ASK FATHER: Does the St. Gertrude Prayer release 1000 souls from Purgatory?

Posted on 3 November 2016 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

gertrude 02 smWe are in that sweet-spot period when we can gain wonderful indulgences for Poor Souls and we are still within the Year of Mercy.  So…

…GET TO WORK!

From a reader…

QUAERITUR:

My husband and I were reading your post on how to gain indulgences for the Holy Souls. My husband, whose work schedule makes it hard to visit churches, was wondering why one would take so many steps to gain an indulgence for one person when saying the St. Gertrude prayer releases 1000 souls from Purgatory?

Here is the prayer in question.  You all would do well to memorize it and recite it often.

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal Church, for those in my own home and in my family. Amen.

About the 1000 souls, claim.  Nope, sorry.

First, the prayer is attributed to St. Gertrude the Great (+c. 1302).  She was a great mystic and writer.  She had a great devotion to the Lord’s Sacred Heart, a strong strain of nuptial mysticism, and powerful concern for the souls in Purgatory.

Pope Leo XIII tried to suppress a virtual superstition of the nearly “magical” effects of the simple recitation of prayers to free various numbers of souls from Purgatory.  You can find his acts in Acta Sanctae Sedis, which was the instrument of promulgation of documents of the  Holy See.  It’s name eventually changed to Acta Apostolicae Sedis, which is what it is called now.   In ASS 31 (1898-99) and ASS 32 (1899-1900).  At AAS 32 on p. 243 on Rule 8 we find a condemnation of cards or pages that promise that many souls will be released from Purgatory due to the recitation of a prayer.  Moreover, St Gertrude never wrote any such thing and her prayer does not say anything about it.

The Church gets to establish what indulgences are effective and can be used.  The current general grants are found in the Handbook of Indulgences.  Everyone should have a copy to reference.

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Saints: Stories & Symbols, Year of Mercy | Tagged , ,
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Great news about a new college seminary in Charlotte, NC!

Posted on 3 November 2016 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

While I was in Rome recently, I met a young priest engaged in studies.  He was the subdeacon with me for the Pontifical Mass celebrated by Archbp. Sample in St. Peter’s Basilica during the Summorum Pontificum pilgrimage.  He is from the Diocese of Charlotte, NC, where Bp. Peter Jugis has started a seminary.  He began to tell me about the character of the seminary, and I must admit that I got pretty excited about what I was hearing.  When he mentioned that the bishop takes Veterum sapientia very seriously, that was it for me.

I asked him to send me more information about their new seminary.  This is some of what he sent (with my emphases):

I wanted to point you in the direction of our college seminary, which I think might interest you. You frequently ask for good news, and this is all very good news. Bishop Peter J. Jugis, bishop of Charlotte, NC, founded St. Joseph College Seminary in March of this year. We have been holding Quo Vadis Days retreats for young men in the diocese for the past 4 years. With these retreats, many men have begun thinking and praying about a call to the priesthood earlier and earlier. High school men have been knocking and knocking on the doors of the Vocations Office. We hope that this seminary will respond to the needs of the diocese and the seed that has been planted in the hearts of these young men.

The aim of St. Joseph Seminary is to form well-rounded men. They are receiving formation in Philosophy, Music, Liturgy (both forms of the Roman Rite), Latin, Rhetoric, and Literature, as well as the other arts and humanities. We are striving to form holistic men rooted in the virtues. We started with eight men this year in a house that has eight rooms. We are blessed to have 12 possible men to enter next year. So we are striving to build.

At charlotteseminaryproject.org, you will notice the architecture (HERE) that responds to a needed environment for prayer and study. The chapel, I think, is designed to be wonderfully sacred space. We also have a “teaser trailer” that lays out the fundamental vision of the bishop and formation faculty. I was pleased to work with the seminarians for about 6 weeks before I came back over for my studies. They are receiving a lot, but growing by leaps and bounds every day.

I thought this might be some good news that your readers would enjoy hearing about. Would you be so kind to ask your readers for prayers for this endeavor? We are still raising funds, but the property has been selected just outside of the city near Belmont Abbey College. We hope to break ground on Phase One soon, if the Lord continues to supply us with generous benefactors.

Fr. Z kudos to Bp. Jugis and all involved!

BTW… if you want to know more about Veterum sapientia, I made a PODCAzT about it HERE.

And you can listen…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Posted in Fr. Z KUDOS, Latin, Linking Back, PODCAzT, Seminarians and Seminaries | Tagged , , ,
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The latest on the Reformation from Lutheran Satire (with some digs at us along the way)

Posted on 3 November 2016 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

We have to laugh at ourselves once in a while. Right?

I really enjoy these guys over at Lutheran Satire. They present a refreshing view.

YouTube thumbnailYouTube icon

Posted in Lighter fare | Tagged ,
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World Series Game 7 – GO TO CONFESSION!

Posted on 2 November 2016 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

world-series-2016The Cleveland Indians have not won the World Series since 1948…. 68 years.

The Chicago Cubs have not won the World Series since 1908…. 108 years.

108: The number of stitches in a baseball.

Coincidence?

Ominous portent, if there ever was one.

One of these teams will lose Game 7 of the World Series … tonight.

This seems to me to be the sort of moment when the Lord, in His mercy, might choose to return… to prevent the agony.

Perhaps sometime around the 7th inning stretch.

So, GO TO CONFESSION!

UPDATE:

THAT was one heck of a game!

Who thought we would live to see…

AC000000

Check out St. John Cantius ringing their bells.  HERE

Posted in GO TO CONFESSION | Tagged
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POLL: For All Souls Day Mass 2016 what color vestments did you see?

Posted on 2 November 2016 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf
black vestments kremsmuenster_chasuble

Memento Mori!

Even though today is not a Holy Day of Obligation (as yesterday was in most places… and if you didn’t go to Mass…), many of you have gone to Mass or will go later.

In the Usus Antiquior, the Traditional Form, the color to by used is black.  In the Novus Ordo, there are three options, white, purple and black.

I hope black makes a strong return.  I’m with Pius XII:

[O]ne would be straying from the straight path were he to wish the altar restored to its primitive tableform; were he to want black excluded as a color for the liturgical vestments; were he to forbid the use of sacred images and statues in Churches; were he to order the crucifix so designed that the divine Redeemer’s body shows no trace of His cruel sufferings; and lastly were he to disdain and reject polyphonic music or singing in parts, even where it conforms to regulations issued by the Holy See. (Mediator Dei 62)

Let’s have a poll.

The combox is open.  You must be registered and approved to comment but anyone can vote.

You might also contribute photos, if you haven’t been to Mass yet and think to take one (discreetly, of course, perhaps during the entrance or recessional).

For All Souls Day Mass 2016 what color vestments did the celebrant use?

  • Black (Traditional Latin Mass - Usus Antiquior) (28%, 556 Votes)
  • Black (Novus Ordo) (25%, 502 Votes)
  • White (23%, 456 Votes)
  • Purple/Violet (22%, 428 Votes)
  • Other (2%, 36 Votes)

Total Voters: 1,978

Here, for reference, are the results of last year’s poll.

For All Souls Day Mass 2015 what color vestments did you see?

  • Black - Traditional Latin Mass (30%, 755 Votes)
  • White (25%, 622 Votes)
  • Black - Novus Ordo (23%, 590 Votes)
  • Purple (19%, 475 Votes)
  • Other (3%, 75 Votes)

Total Voters: 2,517

Posted in Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, POLLS | Tagged ,
35 Comments

A Blessed who saw angels, Martin Luther, and YOU!

Posted on 2 November 2016 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I had an email from a Portuguese blogger, with the interesting site, Senza Pagare.  He has a post about 50 of Luther’s ideas which are against the Catholic Faith.

Also, recently in Rome, he told me about a vision of a Blessed of whom I had previously never heard, Maria Serafina of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, beatifed in 2011.  I found more about her at dom Mark’s blog, Vultus Christi.   She saw angels.  As a matter of fact, one angel showed her the punishment of Martin Luther. I found this at the blog Beggars All.  I haven’t seen a hard source for this yet.  Perhaps you readers have one.

In 1883, Sister Maria Serafina Micheli (1849-1911) was beatified in Faicchio in the province of Benevento in the diocese of Cerreto Sannita 28 May 2011, the foundress of the Sisters of the Angels, was going to Eisleben, Saxony, the birthplace of Luther.

The fourth centenary of the birth of the great heretic (10 November 1483) was celebrated on that day. Luther divided Europe and the Church. [The] streets were crowded, balconies included. Among the many personalities were expected at any time, with the arrival of Emperor Wilhelm I, who presided over the solemn celebrations.

The future Blessed, noting the great hoopla was not interested in knowing the reason for this unusual animation, his only desire was to find a church and pray to be able to make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. After walking for a while, she finally found one, but the doors were closed.

She knelt on the steps for Serenity Prayer. As it was in the evening, she had not noticed that it was not a Catholic church, but Protestant. While praying, the angel appeared, who said to him. “Arise, because it is a Protestant church”

Then he added: “But I want you to see where Martin Luther was condemned and the pain he suffered as a punishment for his pride.”

After these words, she saw a terrible abyss of fire, where they were cruelly tortured countless souls.

In the bottom of this hole there was a man, Martin Luther, which differed from the other: it was surrounded by demons that forced him to kneel, and all armed with hammers, they tried in vain , to shove a big nail in the head.

Whatever else one might say about that vision, that’s a pretty hard head!

I don’t want anyone to wind up in Hell.  Period.

Perhaps, dear reader, you will take the opportunity to examine your conscience, especially in regard to your obedience to the Church’s teachings and laws, and then…

GO TO CONFESSION!

Moderation queue is ON.

Posted in Saints: Stories & Symbols | Tagged ,
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Archbp. Piero Marini reported to have had a stroke

Posted on 1 November 2016 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I’ve been digging around about a rumor I heard that Archbp. Piero Marini – formerly papal MC and recently “rehabilitated” as a newly appointed member of the Congregation for Divine Worship.  I contacted some folks I know and got a confirmation of the something that I read that hadn’t been sourced.

Marini, it seems, had a stroke on Monday.  I don’t know how bad.  It is unknown how this will affect his work as a member of the CDW.

In your charity say a prayer for him.  He is responsible before God for many influential decisions.

I disagree with nearly everything Marini is about, and I was not happy about his appointment, but in charity we need to pray for him.

Posted in PRAYER REQUEST | Tagged
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Pope Francis celebrating Holy Mass ‘ad orientem’

Posted on 1 November 2016 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Three years ago today, I posted about Pope Francis celebrating Holy Mass ad orientem versus at a side altar of St. Peter’s Basilica, where John Paul II is.  HERE

I wrote then:

His Holiness of our Lord, Pope Francis, recently celebrated Holy Mass ad orientem versus at the tomb of Bl. John Paul II which is in the Vatican Basilica.

I wouldn’t get too worked up about this.  Let’s not forget the appalling rearrangement of the Sistina after his election.

First, it would have been impossible to set up an ironing-board altar within the bounds of the Communion rail at the altar where John Paul is situated.  Believe me, those side altars in St. Peter’s don’t leave much room between the altar’s step and the rail.

He could have had an altar set up outside the Communion rail, but then we wouldn’t have been celebrating Mass on the tomb of the Blessed. [now Saint]

The only alternative was to put on the polyester vestment and celebrate as the architecture required.  He could have at least used a white vestment and used the Mass formulary for Bl. John Paul.

So, don’t get too excited about this.

At the same time, if someone flings in your face that you can’t have Masses ad orientem, send them this picture.   The fact remains: Francis said Mass ad orientem versus.

We need ad orientem worship.  Libs fear it.  That should be a good sign that it is salutary.

Click!

Posted in Turn Towards The Lord | Tagged
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Pope Francis again slammed door – hard – on ordination of women

Posted on 1 November 2016 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Pope Francis, during an airplane presser (please, God, end them) responded to a question about ordination of women.  This would be a question of some importance to Protestants who “ordain” women and to the catholic wymyn who push such nonsense.

Via CNA:

Greg Burke: Thank you, Holy Father. Now, a question from the Swedish nation, in the same row, Christina Kaplan.

Christina Kaplan: Good morning. The Sweden that hosted this important ecumenical encounter has a woman as head of it’s own Church. What do you think: is it realistic to think of women priests also in the Catholic Church in the coming decades? And if not, why are Catholic priests afraid of competition?

Pope Francis: Reading the history a bit in the area where we were, I saw that there was a queen who was widowed three times. And I said: but, this woman is strong, and they told me: Swedish women are very strong, very good. And because of this some Swedish man looks for a woman from another nationality…I don’t know if it’s true, but…on the ordination of women in the Catholic Church, the final word is clear, it was said by St. John Paul II and this remains. On competition, I don’t know…

Cristina Kaplan: (inaudible) [USA Today gives, “Forever, forever? Never, never?”]

Pope Francis: If we read well the declaration made by St. John Paul II, it goes along this line, yes.

Greg Burke: Thank you, Holy Father.

I am going to take this also as an indication of the Holy Father’s thoughts about any kind of ordination of women.   I suspect that we may see in the next year or so – make it two – a Ordinatio diaconalis.

It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?  And a lovely symmetry.  However, I could also admire the chiasmus created by Diaconalis ordinatio.

Posted in Francis | Tagged
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Pope Francis’ prayer intentions for November 2016

Posted on 1 November 2016 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Pope Francis’ prayer intentions for November 2016

The Holy Father’s universal prayer intention for November is: “That the countries which take in a great number of displaced persons and refugees may find support for their efforts which show solidarity”.

His intention for evangelisation is: “That within parishes, priests and lay people may collaborate in service to the community without giving in to the temptation of discouragement”. [Do I hear an “Amen!”?]

Posted in Francis, PRAYER REQUEST |
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