Keep watching to the end. It’s not long.
I simply could not not share this.
By a decree of 25 May 2024, the Priory of Saint Benedict in Monte near Norcia, Italy, was elevated to an Abbey!
The new Abbot is Dom Benedict Nivakoff, OSB, the first Abbot there since 1792.
This is great news. The monastery is liturgically traditional, using the Vetus Ordo. This is on par with the elevation of the Benedictines at Gower Abbey in Missouri.
Let us all thank God for this great gift to the whole Church.
Here is a shot of the founder, Dom Cassian Folsom, making his obeisance to the new Abbot.

These are the Benedictines who make the wonderful beer I keep pushing.
Get some beer to celebrate and help them!
What the Council Fathers intended about Latin. v. What we got.
Peter K links to a piece at NLM:
Fr. Gabriel Díaz-Patri, researching the debates at Vatican II on Latin in the liturgy, demonstrates that the Council Fathers were told by the official relator that they were voting for the following:
1. Latin *must* be kept in the liturgy; this is not optional.
2. A liturgy… pic.twitter.com/u8G3q7aCM8
— Peter Kwasniewski (@DrKwasniewski) May 28, 2024
The Lie That Was Told to Over 2,000 Council Fathers at Vatican II
[…]
Some Council Fathers were worried about the loopholes. But the relator, that is, the rapporteur tasked with speaking to the assembly on behalf of the committee working on the document, reassured them that total vernacularization was out of the question.
[…]
The Latin Mass and the Intellectuals: Petitions to Save the Ancient Mass from 1966 to 2007


Norway Chess is underway, men and women (separate). I think all the men’s classical games drew and winners for the round were determined by armageddon. Hence, Hikaru beat Fabi, Prag beat Firouzja (yay!) and Magnus beat Ding. The Magnus Ding match was strange. Carlsen, who often is late to his board in a dishevelled state, was half an hour early. Then, after a few moves, Magnus left the board and didn’t return for 15 MINUTES. Hikaru said:
Nakamura: “It’s pretty funny to see Magnus… in the back room eating, he spent like 13 minutes eating noodles, salad and a big pepperoni pizza” ?#NorwayChess pic.twitter.com/XxatOZQL45
— chess24 (@chess24com) May 27, 2024
Black to move.

NB: I’ll hold comments with solutions ’till the next day so there won’t be “spoilers” for others.
Please remember me when shopping online and use my affiliate links. US HERE – UK HERE WHY? This helps to pay for health insurance (massively hiked for this new year of surprises), utilities, groceries, etc.. At no extra cost, you provide help for which I am grateful.
Support the sisters!
I had a nice note from them. They wrote to say that they are sending me candles for the chapel:
Our community is doing well and continuing to steadily grow, praise God. We have a new postulant right now and a number of young women in various stages of the discernment process. We’ve also had several sisters transfer here recently. The Master of the Order visited us yesterday which was a big excitement for us, and we had such a nice visit with him.
We continue to keep you in our prayers! Please pray for us as well.
As a friend wrote to me today:
“I’m not voting, but I’d have to abandon you this once.”
It’s hard to disagree!
??? ????? ??? ?? ????? ???????? ???????. #?????
Quarter-final 1/4.
More details in https://t.co/RbvnhWnVes
?????? ???? ?????????, ??? ??????????.
Sarah v Zuhlsdorf— Eccles (@BruvverEccles) May 27, 2024
And also…
??? ????? ??? ?? ????? ???????? ???????. #?????
Quarter-final 1/4.
More details in https://t.co/RbvnhWnVes
?????? ???? ?????????, ??? ??????????.
Sarah v Zuhlsdorf— Eccles (@BruvverEccles) May 27, 2024
I was sent a piece from the Italian news agency ANSA about an address Francis gave to the Italian bishops, whose plenary is at this time of year. My contacts in Italy say the press is going bananas over this.
In a nutshell, in no uncertain terms, Francis said that… well… here’s the top of the story from ANSA.
| Durissimo attacco di Papa Francesco contro la presenza di omosessuali nei seminari.
Nell’incontro a porte chiuse con gli oltre 200 vescovi italiani, che lunedì scorso ha aperto nell’Aula del Sinodo l’assemblea generale della Cei, il Pontefice su questo argomento si è lanciato in serratissimi richiami verso una maggiore selezione negli accessi ai seminari, non senza usare termini anche coloriti e puntando persino il dito – come ha riferito il sito Dagospia, seguito poi da altri media – contro l’eccesso di “frociaggine”. |
Very harsh attack by Pope Francis against the presence of homosexuals in seminaries.
In the closed-door meeting with over 200 Italian bishops, which opened the general assembly of the CEI in the Synod Hall last Monday, the Pontiff made very strong calls on this topic for greater selection in access to seminaries, not without using colorful terms and even pointing the finger – as reported by the Dagospia website, followed by other media – against the excess of “faggotry”. |
| Il severo intervento del Pontefice, che non ha mancato di sorprendere i presenti, è confermato da diverse fonti. Per Bergoglio, quindi, non vanno ammessi omosessuali nei seminari. Dal “chi sono io per giudicare” a una posizione ora molto più tranchant, se non altro per quanto riguarda la selezione e formazione dei sacerdoti. Il tema è oggetto di dibattito da molti anni, e già un’istruzione del dicastero vaticano per il Clero del 2005 – sotto Benedetto XVI – confermata nel 2016 con papa Francesco, stabiliva che “la Chiesa, pur rispettando profondamente le persone in questione, non può ammettere al Seminario e agli Ordini sacri coloro che praticano l’omosessualità, presentano tendenze omosessuali profondamente radicate o sostengono la cosiddetta cultura gay”. | The severe intervention of the Pontiff, which did not fail to surprise those present, is confirmed by various sources. For Bergoglio, therefore, homosexuals should not be allowed in seminaries. From “who am I to judge” to a now much more trenchant position, if only with regards to the selection and training of priests. The topic has been the subject of debate for many years, and an instruction from the Vatican Dicastery for the Clergy in 2005 – under Benedict XVI – confirmed in 2016 with Pope Francis, established that “the Church, while profoundly respecting the people in question, does not can admit to the Seminary and Holy Orders those who practice homosexuality, have deeply rooted homosexual tendencies or support the so-called gay culture”. |
| I vescovi italiani, da parte loro, nell’ultima assemblea svoltasi ad Assisi avevano dibattuto sulla possibilità di restrizioni più sfumate, sentendosi incoraggiati proprio dalle passate aperture di Bergoglio sul tema dell’omosessualità. Pur tra molte contestazioni, era stato quindi approvato un emendamento che si limitava a distinguere tra “atti” e “tendenze”, ribadendo l’obbligo del celibato per tutti i seminaristi, omosessuali ed eterosessuali, e aprendo così la porta dei seminari ai candidati gay al sacerdozio impegnati però nell’opzione del celibato. Ma nel confronto di un’ora e mezza con i presuli, di fatto il Papa ha sbarrato la strada: quindi rispetto, sì, per la persona gay che bussa alle porte del seminario, ma ponendo dei fermi paletti all’accesso per evitare che l’omosessuale che sceglie il sacerdozio finisca per fare una doppia vita, con tutte le conseguenze negative del caso. E per rafforzare il suo parere ed essere chiaro anche con una battuta, Francesco avrebbe recriminato esplicitamente sull’eccesso di “frociaggine” in certi seminari italiani. | The Italian bishops, for their part, in the last assembly held in Assisi had debated the possibility of more nuanced restrictions, feeling encouraged by Bergoglio’s past openness on the topic of homosexuality. Despite many protests, an amendment was therefore approved which limited itself to distinguishing between “acts” and “tendencies”, reiterating the obligation of celibacy for all seminarians, homosexual and heterosexual, and thus opening the door of the seminaries to gay candidates to the priesthood committed however to the option of celibacy. But in an hour and a half confrontation with the prelates, the Pope effectively blocked the way: therefore respect, yes, for the gay person who knocks on the doors of the seminary, but by placing firm barriers at access to prevent the The homosexual who chooses the priesthood ends up leading a double life, with all the negative consequences that entails. And to strengthen his opinion and be clear even with a joke, Francis would have explicitly complained about the excess of “faggotry” in certain Italian seminaries. |
| […] | […] |
The Jesuits and Fishwrap were unavailable for comment.
The Italian word “frocio”, even worse in its Roman version “froscio”, has uncertain roots. One believable explanation is that it derives ultimately from Latin ferox. There are other less polite origins.
The moderation queue is on.
27 May 2024
Dear Diary,
Like last year, I preached at ST*. After all, I’m the bishop, right? I used some of the same ideas as last year, and the year before that and the year before that going all the way back. So long ago, now. Seems forever ago and also like yesterday. Anyway, since I never really got the Trinity back in seminary classes I use some of oldies but goodies cause that’s what people like. People do, and so does Fr. Gilbert but Fr. Tommy goes out of his mind. Last year he went after me for the whole Trinity is like water idea.** At first, I thought he was saying that that was heresay but he was saying herisy, which I guess is not such a good idea, at least in the cathedral. Anyway, I’m waiting to hear what Tommy has to say for the new one, about the egg.*** HA… also, we can have eggs different ways, too! No, maybe that doesn’t work cause I can think of about a dozen ways for eggs. Gilbert had a good one maybe for next year. I didn’t get it at first, since my math isn’t that great. God is not like 1+1+1 since that means different pieces add up to God, which is now that I think of it, kinda like the egg one. Anyway, Gilbert said its more like 1x1x1 which he says is still just 1.**** I told Dozer that one when he called to invite me over to Pie Town for a Memorial Day party with some of their priests. He said that I finally got it! Good ol’ Dozer. Like he knows. Chester knows more about the Trinity than he does.
Tired. It’s confirmation season so I have to keep my energy in reserve. It’ll help to have extra helpings. Isn’t that why they are called helpings? Fr Tommy always rolls his eyes when I say that. He’ll be driving this week since Gilbert is going on a pilgrimage with STers to Ireland or Mexico, one of those places. I’ll check. Food’s gotta be better in Mexico. Speaking of food, I hope there’s steaks tomorrow. Dozer said I should stay over, so that means lotsa chow. Got keep this short. Long drive so morning comes early, like maybe even 9.
___
Editor’s Note:
*The Libville Cathedral is called “Spirit and Truth” Cathedral. It is really St. Telesphorus. They didn’t want Telesphorus after he was removed from the calendar in 1970 so they called it “Spirit and Truth” because +Fatty’s predecessor wanted the cathedral rectory’s engraved silverware and placesettings to have the same initials, ST for Saint Telephrous.
**Modalism: the Trinity is like water, which can be fluid, steam or frozen.
***Partialism, the heresy that God is made up of different components, together making one God when together.
****Wrong again. That would mean that only one Diving Person multiplied Himself, when in fact all Three Persons were distinct in eternity, without beginning.

From a friend in Rome today.
Tripled pawns and down a piece in this composed puzzle. Black’s pieces are stuck. But not for long. White to move and force mate in 5.

NB: I’ll hold comments with solutions ’till the next day so there won’t be “spoilers” for others.
Norway Chess starts today in Stavanger. Classical. Double round robin of 6 players. Both Ding and Magnus are there. $70K 1st prize for both men and women. There is a women’s section, too. I stopped in at the beginning of the stream and heard that Magnus has already been at his board for half an hour… with combed hair. He often rolls in late, disheveled.
Please remember me when shopping online and use my affiliate links. US HERE – UK HERE WHY? This helps to pay for health insurance (massively hiked for this new year of surprises), utilities, groceries, etc.. At no extra cost, you provide help for which I am grateful.
OTB today and tomorrow. What shall befall me?
It is fitting to honor those who served in the armed forces and who gave their lives.
Today I especially have in mind fallen military chaplains.
Here is just one example of service and valor for love of God, neighbor and country.
Father Vince Capodanno was Maryknoll missionary priest. He was sent first to the missions in Taiwan and later joined the US Navy and served with the 7th Marines in Vietnam and then, after working at the naval hospital, with the 5th Marines.
On 4 September 1967 there was a terrible battle in Que-Son Valley. As the battle developed Fr. Capodanno heard over the radio that things were getting dicey and so he requested to go out with M company.
As they approached the small village of Chau Lam, they were caught under fire on a knoll. There was terrible fighting, even hand to hand, and they were almost over run. Father Capodanno was wounded in the face and his hand was almost severed by a mortar round but he continued to giving last rites and take care of his Marines. He was killed trying to get to a wounded marine only 15 yards away from an enemy machine gun.
In January 1969, Lieutenant Vincent R. Capodanno, MM, became the second chaplain in United States history to receive our nation’s highest military honor. “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty …”, he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Lt. Vincent Capodanno’s Medal of Honor hangs in the Capodanno Chapel at The Basic School aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, as of December 9, 2014. The medal was donated by his family and dedicated to the chapel.
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Chaplain of the 3d Battalion, in connection with operations against enemy forces.
In response to reports that the 2d Platoon of M Company was in danger of being overrun by a massed enemy assaulting force, Lt. Capodanno left the relative safety of the company command post and ran through an open area raked with fire, directly to the beleaguered platoon.
Disregarding the intense enemy small-arms, automatic-weapons, and mortar fire, he moved about the battlefield administering last rites to the dying and giving medical aid to the wounded.
When an exploding mortar round inflicted painful multiple wounds to his arms and legs, and severed a portion of his right hand, he steadfastly refused all medical aid. Instead, he directed the corpsmen to help their wounded comrades and, with calm vigor, continued to move about the battlefield as he provided encouragement by voice and example to the valiant Marines.
Upon encountering a wounded corpsman in the direct line of fire of an enemy machine gunner positioned approximately 15 yards away, Lt. Capodanno rushed a daring attempt to aid and assist the mortally wounded corpsman. At that instant, only inches from his goal, he was struck down by a burst of machine gun fire.
By his heroic conduct on the battlefield, and his inspiring example, Lt. Capodanno upheld the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.
In addition, he was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. The government of Vietnam awarded him the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Silver Star and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device.
Fr. Capodanno’s cause has been opened:
Almighty and merciful God, look with Love on those who plead for Your help. Through the intercession of your servant, Father Vincent Capodanno, missionary and Catholic Navy Chaplain, grant the favor I earnestly seek (mention the request). May Vincent, who died bringing consolation to the Marines he was privileged to serve on the field of battle, intercede in my need as I pray in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
I want to add a word of thanks to a priest friend of mine, Fr. Tim Vakoc, a couple years behind me in seminary. He suffered serious wounds in Iraq, which, after causing years of suffering in the VA, eventually lead to his passing away. May he rest in peace.
These men served in hell armed with love of God and love of country. We should remember chaplains.
You may know the STUNNING book from St. Augustine Academy Press, Treasure and Tradition: The Ultimate Guide to the Latin Mass.

The creators of this book had it translated into several language and were distributing it outside of the Synod (“walking together”) Meeting Hall and were squealed on by Vatican to the cops, who pretty much drove them away for “permits”, blah blah.
These are trustworthy and dedicated people!
They also, sort of at my instigation, reprinted the beautiful The Life of Little Saint Placid, originally in French, by Mother Geneviève Gallois. HERE
I received this note, which is an ACTION ITEM!
Hello Father!
You may remember that crazy quixotic quest in which we gave away thousands of copies of Treasure and Tradition in magazine form during the 2019 Pan Amazon Synod…
I thought it might please you to know that I managed to snag a booth at the Eucharistic Congress this summer, and I plan to reprise that role by giving away 10,000 copies of the same book, but this time (hopefully anyway) no one can chase us away.
Of course, I’ve had to pay handsomely for the privilege, and I’ve just been informed that on top of the exorbitant amount we paid for the booth, we are going to be required to pay hefty fees every single time we want to stock our table from our truck full of boxes. Union labor requirements.
Faced with truly ridiculous costs, I come to you with hat in hand, wondering whether this is something you might consider sharing with your readership.
https://www.givesendgo.com/SAAPatNEC
I know last time it was in our favor that you did not publicize our fundraiser, as it allowed us to fly under the radar. I don’t know if that is important this time or not. Only you can say whether this is something you would wish to promote; at the very least, however, I hope I can count on your prayers.
Yours in Christ,
St. Augustine Academy Press
¡Hagan lío!