken to our complacency. [Good one!]

This is the first Sunday of May. The month of May is considered Mary’s month. Let’s us pray to Our Lady, – or as they say in French – Notre-Dame.

Most Holy Virgin, and Our Mother, we listen with grief to the complaints of your Immaculate Heart surrounded with the thorns placed therein at every moment by the blasphemies and ingratitude of ungrateful humanity. We are moved by the ardent desire of loving you as Our Mother and of promising a true devotion to Your Immaculate Heart.

We therefore stand before You to manifest the sorrow we feel for the grievances that people cause You, and to atone by our prayers and sacrifices for the offenses with which they return your love.

Obtain for them and for us the pardon of so many sins.

Hasten the conversion of sinners that they may love Jesus Christ and cease to offend the Lord, already so much offended.

Turn you eyes of mercy toward us, that we may love God with all our heart on earth and enjoy Him forever in Heaven.

Notre-Dame, our Mother, pray for us!

I am reminded of the prayer said for many decades after every Low Mass:

Oremus. Deus, refugium nostrum et virtus, populum ad te clamantem propitius respice; et intercedente gloriosa, et immaculata Virgine Dei Genitrice Maria, cum beato Joseph, ejus Sponso, ac beatis Apostolis tuis Petro et Paulo, et omnibus Sanctis, quas pro conversione peccatorum, pro libertate et exaltatione sanctae Matris Ecclesiae, preces effundimus, misericors et benignus exaudi. Per eundum Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

LITERAL VERSION:
Let us pray. O God, our refuge and strength, look with favor upon the people crying to Thee; and as glorious and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God are interceding along with Blessed Joseph her spouse and the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul and all the saints, hear Thou, merciful and kind, the prayers we pour forth for the conversion of sinners, and for the liberty and exaltation of Holy Mother Church. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Posted in Our Catholic Identity | Tagged Orladno, public square, Winski
23 Comments

QUAERITUR: Communion in the time of Swine Flu … again

Posted on 4 May 2009 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Folks… people from all over the USA are sending me copies of notices from dioceses about the provisions for Mass during the Swine Flu outbreak. Their questions tend to run along the same lines, so I will answer collectively.

All the copies of provisions have so far indicated a recommendation (at least) that Holy Communion is to be given only in the hand.

At this point, I do not think that it is unreasonable to remind people that they have the right in the USA (and most other places I believe) to receive Holy Communion in the hand if they so desire.

Keep in mind what the Holy See’s document Redemptionis Sacramentum 92 clearly states, namely:

Although each of the faithful always has the right to receive Holy Communion on the tongue, at his choice, if any communicant should wish to receive the Sacrament in the hand, in areas where the Bishops’ Conference with the recognitio of the Apostolic See has given permission, the sacred host is to be administered to him or her. However, special care should be taken to ensure that the host is consumed by the communicant in the presence of the minister, so that no one goes away carrying the Eucharistic species in his hand. If there is a risk of profanation, then Holy Communion should not be given in the hand to the faithful.

You may also receive in the hand if you so choose.

In some places/parishes someone who dislikes Communion on the tongue may try to take advantage of the situation and attempt to say that people are forbidden to receive on the tongue.

No one may be prohibited from receiving on the tongue. A lower authority (e.g., bishop, pastor) cannot amend the legislation issued by the Holy See. They can recommend, but they cannot forbid.

At the same time, people should carefully consider their circumstances and consider what is best to do in charity. Try to determine if the recommendation is reasonable and don’t freak out.

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box |
70 Comments

PRAYERCAzT 25: Preface of Easter – Missale Romanum 1962 & 2002

Posted on 4 May 2009 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Welcome to another rapid installment of What Does the Prayer Really Sound Like?

Today we will hear the Preface of Easter as it is in the 1962 Missale Romanum as well as the 2002 edition. I speak the Preface and then sing it in the Solemn Tone. I use the text as it is during Easter Season rather than as it is on Easter Sunday or the Octave.

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https://zuhlsdorf.computer/prayercazt/090504_easter_preface.MP3

If priests who are learning to say the older form of Holy Mass can get these prayers in their ears, they will be able to pray them with more confidence. So, priests are my very first concern.

However, these audio projects can be of great help to lay people who attend Holy Mass in the Traditional, or extraordinary form: by listening to them ahead of time, and becoming familiar with the sound of the before attending Mass, they will be more receptive to the content of the prayers and be aided in their full, conscious and active participation.

My pronunciation of Latin is going to betray something of my nationality, of course. Men who have as their mother tongue something other than English will sound a little different. However, we are told that the standard for the pronunciation of Latin in church is the way it is spoken in Rome. Since I have spent a lot of time in Rome, you can be pretty sure my accent will not be too far off the mark.

Let your priest friends know this resource is available.

Pray for me, listen carefully, and practice practice practice.

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, PRAYERCAzT: What Does The (Latin) Prayer Really Sound L | Tagged EASTER, podcast, prayercazt, preface
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PODCAzT 85: Gregory the Great on the Good Shepherd

Posted on 3 May 2009 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

In this brief PODCAzT I drill into an excerpt from a sermon by St. Pope Gregory I, “the Great” (+604).

What we hear from Gregory’s sermon is found in today’s Office of Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours for this 4th Sunday of Easter, nicknamed Good Shepherd Sunday. In the older, traditional Roman calendar, the second Sunday after Easter, that is a week after the Octave, is Good Shepherd Sunday, because of the Gospel on that day from John 10. In the newer, traditional calendar, Good Shepherd Sunday is the 4th Sunday of Easter, three weeks after Easter.

Gregory’s s. 14 was preached on the Second Sunday after Easter in the Constantinian Basilica of St. Peter on the Vatican Hill. The same Gospel had been read in the ancient Roman order of Mass formularies since his time.

Tinker, tinker.

The Successor of Peter teaches us on this Good Shepherd Sunday to stir ourselves… to rekindle our faith and our longing. We must be determined to reach our destination.

The core message of the Good news is that Christ won for us citizenship as sons and daughters of God in the Kingdom of Heaven. But we can lose that gift by our lack of determination and action based on conviction and Faith.

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https://zuhlsdorf.computer/podcazt/09_05_03.mp3

John 10, 11-18:

Jesus said:
“I am the good shepherd.
A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
A hired man, who is not a shepherd
and whose sheep are not his own,
sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away,
and the wolf catches and scatters them.
This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd,
and I know mine and mine know me,
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father;
and I will lay down my life for the sheep.
I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold.
These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice,
and there will be one flock, one shepherd.
This is why the Father loves me,
because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own.
I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again.
This command I have received from my Father.”

084 09-04-30 St. Pius V and Quo primum
083 09-04-19 St. Augustine on the challenge of remaining faithful
082 09-03-19 St. Joseph: a hymn dissected & sermon of Bernardine of Siena

On Gregory the Great:

046 07-10-08 Gregory the Great on when pastors should SPEAK UP; priests and getting your way
032 07-05-28 Gregory the Great on Job; rubrics; sacred music

Posted in Our Catholic Identity, Patristiblogging, PODCAzT | Tagged Good Shepherd Sunday, Gregory I, podcast, PODCAzT
7 Comments

Don’t forget…

Posted on 2 May 2009 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Don’t forget the PODCAzT about Pius V’s Quo primum.

I’d like to get a few more listeners before it scrolls off the feed.

There is also an interesting discussion under that entry as well.

Posted in Linking Back |
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Magnificent monks and their flying machines, they go up diddly up up, …

Posted on 1 May 2009 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

"… they do down diddly down down."

Very cool… from The Lion and the Cardinal:

Dr. Richard P. Hallion:

The first known serious flight attempt in world history occurred about a thousand years before the Wright brothers, in western England. Then, a young Benedictine monk leapt with a crude pair of cloth wings from a watchtower of a church abbey at the beginning of the 11th century. This monk, known to history as Eilmer of Malmesbury, covered a furlong – a distance of approximately 600 feet – before landing heavily and breaking both legs. Afterwards, he remarked that the cause of his crash was that he had forgotten to provide himself with a tail.

We know of Eilmer’s attempt through the writings of a historian, William of Malmesbury, who mentions the flight in passing. Of more interest to William was that Eilmer, late in his life, was the first person to spot a comet, which people then credited as being an omen of the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror.

Eilmer typified the inquisitive spirit of medieval enthusiasts who developed small drawstring toy helicopters, windmills, and sophisticated sails for boats. As well, church artists increasingly showed angels with ever-more-accurate depictions of bird-like wings, detailing the wing’s camber that would prove crucial to generating the lifting forces enabling a bird – or an airplane – to fly. This climate of thought led to general acceptance that air was something that could be worked. Flying was thus not magical, but could be attained by physical effort and human reasoning.

Eilmer was an individual of remarkable daring and boldness. He leapt from the top of a tower, passed over a city wall, descended into a small valley by the River Avon, and then fell into a marshy field fully 150 feet lower than the point of his leap. Of his wings, we can surmise that they were constructed of ash or willow-wand, covered with a light cloth, and perhaps attached to pivots on either side of a back-brace, with hand-holds so he could hopefully flap them. [This guy’s abbot must have been a remarkable man.]

Given the geography of the Abbey, his landing site, and the account of his flight, he must have remained airborne about 15 seconds. At low altitude he apparently attempted to flap the wings, which threw him out of control. His post-flight assessment qualifies him as the first test pilot, for he sought to understand, in technological terms, what happened on the flight and why he crashed. Malmesbury exists today, much changed and quite quaint, near Swindon and Bristol. The Abbey features a stained-glass window of Brother Eilmer. Alas, a nice pub named The Flying Monk is no more, replaced by a shopping center.

Posted in Just Too Cool, Lighter fare |
25 Comments

Mexico City: Procession against the epidemic

Posted on 30 April 2009 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader in Mexico, a followup on the question about reception of Communion during an epidemic:

I would like to start by saying thanks for the answer you gave me about Communion in time of epidemics and also specially for your prayers and asking for prayers from your readers.

This are turning very difficult due to the swine flu epidemic specially in Mexico City. Today President Felipe Calderon ordered to close from May 1 to 5 nonessential government offices, private businesses throughout the Country, except supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations. This measure in order to avoid large crowds gathering and possible infected patients to spread the disease even further.

Since Friday everybody is wearing masks to avoid infection, as days go by and many activities are suspended, the streets are starting to look emptier every day. Economic and psychological consequences are starting to appear due to the restrictions. The infected patients and death toll is increasing every day, and no one knows what will come, but the emergency measures seem to be starting to work very slowly in some areas.

I am sending you as attachment pictures of ¨The Christ of health¨ procession that took place around the boundaries of the Mexico City´s Cathedral last Sunday, and without prior notice in order to avoid large crows. The last time it was taken on procession was in 1691, (this occasion is the third time in history) during a smallpox epidemic. Cardinal Norbeto Rivera also wrote a prayer asking for the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe that we are praying as a novena that will end next Monday.

During the pasts days I have been praying for you and your readers especially at Mass. I really thank you and your readers for your prayers and I ask you to continue as well.

Have a blessed Easter, and again I tell you I am really grateful for your prayers and attention to this email.

Posted in The future and our choices |
32 Comments

Message in a bottle

Posted on 29 April 2009 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Have you ever put a message in a bottle and thrown it into the ocean? Buried it to be retrieved later? Or not?

Message in a bottle from the Holocaust
On September 9, 1944 seven young men buried a message in a bottle at the Auschwitz death camp.

By Spero News

Near the site of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp in Polands, workers found a message in a bottle written by prisoners, Written in pencil and sealed in a bottle, the message was dated September 9, 1944 and bears the names, camp numbers and hometowns of seven young detainees hailing from Poland and France. Officials of the museum at the site said that the bottle had been buried in a concrete wall in a school that slave laborers were forced to repair.

The note reads “All of them are between the ages of 18 and 20,” in reference to the young men who left a trace of their existence in a place where 1.1 million people were exterminated. The victims were largely Jews from throughout Europe, but also Gypsies and non-Jewish Poles.

Six of the prisoners were from Poland and one was from France. The note gives the names as: Bronislaw Jankowiak, Stanislaw Dubla, Jan Jasik, Waclaw Sobczak, Karol Czekalski, Waldemar Bialobrzeski and Albert Veissid.

Albert Veissid, one of the young men mentioned in the letter, is alive and now resides in France. Two of the others definitely survived the Holocaust. Karol Czekalski remained in contact with the museum at Auschwitz until the 1960s but has not been heard from since. It is not known whether Czekalski or Wachaw Sobczak – the other survivor – are still alive.