For Vespers at St. Paul’s Outside-The-Walls nearly all the cardinals wore their birettas while seated.
They should do it over.
Here is no frills vespers for today’s Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul from the Breviarium Romanum. Follow along, even with English side by side, here.
Was that booming CRACK I just heard the opening of the Fifth Seal?
You know that things are getting pretty serious when Fr. Z endorses an idea from the National catholic Fishwrap.
But it was a good idea, and around here we play fair. We do our fair share!
Michael Sean Winters has gotten it right, so far, about Pres. Obama’s attacks on the 1st Amendment, religious liberty, and the Catholic Church in particular.
He has an idea. My emphases and comments.
In 2006, [retired] Cardinal Roger Mahony, the most prominent carrier of the social justice tradition of Cardinal Bernardin, [I know you want to stop reading now, but do try to forge ahead…] said that he would call upon his flock to practice civil disobedience in the face of a proposed law that would have banned Catholic charities from assisting undocumented workers. Mahony rightly invoked the right of the Church to pursue its Gospel-mandated ministries without interference from the State. [Okay… there isn’t quite a moral equivalence between being prevented from performing corporal works of mercy and being forced to distribute contraception, or being forced to adopt children out to homosexual couples, or some other issues, but you can see where he is going: if civil disobedience in the case of A, then perhaps also in the case of B.]
Mahony delivered a sharp rebuke to the Obama administration following last week’s announcement that it refused to enlarge the conscience exemption from HHS mandated health insurance coverage of procedures the Church opposes. [I wrote on that here.]
So, I offer a modest proposal. The U.S. cardinals should pick a day and, with the support of like-minded clerics from other religious traditions, come to Washington and chain themselves to the White House fence, get arrested, and bring further attention to the issue of religious liberty. Civil disobedience by clergy has a proud tradition, including Dr. King’s protests against segregation and the countless clergy who engaged in civil disobedience to protest the Vietnam War. The cardinals might wish to choose the Feast of St. Thomas More, June 22, to make their point although that would give the event a distinctly Catholic flavor. Or they might choose a secular anniversary, say, August 21, which was the day in 1789 that the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Bill of Rights.
You will note that the link above to the story about Cardinal Mahony’s 2006 call for civil disobedience brings you to an editorial by the [Hell’s Bible…] New York Times. Then, the Times applauded Mahony. Will they have the courage of their commitment to the First Amendment again?
A pretty good idea.
I am reminded of the old priest who was arrested at Notre Dame at the request of the administration there for protesting that university’s pandering to the most dedicated pro-abortion president we have ever seen. But I digress.
Sincerely, I would be tempted to go to Washington and stand there with the US Cardinals, provided that I and the no-doubt large crowd of other willing priests wouldn’t distract from the actions of the truly important churchmen involved. Sometimes less is more.
“I’d rather be in the ditch off the left side of the road than off the right side!”, quoth Jackson.*
Noooo, Dear Jackson. You can also stop swerving around, avoid both ditches, and drive responsibly according to the law given for our safety and the safety of others.
The money line from SSPX Bp. Williamson this time is:
“Dear friend of mine, I would rather be a schismatic sedevacantist than a Roman apostate. With the grace of God, neither!”
From an English language site HERE.
If you can read French there is an article HERE.
It doesn’t have to be either/or.
Those are not the only two choices. As he says, “With the grace of God, neither.” Fine! Then don’t be either!
“But Father! But Father!”, some of you are about to say. “Why pay attention to this guy at all?”
I have often pondered that question. I’d rather not, but I do, don’t I!
It is sort of like being a gawker when approaching the site of a car accident. You get distracted and then slam into the back of the gawker in front of you.
So, let the fender benders begin!
* Jackson”, by the way, is what I have dubbed all anonymous motorists. Many thanks to my friend Fr. GM from whom adapted the practice.
From Vatican Insider (La Stampa):
Benedict XVI convenes meeting with heads of all dicasteries
On Saturday 28 January, all heads of the dicastery who lead the Congregations and Pontifical Councils of the Roman Curia, will gather in the Vatican for a meeting convened by Pope Benedict XVI
VATICAN INSIDER STAFF
ROMEVatican sources have stated that the plenary assembly will deal with problems relating to internal communication and the phrasing and checking of documents.
These types of meeting, where all Vatican “ministers” are called together, are scheduled haphazardly. In recent times they have tended to take place twice a year so as to allow a broad discussion of topics on the agenda.
The meeting in question will be held in the Vatican’s Bologna Hall. The last meeting of its kind took place on 13 June 2011 and was defined as a meeting to coordinate the Curia.
The last meeting of this breadth and with the same levels of participation, was held on 12 November 2010. One of the issues discussed, was the dicastery for the New evangelisation, led by Mgr. Rino Fisichella, which at the time was still in the process of being established.
What popped into my head was that “white paper” from the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.
A priest friend recently asked if I knew the origin of the “custom” during weddings of giving flowers to Mary, by placing them at her statue or image (which some protestants probably think is mighty strange).
I must admit, I don’t have a clue where this came from. It smacks of the Mediterranean, but I can’t say for sure.
However, this should not be done during a Nuptial Mass. There is no provision for this in the rubrics. The same goes for “unity candles”. Don’t ask to do it.
Don’t blame me! It’s not part of the rite.
Let the Nuptial Mass be the Nuptial Mass without additional subjective and sentimental additions intruding on what it already says and does.
After Mass… that’s another kettle of fish.
But back to the question. Aside from the fact that it shouldn’t be done (during Mass), does anyone know the origin of this custom?
From a reader:
I recently went to FOCUS student leadership summit and Curtis Martin, the founder, told the story behind the Leo XIII’s prayer to St. Michael. Well the students at the summit loved the prayer, and spontaneously started praying it at the end of Mass! And my friends came home wanting to pray it after Mass. I know the Leonine Prayers have been suppressed, but can we get a dispensation from a Bishop or something like that to say them after Low (I suppose referred to as weekday in the OF) Mass?
Keep in mind that “after Mass” is after Mass! You can have any devotions you want to have after Mass.
Since “after Mass” is outside of Mass, people are free to pray as it pleases them. If Father, after Mass is ended, that is – outside of Mass – happens to kneel down and say a few super Catholic prayers, such as a few “Hail, Mary”s, the Salve Regina, etc., and people just happen to join in, what harm is there in that? Isn’t it good that people pray in church after Mass, rather than scramble for the door or yak it up?
People can stay and pray them with Father. People can leave if they have to or want to. What’s the big deal?
It is true that the so-called “Leonine Prayers” are not obligatory. I don’t think they are obligatory even after Low Mass in the Extraordinary Form (watch below for the “But Father! But Father! You’re wrong!” crowd to chime in). Nevertheless, I also think we need these prayers today.
The Leonine Prayers were eventually associated with the conversion of Russia, but they were originally developed, over time and in stages, to help combat secular oppression of the Church.
I don’t see that Russia is doing all that well these days and certainly there is no lack of attacks on the Church.
In the USA, I would like to see the American Bishops promote the Leonine Prayers during this time when true marriage is under attack, the Obama Administration is going to try to force Catholics to violate their consciences, and secularists and their liberal catholic bed-partners are suppressing a faithful Catholic voice in the public square.
Think about it:
O God, our refuge and our strength, look down with mercy upon the people who cry to Thee; and by the intercession of the glorious and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Saint Joseph her spouse, of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, in Thy mercy and goodness hear our prayers for the conversion of sinners, and for the liberty and exaltation of Holy Mother Church.
There are some variations of translations, but … I ask you: Is that not a great and appropriate prayer for the challenges we are facing right now?
So, let’s pray the Leonine Prayers, on our own, if we have too. And I also suggest adding to them, as I do after every Mass, a Memorare for our bishops. I have a short list of bishops I pray for after every Mass, though you could offer it for all our bishops.
From a reader:
The more I read you the more I’m intent on going to Confession again.
I’m 31, and haven’t been since I was confirmed. As you know, it just hasn’t been consistently preached that it is necessary. I just have a couple basic questions.
1) What do I say? Do I immediately say, “Father, forgive me, for I have sinned,” then list my sins?
2) I can’t find the post, but I think I remember you saying that one needs to confess ALL mortal sins committed, in order for absolution to be valid. Well, quite frankly, that’s impossible. Over the past 19 years, I’ve sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed. I neither have the memory nor the time to list all my sins. Providing I could remember all my sins, my confession could take hours. Any guidance would be MUCH appreciated.
Good for you!
It is good to follow a regular format for confession. You might prepare for your confession with a good Examination of Conscience. You can find some good things here. Fr. Finigan made a useful confession pamphlet.
You should, indeed, try to confess all your mortal sins in kind and number whenever you go to confession. However, since it has been a very long time for you, and we humans just can’t remember everything, do you best, perhaps giving an indication of frequency over some period of time (month, year) while confessing those low points you do remember clearly. Just do your best. If you do your best, ALL your sins will be forgiven, whether you could remember them all or not. Then, in the future, you can be more precise when going to confession regularly.
And you can always tell the priest it has been a long time and you could use some help.
Also, down the line, you might look at my 20 Tips.
Finally, just go! You’ll be more than fine. Do your best and God does the rest.
My heavens. The current Nuncius to the USA, Archbp. Viganò (pronounced Vi-ga-NOH), has gone public with corruption with the Vatican City State (overpaying contractors, standing contracts, without bidding, etc.).
[In my original title, I suggested that Archbp. Viganò himself went to the press. We don’t know that. Archbp. Viganò wrote a letter to the Pope. Somehow, the letter got into the hands of the press. It could be that someone else leaked the letter to the press. It is hard for me to imagine that Archbp. Viganò leaked this.]
Here is the Italian:
25 gennaio 2012
Un prelato scrive una lettera al pontefice criticando la gestione degli appalti: sospeso
Il suo nome è Carlo Maria Viganò; fino a qualche mese fa era segretario generale del governatorato del Vaticano, la struttura che gestisce gli appalti e le forniture Oltretevere. E ‘corruzione’ è la parola proibita che ha pronunciato in una lettera indirizzata al Papa che ha causato la sua rimozione. Ne parla Sergio Rizzo sul Corriere:
La parola è sinonimo di malaffare e degrado morale. Ma se a pronunciarla è un altissimo prelato vicino al Papa, come rivela questa sera «Gli intoccabili », il programma d’inchiesta del giornalista Gian Luigi Nuzzi che va in onda su La7, allora vengono i brividi. «Corruzione» è proprio il termine che quel monsignore usa per descrivere in una clamorosa lettera a Benedetto XVI l’incredibile situazione che si è trovato davanti dopo aver assunto nel luglio del 2009 il delicatissimo incarico. Una bomba sganciata nelle stanze del potere vaticano il 27 marzo del 2011, nell’estremo tentativo di sventare una manovra di corridoio che culminerà con la sua rimozione. «Un mio trasferimento provocherebbe smarrimento in quanti hanno creduto fosse possibile risanare tante situazioni di corruzione e prevaricazione », scrive Viganò al Papa. Facendo capire a Joseph Ratzinger di non essere affatto isolato: «I cardinali Velasio De Paolis, Paolo Sardi e Angelo Comastri conoscono bene la situazione »
Quella struttura è un buco nero: nel 2009 perde 8 milioni di euro:
Cifra apparentemente modesta, ma estremamente significativa se rapportata alle dimensioni dello Stato Vaticano. «Non avrei mai pensato di trovarmi davanti a una situazione così disastrosa », rivela Viganò in un altro scioccante appunto inviato a Ratzinger nella scorsa primavera. Definendola «inimmaginabile», e per giunta «a tutti nota in Curia». Dal pentolone che ha scoperchiato salta fuori l’inverosimile. I servizi tecnici sono un regno diviso in piccoli feudi. In Vaticano opera una cordata di fornitori che non fanno praticamente gare: dentro le mura dello Stato della Chiesa lavorano sempre le stesse ditte, a costi doppi rispetto all’esterno anche perché non esiste alcuna trasparenza nella gestione degli appalti di edilizia e impiantistica. Insomma, una moderna fabbrica di San Pietro che ingoia denaro a ritmi ingiustificati, come dimostra il conto astronomico che viene presentato per il presepe montato nel Natale 2009 a piazza San Pietro: 550 mila euro.
Non bastasse, c’è una situazione finanziaria allucinante: le casse del governatorato subiscono perdite del 50-60%:
Per tamponarla, spiega Viganò, la gestione dei fondi è stata affidata a un «comitato finanza e gestione composto da alcuni grandi banchieri, i quali sono risultati fare più il loro interesse che i nostri». Racconta il monsignore che una sola operazione finanziaria nel dicembre 2009 ha mandato in fumo due milioni e mezzo di dollari. Ma chi fa parte di questo comitato? Nuzzi fa i nomi di quattro pezzi da novanta della finanza italiana. Quelli di Pellegrino Capaldo, Carlo Fratta Pasini, Ettore Gotti Tedeschi e Massimo Ponzellini. Capaldo è l’ex presidente della Banca di Roma: banchiere cattolico apprezzatissimo anche al di fuori degli ambienti ecclesiastici, è attualmente il proprietario della casa vinicola Feudi di San Gregorio. Fratta Pasini è il presidente del Banco popolare. Gotti Tedeschi, consigliere di amministrazione della Cassa depositi e prestiti, la banca del Tesoro italiano, nonché consigliere della Fondazione San Raffaele di don Luigi Verzé, è il banchiere poi scelto da Ratzinger per guidare lo Ior.
UPDATE:
Berlusconi’s paper HERE.
UPDATE:
AFP in English, HERE.
UPDATE 26 Jan:
On the Italian TV, la7.it, “Gli intoccabili” there was a show about this issue. They seem to have the story and issues nailed down pretty well. In effect, Archbp. Viganò was brought in to deal with the 8 million Euros of red ink of the Governatorato. He moved them into the black by some 30+ million. He made a lot of enemies by making cuts. As a reward for doing his job, they got rid of him by promoting him. He tried to deal with some deeper problems, got stone-walled, and then got the heave-ho. Promoveatur ut amoveatur. In something like desperation, Mons. Viganò wrote to the Pope directly and his letter was leaked by someone, probably in the Secretariate of State, from what I can make out.
Italian magazine shows usually have a live audience. They show a pre-recorded filmette and then have live interviews in front of an audience. Last night they had the editor of L’Osservatore Romano, Giovanni Maria Vian. I found it on YouTube HERE. It sounded to me like he decided to run out the clock.
Another interview HERE on the same show, is with an Auxiliary in L’Aquila about the distribution of money after the terrible earthquake. It is a “tangent” (excuse the pun) from the Vatican story.
From VIS comes this statement from Msgr. Lombardi:
PRESS NOTE ON ITALIAN TELEVISION PROGRAMME
VATICAN CITY, 26 JAN 2012 (VIS) – At midday today the Holy See Press Office published a note written by its director, Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J., concerning a television programme, “Gli intoccabili”, transmitted yesterday evening by Italy’s “La7” television network. Fr. Lombardi highlights the “questionable journalistic methods” with which the programme was made, and his “disappointment at the revelation of reserved documents”, noting that such things often form part of the “biased coverage of the Vatican and the Catholic Church”.
The Holy See Press Office director then turns to focus on two considerations “which were not given space in the course of the debate”. Firstly “the activities of Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano as secretary general of the Governorate of Vatican City State certainly had many positive aspects, as he contributed to the efforts being made to ensure administrative rigour, economisation and the improvement of what was a difficult overall economic situation. … However, a fairer evaluation would have taken account of the trends of the market, the investment criteria adopted over recent years, and other important circumstances. … Certain accusations – some very serious – made during the course of the programme, especially those concerning the members of the Finance and Management Committee of the Governorate and the Secretariat of State, will lead both the Secretariat of State and the Governorate to adopt all measures (including if necessary legal measures) to protect the honour of morally upright and highly professional people who serve the Church, the Pope and the common good. In any case, the positive criteria of correct and transparent management which inspired Archbishop Vigano certainly continue to guide the current directors of the Governorate. … This is in keeping with the policy to which the Holy See is committed of increasing transparency and attentively monitoring of economic activities”.
Secondly “the difficult process of discerning the various aspects involved in managing a complex institution such as the Governorate – which are not limited to administrative rigour – was presented in a superficial and biased manner, highlighting the evidently negative aspects with the simplistic result of presenting the structures of government in the Church as being, not so much affected by human frailty (which would be easily understandable), as profoundly characterised by arguments, divisions and power struggles. … Yet, all this disinformation will certainly not obscure the daily and serene efforts towards increasing transparency in all Vatican institutions. … In this context, it must be decisively affirmed that entrusting Archbishop Vigano with the role of apostolic nuncio to the United States – one of the most important roles in Vatican diplomacy given the importance of the country and of the Catholic Church there – is proof of unquestionable respect and trust”.
Struggling with going to confession? Take heart from a reader:
I’ve recently begun reading your blog with regularity and was moved by
your frequent and urgent calls to the sacrament of confession. I’ve
started trying to make a regular monthly confession, and recently
confessed a grave sin that has been weighing on me for some time. It
is something I struggle with daily, but can already feel God’s grace
from this sacrament working to help me resist temptation. Please keep
up your good work and continue to promote sacramental confession on
your blog. Your persistence helped me to return to a state of grace
(as far as I know…). I’ll continue pray for you, and all priests,
bishops and the Holy Father.
Having a hard time going?
Just go.
Father! Hear confessions.
As I fortify myself to watch the State of the Union Address tonight, I am minded of one of the best lines of invective ever uttered.
Back in the 70’s Mary McCarthy and Lillian Hellman had a war, during which the former quipped of the latter,
“Every word she writes is a lie, including ‘and’ and ‘the.'”
Coat of Arms by D Burkart
EAW on Continue the Rome shot posts? I dunno.: “Yes, please continue the Rome shot posts! They have become one of the things I always look forward to. TC…”
on Continue the Rome shot posts? I dunno.: “Please keep posting Rome photos! I don’t know where I should go to find them if you were to stop!…”
on Continue the Rome shot posts? I dunno.: “Fr. Z, Please do continue the Rome posts. It’s like a little escape every day. Rome is our mother, she…”
on Continue the Rome shot posts? I dunno.: “I’ve only been to Rome three times, once as a seminarian lucky enough to be accompanying my Cardinal during his…”
on 10 November – St Andrew Avellino (Vetus Ordo). Wherein Fr. Z rants.: “My mom gave me this prayer when I was living alone during college and in the years after graduation. Please…” on Continue the Rome shot posts? I dunno.: “Archbishop Broglio led a retreat at my seminary once. He was almost universally liked by the seminarians. There are many…”
on Continue the Rome shot posts? I dunno.: “in the illo, curley’s helmet: i’d buy one if it came in my size. i for one love the Rome…”
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