Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

Reflection on Our Lady of Guadalupe by Pope Paul VI

From today's Office of Readings for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is this message from Pope Paul VI.

Beloved sons and daughters, we wish to unite our voice to that filial hymn which the Mexican people raise up today to the Mother of God. Devotion to the most holy Virgin of Guadalupe must be for all of you a constant and specific demand for authentic Christian renewal. The crown which she expects from all of you is not so much a material one as a precious spiritual crown, shaped by a profound love of Christ and a sincere love of all: the two commandments which sum up the gospel message. The same most holy Virgin, with her example, guides us on these two paths.

In the first place, she exhorts us to make Christ the center and summit of our whole Christian life. She remains hidden, with supreme humility, so that the image of her Son might appear to humanity with all its incomparable brightness. For this reason, true Marian devotion reaches its fullness and its most rightful expression when it is a path to the Lord and directs all its love toward him, just as Mary knew how to do, so as to intertwine in one and the same impulse the tenderness of a mother and the piety of a creature.

But in addition, and precisely because she loved Christ so dearly, our Mother fulfilled perfectly that second commandment which must be the norm of all human relations: the love of neighbor. How beautiful and delicate was the intervention of Mary at the wedding feast of Cana, when she moved her Son to accomplish the first miracle of turning the water into wine solely to help those young spouses! It is a complete sign of the constant love of the Virgin for humanity in need, and ought to be an example for all those who seek to be considered truly her sons and daughters.

Christians can do no less than to show solidarity in seeking a solution to the situation of those to whom the bread of culture has not yet come nor the opportunity of honorable and justly remunerated work. They cannot remain indifferent while new generations find no path for the realization of their legitimate aspirations, and while part of humanity continues to be placed at the margins of the advantages of civilization and progress. For this reason, on this celebrated feast, we urge you from our heart to give your Christian life a clear social sense—as the Council has asked—that you may always be in the front line in all efforts to attain progress, and in all the initiatives for improving the situation of those who suffer want. See in each person a brother or a sister—a brother or sister in Christ—in such a way that the love of God and the love of the neighbor become united in the same love, alive and operative, which is the only thing that can redeem the miseries of the world, renewing it in its most profound root, the human heart.

The person who has much should be conscious of his or her obligation to serve and contribute with generosity to the good of all. The person who has little or who has nothing should, with the help of a just society, make every effort at self-improvement and of going beyond self, and even in cooperating in the progress of those who suffer the same situation. And, all of you, feel the obligation to unite fraternally so as to help forge this new world for which the human race longs.

This is what the Virgin of Guadalupe asks of you today, this fidelity to the Gospel, of which she knew how to be the most eminent example.

Upon you, dearly beloved sons and daughters, we implore with confidence the maternal benevolence of the Mother of God and Mother of the Church, in order that she may continue to protect your nation and to direct and impel it more and more along the paths of progress, communal love, and a peaceful life together.

Reflection on Our Lady of Guadalupe by Pope Paul VI

From today's Office of Readings for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is this message from Pope Paul VI.

Beloved sons and daughters, we wish to unite our voice to that filial hymn which the Mexican people raise up today to the Mother of God. Devotion to the most holy Virgin of Guadalupe must be for all of you a constant and specific demand for authentic Christian renewal. The crown which she expects from all of you is not so much a material one as a precious spiritual crown, shaped by a profound love of Christ and a sincere love of all: the two commandments which sum up the gospel message. The same most holy Virgin, with her example, guides us on these two paths.

In the first place, she exhorts us to make Christ the center and summit of our whole Christian life. She remains hidden, with supreme humility, so that the image of her Son might appear to humanity with all its incomparable brightness. For this reason, true Marian devotion reaches its fullness and its most rightful expression when it is a path to the Lord and directs all its love toward him, just as Mary knew how to do, so as to intertwine in one and the same impulse the tenderness of a mother and the piety of a creature.

But in addition, and precisely because she loved Christ so dearly, our Mother fulfilled perfectly that second commandment which must be the norm of all human relations: the love of neighbor. How beautiful and delicate was the intervention of Mary at the wedding feast of Cana, when she moved her Son to accomplish the first miracle of turning the water into wine solely to help those young spouses! It is a complete sign of the constant love of the Virgin for humanity in need, and ought to be an example for all those who seek to be considered truly her sons and daughters.

Christians can do no less than to show solidarity in seeking a solution to the situation of those to whom the bread of culture has not yet come nor the opportunity of honorable and justly remunerated work. They cannot remain indifferent while new generations find no path for the realization of their legitimate aspirations, and while part of humanity continues to be placed at the margins of the advantages of civilization and progress. For this reason, on this celebrated feast, we urge you from our heart to give your Christian life a clear social sense—as the Council has asked—that you may always be in the front line in all efforts to attain progress, and in all the initiatives for improving the situation of those who suffer want. See in each person a brother or a sister—a brother or sister in Christ—in such a way that the love of God and the love of the neighbor become united in the same love, alive and operative, which is the only thing that can redeem the miseries of the world, renewing it in its most profound root, the human heart.

The person who has much should be conscious of his or her obligation to serve and contribute with generosity to the good of all. The person who has little or who has nothing should, with the help of a just society, make every effort at self-improvement and of going beyond self, and even in cooperating in the progress of those who suffer the same situation. And, all of you, feel the obligation to unite fraternally so as to help forge this new world for which the human race longs.

This is what the Virgin of Guadalupe asks of you today, this fidelity to the Gospel, of which she knew how to be the most eminent example.

Upon you, dearly beloved sons and daughters, we implore with confidence the maternal benevolence of the Mother of God and Mother of the Church, in order that she may continue to protect your nation and to direct and impel it more and more along the paths of progress, communal love, and a peaceful life together.

Memorial in the Order of Malta - Our Lady of Liesse

Today is a feast day for the Order of Malta, for Our Lady of Liesse, who is more commonly known by the title “Cause of Our Joy.”

The Collect from the Missal of the Order:

O God, who brought joy to the world by the Incarnation of Christ your Son, grant to us, who honor his Mother as Cause of our Joy, the grace to follow your commandments and to set our hearts on the true joys of heaven. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings:
Prophet Zechariah 2, 14-17
Gospel of Luke 1, 39-47

There are a couple versions on the origin of the statue and it’s relation to the Order of Malta.

An ancient statue of Our Lady and child was brought from Egypt to northern France at the same time of the Crusades by three knights of our Order who had been captured by Saracens and later released. It was enshrined at Liesse, near Laon, in the diocese of Soissons (France). The original statue was destroyed during the French Revolution, Pbut the medieval basilica at Liesse remained a centre of devotion to the Mother of God: a new statue was installed and crowned there in 1857. Our Lady of Liesse is the patron of the diocese of Soissons and the focus of pilgrimages, especially an annual pilgrimage on Whit Monday.

Three knight’s, Lords of Eppes, set forth for the crusade to defend the tomb of Christ (towards 1134). The knights are caught in an ambush and taken to Cairo, in Egypt, as prisoners. The Sultan tries to persuade the knights to become Muslims. They resist pressure from the Sultan and the scribes. The sultan sends them his daughter, Princess Ismerie, to see if she can persuade them. The three Knights proclaim to her the Good News: "Jesus, the Son of Mary, is the Son of God." Princess Ismerie asks for an image of Jesus and Mary, but the knights do not know how to sculpt images. They pray, and that night the Angel of the Lord brings them a little statue. When Ismerie returns to them, she becomes more and more interested in their faith in Jesus Christ. Princess Ismerie, amazed at the statue, takes it to her apartments. During the night, Mary appears to her, asking her to free the knights from prison and to become a Christian. Princess Ismerie freed the prisoners and, trusting in the protection of God and Mary, she goes with them.

She carries with her the statue of Our Lady. Having crossed the Nile and exhausted by this long march, they fall asleep. When they awake, they find themselves near a village called Liance. Our Lady of Liance will soon become Our Lady of Liesse. Princess Ismerie is baptized by Blessed Barthelemi de Vir, Bishop of Laon. For 850 years, the Kings and Queens of France as well as pilgrims from every nation (50 000 to 100 000 each year) have come here to venerate Mary, the Mother of Jesus, she who is the Cause of our Joy, 'Laetitia', or Our Lady of Liesse.

Memorial in the Order of Malta - Our Lady of Liesse

Today is a feast day for the Order of Malta, for Our Lady of Liesse, who is more commonly known by the title “Cause of Our Joy.”

The Collect from the Missal of the Order:

O God, who brought joy to the world by the Incarnation of Christ your Son, grant to us, who honor his Mother as Cause of our Joy, the grace to follow your commandments and to set our hearts on the true joys of heaven. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings:
Prophet Zechariah 2, 14-17
Gospel of Luke 1, 39-47

There are a couple versions on the origin of the statue and it’s relation to the Order of Malta.

An ancient statue of Our Lady and child was brought from Egypt to northern France at the same time of the Crusades by three knights of our Order who had been captured by Saracens and later released. It was enshrined at Liesse, near Laon, in the diocese of Soissons (France). The original statue was destroyed during the French Revolution, Pbut the medieval basilica at Liesse remained a centre of devotion to the Mother of God: a new statue was installed and crowned there in 1857. Our Lady of Liesse is the patron of the diocese of Soissons and the focus of pilgrimages, especially an annual pilgrimage on Whit Monday.

Three knight’s, Lords of Eppes, set forth for the crusade to defend the tomb of Christ (towards 1134). The knights are caught in an ambush and taken to Cairo, in Egypt, as prisoners. The Sultan tries to persuade the knights to become Muslims. They resist pressure from the Sultan and the scribes. The sultan sends them his daughter, Princess Ismerie, to see if she can persuade them. The three Knights proclaim to her the Good News: "Jesus, the Son of Mary, is the Son of God." Princess Ismerie asks for an image of Jesus and Mary, but the knights do not know how to sculpt images. They pray, and that night the Angel of the Lord brings them a little statue. When Ismerie returns to them, she becomes more and more interested in their faith in Jesus Christ. Princess Ismerie, amazed at the statue, takes it to her apartments. During the night, Mary appears to her, asking her to free the knights from prison and to become a Christian. Princess Ismerie freed the prisoners and, trusting in the protection of God and Mary, she goes with them.

She carries with her the statue of Our Lady. Having crossed the Nile and exhausted by this long march, they fall asleep. When they awake, they find themselves near a village called Liance. Our Lady of Liance will soon become Our Lady of Liesse. Princess Ismerie is baptized by Blessed Barthelemi de Vir, Bishop of Laon. For 850 years, the Kings and Queens of France as well as pilgrims from every nation (50 000 to 100 000 each year) have come here to venerate Mary, the Mother of Jesus, she who is the Cause of our Joy, 'Laetitia', or Our Lady of Liesse.

Yesterday we attended Mass at our local parish which can often be a gamble as to which music genre we must be subjected to. Unfortunately it was the happy clappy music with the Gloria, Gloria in excelsis Deo, (clap, clap). I found this beautiful version by Palestrina to offset what I heard at Mass. I found one of the comments following on this YouTube clip truly telling.

this is my favorite recorded version of this piece :) I'm not a very religious person, but the music of this can literally give my entire body chills.

Perhaps this is why the Vatican has seen the need to create a new commission within the Congregation for Divine Worship tasked with improving Church architecture and music in the liturgy.

A team has been set up, to put a stop to garage style churches, boldly shaped structures that risk denaturing modern places for Catholic worship. Its task is also to promote singing that really helps the celebration of mass. The “Liturgical art and sacred music commission” will be established by the Congregation for Divine Worship over the coming weeks. This will not be just any office, but a true and proper team, whose task will be to collaborate with the commissions in charge of evaluating construction projects for churches of various dioceses. The team will also be responsible for the further study of music and singing that accompany the celebration of mass.

See the full story at Vatican Insider.

Yesterday we attended Mass at our local parish which can often be a gamble as to which music genre we must be subjected to. Unfortunately it was the happy clappy music with the Gloria, Gloria in excelsis Deo, (clap, clap). I found this beautiful version by Palestrina to offset what I heard at Mass. I found one of the comments following on this YouTube clip truly telling.

this is my favorite recorded version of this piece :) I'm not a very religious person, but the music of this can literally give my entire body chills.

Perhaps this is why the Vatican has seen the need to create a new commission within the Congregation for Divine Worship tasked with improving Church architecture and music in the liturgy.

A team has been set up, to put a stop to garage style churches, boldly shaped structures that risk denaturing modern places for Catholic worship. Its task is also to promote singing that really helps the celebration of mass. The “Liturgical art and sacred music commission” will be established by the Congregation for Divine Worship over the coming weeks. This will not be just any office, but a true and proper team, whose task will be to collaborate with the commissions in charge of evaluating construction projects for churches of various dioceses. The team will also be responsible for the further study of music and singing that accompany the celebration of mass.

See the full story at Vatican Insider.

Absolve Domine

As the Church's liturgical year winds down this week many people's thoughts are on the best deals they can find on Black Friday. In contrast I thought this video gives us a reminder of more eternal things. So even if we do go shopping today hopefully we find time to reflect on our spiritual needs as well as our material ones.

Absolve Domine

As the Church's liturgical year winds down this week many people's thoughts are on the best deals they can find on Black Friday. In contrast I thought this video gives us a reminder of more eternal things. So even if we do go shopping today hopefully we find time to reflect on our spiritual needs as well as our material ones.

Vivificat!: Long live Christ the King!

Vivificat!: Long live Christ the King!

Brethren, peace and good to you all in the name of our King, whose royal feast we observe today.

Pope Pius XI universally instituted The Feast of Christ the King in 1925 in his encyclical Quas Primas. Pope Pius connected the denial of Christ as king to the rise of secularism. At the time of Quas Primas, secularism was on the rise, and many Christians, even Catholics, were doubting Christ's authority, as well as the Church's, and even doubting Christ's existence. Pius XI, and the rest of the Christian world, witnessed the rise of dictatorships in Europe, and saw Catholics being taken in by these earthly leaders. Just as the Feast of Corpus Christi was instituted when devotion to the Eucharist was at a low point, the Feast of Christ the King was instituted during a time when respect for Christ and the Church was waning, when the feast was most needed. In fact, it is still needed today, as these problems have not vanished, but instead have worsened.

Pius hoped the institution of the feast would have various effects. They were:

1. That nations would see that the Church has the right to freedom, and immunity from the state (Quas Primas, 32).

2. That leaders and nations would see that they are bound to give respect to Christ (Quas Primas, 31).

3. That the faithful would gain strength and courage from the celebration of the feast, as we are reminded that Christ must reign in our hearts, minds, wills, and bodies (Quas Primas, 33).

Today, the same distrust of authority exists, although the problem has gotten worse. Individualism has been embraced to such an extreme, that for many, the only authority is the individual self. The idea of Christ as ruler is rejected in such a strongly individualistic system. Also, many balk at the idea of kings and queens, believing them to be oppressive. Some even reject the titles of "lord" and "king" for Christ because they believe that such titles are borrowed from oppressive systems of government. However true these statements might be (some kings have been oppressive), these individuals miss the point: Christ's kingship is one of humility and service. Jesus said:

You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to become great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:42-45, NAB).

and

Pilate said to Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?"... Jesus answered, "My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here." So Pilate said to him, "Then you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world,to testify to the truth (John 18:33b, 36-37).

Thus, Jesus knew the oppressive nature of secular kings, and in contrast to them, he connected his role as king to humble service, and commanded his followers to be servants as well. In other passages of Scripture, his kingdom is tied to his suffering and death. While Christ is coming to judge the nations, his teachings spell out a kingdom of justice and judgment balanced with radical love, mercy, peace, and forgiveness. When we celebrate Christ as King, we are not celebrating an oppressive ruler, but one willing to die for humanity and whose "loving-kindness endures forever." Christ is the king that gives us true freedom, freedom in Him. Thus we must never forget that Christ radically redefined and transformed the concept of kingship.

Christ the King Sunday used to be celebrated on the last Sunday of October, but since the calendar reforms of 1969, the feast falls on the last Sunday of Ordinary Time, which is the Sunday before Advent. It is fitting that the feast celebrating Christ's kingship is observed right before Advent, when we liturgically wait for the promised Messiah (King).

Vivificat!: Long live Christ the King!

Vivificat!: Long live Christ the King!

Brethren, peace and good to you all in the name of our King, whose royal feast we observe today.

Pope Pius XI universally instituted The Feast of Christ the King in 1925 in his encyclical Quas Primas. Pope Pius connected the denial of Christ as king to the rise of secularism. At the time of Quas Primas, secularism was on the rise, and many Christians, even Catholics, were doubting Christ's authority, as well as the Church's, and even doubting Christ's existence. Pius XI, and the rest of the Christian world, witnessed the rise of dictatorships in Europe, and saw Catholics being taken in by these earthly leaders. Just as the Feast of Corpus Christi was instituted when devotion to the Eucharist was at a low point, the Feast of Christ the King was instituted during a time when respect for Christ and the Church was waning, when the feast was most needed. In fact, it is still needed today, as these problems have not vanished, but instead have worsened.

Pius hoped the institution of the feast would have various effects. They were:

1. That nations would see that the Church has the right to freedom, and immunity from the state (Quas Primas, 32).

2. That leaders and nations would see that they are bound to give respect to Christ (Quas Primas, 31).

3. That the faithful would gain strength and courage from the celebration of the feast, as we are reminded that Christ must reign in our hearts, minds, wills, and bodies (Quas Primas, 33).

Today, the same distrust of authority exists, although the problem has gotten worse. Individualism has been embraced to such an extreme, that for many, the only authority is the individual self. The idea of Christ as ruler is rejected in such a strongly individualistic system. Also, many balk at the idea of kings and queens, believing them to be oppressive. Some even reject the titles of "lord" and "king" for Christ because they believe that such titles are borrowed from oppressive systems of government. However true these statements might be (some kings have been oppressive), these individuals miss the point: Christ's kingship is one of humility and service. Jesus said:

You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to become great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:42-45, NAB).

and

Pilate said to Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?"... Jesus answered, "My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here." So Pilate said to him, "Then you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world,to testify to the truth (John 18:33b, 36-37).

Thus, Jesus knew the oppressive nature of secular kings, and in contrast to them, he connected his role as king to humble service, and commanded his followers to be servants as well. In other passages of Scripture, his kingdom is tied to his suffering and death. While Christ is coming to judge the nations, his teachings spell out a kingdom of justice and judgment balanced with radical love, mercy, peace, and forgiveness. When we celebrate Christ as King, we are not celebrating an oppressive ruler, but one willing to die for humanity and whose "loving-kindness endures forever." Christ is the king that gives us true freedom, freedom in Him. Thus we must never forget that Christ radically redefined and transformed the concept of kingship.

Christ the King Sunday used to be celebrated on the last Sunday of October, but since the calendar reforms of 1969, the feast falls on the last Sunday of Ordinary Time, which is the Sunday before Advent. It is fitting that the feast celebrating Christ's kingship is observed right before Advent, when we liturgically wait for the promised Messiah (King).

Catholic Church Architecture and the Spirit of the Liturgy

Catholic Church Architecture and the Spirit of the Liturgy

Catholic Church Architecture and the Spirit of the Liturgy

Catholic Church Architecture and the Spirit of the Liturgy

Novena Prayer for Memorial of All Saints of the Order

O God, the bestower of forgiveness and the lover of human salvation, we beseech Thee, of Thy tender love, to grant that the brethren of our Order, with their relatives and benefactors, who have passed out of this life, may, by the intercession of Our Lady of Philermo, and all thy saints, come to the fellowship of eteranal bliss. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

Novena Prayer for Memorial of All Saints of the Order

O God, the bestower of forgiveness and the lover of human salvation, we beseech Thee, of Thy tender love, to grant that the brethren of our Order, with their relatives and benefactors, who have passed out of this life, may, by the intercession of Our Lady of Philermo, and all thy saints, come to the fellowship of eteranal bliss. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

Is American Becoming a Replica of the UN General Assembly

Pat Buchanan makes some important distinctions between immigration to the U.S. past and present in an article at Crisis Magazine, It Can't Happen Here.

First, the great American Melting Pot has been rejected by our elites as cultural genocide, in favor of a multiculturalism that is failing in Europe. Second, what we are attempting has no precedent in human history.

We are attempting to convert a republic, European and Christian in its origins and character, into an egalitarian democracy of all the races, religions, cultures and tribes of planet Earth.

We are turning America into a gargantuan replica of the U.N. General Assembly, a continental conclave of the most disparate and diverse peoples in all of history, who will have no common faith, no common moral code, no common language and no common culture.

Is American Becoming a Replica of the UN General Assembly

Pat Buchanan makes some important distinctions between immigration to the U.S. past and present in an article at Crisis Magazine, It Can't Happen Here.

First, the great American Melting Pot has been rejected by our elites as cultural genocide, in favor of a multiculturalism that is failing in Europe. Second, what we are attempting has no precedent in human history.

We are attempting to convert a republic, European and Christian in its origins and character, into an egalitarian democracy of all the races, religions, cultures and tribes of planet Earth.

We are turning America into a gargantuan replica of the U.N. General Assembly, a continental conclave of the most disparate and diverse peoples in all of history, who will have no common faith, no common moral code, no common language and no common culture.

Cardinal Wuerl Admits Church Failed to Properly Catechize the Laity

Cardinal Wuerl had made the following remark, now lets hope he will offer a catechesis course to all the Catholic politicians who dissent from Church teaching and excommunicate those who continue to persist in their error(s).

The greatest challenge of the New Evangelization is that for the last 40 years much of the laity has had little or no catechesis.

Cardinal Wuerl Admits Church Failed to Properly Catechize the Laity

Cardinal Wuerl had made the following remark, now lets hope he will offer a catechesis course to all the Catholic politicians who dissent from Church teaching and excommunicate those who continue to persist in their error(s).

The greatest challenge of the New Evangelization is that for the last 40 years much of the laity has had little or no catechesis.

3 Prayers of Mercy for the Dying

Three Very Beautiful Prayers taken from the Pieta Prayer Book, which are very useful to a dying person, and should be prayed often as an act of mercy. I don't know if the following story is true or pious legend, nevertheless we can hope. The picture at left is a 19th century French prayer card reminding people of their mortality. The inscription above the skull reads, Choose (center) and one side "Eternal Life" and the other "Eternal Fire."

There once was a Pope in Rome who was surrounded by many sins.  The Lord God struck him with a fatal illness.  When he saw that he was dying he summoned Cardinals, Bishops and learned persons and said to them:  “My dear friends! What comfort can you give me now that I must die, and when I deserve eternal damnation for my sins?”  No one answered him.  One of them, a pious curate named John, said: “Father, why do you doubt the Mercy of God?”  The Pope replied: “What comfort can you give me now that I must die and fear that I’ll be damned for my sins?” John replied:  “I’ll read three prayers over you; I hope, you’ll be comforted and that you’ll obtain Mercy from God.”  The Pope was unable to say more.  The curate and all those present knelt and said an Our Father, then the following prayers:

Prayer 1
Lord Jesus Christ!  Thou Son of God and Son of the Virgin Mary, God and Man, Thou who in fear sweated blood for us on the Mount of Olives in order to bring peace, and to offer Thy Most Holy Death to God Thy Heavenly Father for the salvation of this dying person…  If it be, however, that by his sins he merits eternal damnation, then may it be deflected from him.  This, O Eternal Father through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Dear Son, Who liveth and reigneth in union with The Holy Spirit now and forever.  Amen.

Prayer 2
Lord Jesus Christ!  Thou who meekly died on the trunk of the Cross for us, submitting Thy Will completely to Thy Heavenly Father in order to bring peace and to offer Thy most Holy Death to Thy Heavenly Father in order to free…(this person)…and to hide from him what he has earned with his sins; grant this O Eternal Father!  Through Our Lord Jesus Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in union with the Holy Spirit now and forever.  Amen.

Prayer 3
Lord Jesus Christ!  Thou Who remained silent to speak through the mouths of the Prophets;  I have drawn Thee to me through Eternal Love, which love drew Thee from Heaven into the body of the Virgin, which love drew Thee from the body of the Virgin into the valley of this needful world, which Love kept Thee 33 years in this world, and as a sign of Great Love, Thou hast given Thy drink, as a sign of great love, Thou has consented to be a prisoner and to be led from one judge to another and as a sign of great love Thou has consented to be condemned to death, and hast consented to die and to be buried and truly rise, and appeared to Thy Holy Mother and all the Holy Apostles, and as a sign of great love Thou hast ascended, under Thy own strength and power, and sitteth at the right hand of God Thy heavenly Father, and Thou has sent Thy Holy Spirit into the heart of Thy Apostles and the hearts of all who hope and believe in Thee.  Through Thy sign of Eternal love, open heaven today and take this dying person… and all his sins into the realm of Thy Heavenly Father, that he may reign with Thee now and forever.  Amen.

Meanwhile the Pope died.  The curate persevered to the third hour, then the Pope appeared to him in body and comforting him; his countenence as brilliant as the sun, his clothes as white as snow, and he said:  “My dear brother!  Whereas I was supposed to be a child of damnation I’ve become a child of happiness.  As you recited the first prayer many of my sins fell from me as rain from Heaven, and as you recited the second Prayer I was purified, as a goldsmith purifies gold in a hot fire.  I was still further purified as you recited the third prayer.  Then I saw Heaven open and the Lord Jesus standing on the Right Hand of God the Father who said to me:  “Come, all thy sins are forgiven thee, you’ll be and remain in the realm of My Father forever.  Amen!”

With these words my soul separated from my body and the angels of God led it to Eternal Joy.
As the curate heard this he said: “O Holy Father! I can’t tell these things to anyone, for they won’t believe me.”  Then the Pope said: “Truly I tell thee, the Angel of God stands with me and has written the prayers in letters of gold for the consolement of all sinners.  If a person had committed all the sins in the world, but that the three prayers shall have been read (over him) at his end (death), all his sins will be forgiven him, even though his soul was supposed to suffer until the Last Judgement, it will be redeemed (freed).
The person who hears them read, he won’t die an unhappy death also in whose house they will be read.  Therefore take these prayers and carry them into St. Peter’s Basilica and lay them in the Chapel named the Assumption of Mary, for certain consolation.  The person who will be near death, who reads them or hears them read gains 400 years indulgence for the days he was supposed to suffer in Purgatory because of his guilt.  Also who reads this prayer or hears it read, the hour of his death shall be revealed to him. Amen!

3 Prayers of Mercy for the Dying

Three Very Beautiful Prayers taken from the Pieta Prayer Book, which are very useful to a dying person, and should be prayed often as an act of mercy. I don't know if the following story is true or pious legend, nevertheless we can hope. The picture at left is a 19th century French prayer card reminding people of their mortality. The inscription above the skull reads, Choose (center) and one side "Eternal Life" and the other "Eternal Fire."

There once was a Pope in Rome who was surrounded by many sins.  The Lord God struck him with a fatal illness.  When he saw that he was dying he summoned Cardinals, Bishops and learned persons and said to them:  “My dear friends! What comfort can you give me now that I must die, and when I deserve eternal damnation for my sins?”  No one answered him.  One of them, a pious curate named John, said: “Father, why do you doubt the Mercy of God?”  The Pope replied: “What comfort can you give me now that I must die and fear that I’ll be damned for my sins?” John replied:  “I’ll read three prayers over you; I hope, you’ll be comforted and that you’ll obtain Mercy from God.”  The Pope was unable to say more.  The curate and all those present knelt and said an Our Father, then the following prayers:

Prayer 1
Lord Jesus Christ!  Thou Son of God and Son of the Virgin Mary, God and Man, Thou who in fear sweated blood for us on the Mount of Olives in order to bring peace, and to offer Thy Most Holy Death to God Thy Heavenly Father for the salvation of this dying person…  If it be, however, that by his sins he merits eternal damnation, then may it be deflected from him.  This, O Eternal Father through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Dear Son, Who liveth and reigneth in union with The Holy Spirit now and forever.  Amen.

Prayer 2
Lord Jesus Christ!  Thou who meekly died on the trunk of the Cross for us, submitting Thy Will completely to Thy Heavenly Father in order to bring peace and to offer Thy most Holy Death to Thy Heavenly Father in order to free…(this person)…and to hide from him what he has earned with his sins; grant this O Eternal Father!  Through Our Lord Jesus Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in union with the Holy Spirit now and forever.  Amen.

Prayer 3
Lord Jesus Christ!  Thou Who remained silent to speak through the mouths of the Prophets;  I have drawn Thee to me through Eternal Love, which love drew Thee from Heaven into the body of the Virgin, which love drew Thee from the body of the Virgin into the valley of this needful world, which Love kept Thee 33 years in this world, and as a sign of Great Love, Thou hast given Thy drink, as a sign of great love, Thou has consented to be a prisoner and to be led from one judge to another and as a sign of great love Thou has consented to be condemned to death, and hast consented to die and to be buried and truly rise, and appeared to Thy Holy Mother and all the Holy Apostles, and as a sign of great love Thou hast ascended, under Thy own strength and power, and sitteth at the right hand of God Thy heavenly Father, and Thou has sent Thy Holy Spirit into the heart of Thy Apostles and the hearts of all who hope and believe in Thee.  Through Thy sign of Eternal love, open heaven today and take this dying person… and all his sins into the realm of Thy Heavenly Father, that he may reign with Thee now and forever.  Amen.

Meanwhile the Pope died.  The curate persevered to the third hour, then the Pope appeared to him in body and comforting him; his countenence as brilliant as the sun, his clothes as white as snow, and he said:  “My dear brother!  Whereas I was supposed to be a child of damnation I’ve become a child of happiness.  As you recited the first prayer many of my sins fell from me as rain from Heaven, and as you recited the second Prayer I was purified, as a goldsmith purifies gold in a hot fire.  I was still further purified as you recited the third prayer.  Then I saw Heaven open and the Lord Jesus standing on the Right Hand of God the Father who said to me:  “Come, all thy sins are forgiven thee, you’ll be and remain in the realm of My Father forever.  Amen!”

With these words my soul separated from my body and the angels of God led it to Eternal Joy.
As the curate heard this he said: “O Holy Father! I can’t tell these things to anyone, for they won’t believe me.”  Then the Pope said: “Truly I tell thee, the Angel of God stands with me and has written the prayers in letters of gold for the consolement of all sinners.  If a person had committed all the sins in the world, but that the three prayers shall have been read (over him) at his end (death), all his sins will be forgiven him, even though his soul was supposed to suffer until the Last Judgement, it will be redeemed (freed).
The person who hears them read, he won’t die an unhappy death also in whose house they will be read.  Therefore take these prayers and carry them into St. Peter’s Basilica and lay them in the Chapel named the Assumption of Mary, for certain consolation.  The person who will be near death, who reads them or hears them read gains 400 years indulgence for the days he was supposed to suffer in Purgatory because of his guilt.  Also who reads this prayer or hears it read, the hour of his death shall be revealed to him. Amen!

First Saturday Day of Adoration

Members of the Order are participating in a Day of Adoration each First Saturday by making a Holy Hour to pray for vocations and intentions of the Order. If you are not a member but support our work you are welcome to offer your prayers throughout the day for these intentions. If you are a member who would like to make a Holy Hour at a specific time of the day you can just send me an email with the time you plan to do so. Otherwise you are also welcome to join us "in spirit" by offering your prayers with us throughout the day.

First Saturday Day of Adoration

Members of the Order are participating in a Day of Adoration each First Saturday by making a Holy Hour to pray for vocations and intentions of the Order. If you are not a member but support our work you are welcome to offer your prayers throughout the day for these intentions. If you are a member who would like to make a Holy Hour at a specific time of the day you can just send me an email with the time you plan to do so. Otherwise you are also welcome to join us "in spirit" by offering your prayers with us throughout the day.

Order of Malta Taking Possession of Malta in 1530

On this day, 26 October 1530, the Order of Malta took possession of the Island of Malta which had been given to them by Emperor Charles V in agreement for an annual tribue of one Maltese falcon. This image by Rene Berthon shows Phillipe Villiers de l'Isle-Adam, the 44th Grand Master of the Order taking possession.

Order of Malta Taking Possession of Malta in 1530

On this day, 26 October 1530, the Order of Malta took possession of the Island of Malta which had been given to them by Emperor Charles V in agreement for an annual tribue of one Maltese falcon. This image by Rene Berthon shows Phillipe Villiers de l'Isle-Adam, the 44th Grand Master of the Order taking possession.

For What Should We Pray

From today's Office of Readings is this letter of St. Augustine,

You may still want to ask why the Apostle said: We do not know what it is right to pray for, because, surely, we cannot believe that either he or those to whom he wrote did not know the Lord’s Prayer.

He showed that he himself shared this uncertainty. Did he know what it was right to pray for when he was given a thorn in the flesh, an angel of Satan to bruise him, so that he might not be puffed up by the greatness of what was revealed to him? Three times he asked the Lord to take it away from him, which showed that he did not know what he should ask for in prayer. At last, he heard the Lord’s answer, explaining why the prayer of so great a man was not granted, and why it was not expedient for it to be granted: My grace is sufficient for you, for power shines forth more perfectly in weakness.

In the kind of affliction, then, which can bring either good or ill, we do not know what it is right to pray for; yet, because it is difficult, troublesome and against the grain for us, weak as we are, we do what every human would do, we pray that it may be taken away from us. We owe, however, at least this much in our duty to God: if he does not take it away, we must not imagine that we are being forgotten by him but because of our loving endurance of evil, must await greater blessings in its place. In this way, power shines forth more perfectly in weakness. These words are written to prevent us from having too great an opinion of ourselves if our prayer is granted, when we are impatient in asking for something that it would be better not to receive; and to prevent us from being dejected, and distrustful of God’s mercy toward us, if our prayer is not granted, when we ask for something that would bring us greater affliction, or completely ruin us through the corrupting influence of prosperity. In these cases we do not know what is right to ask for in prayer.

Therefore, if something happens that we did not pray for, we must have no doubt at all that what God wants is more expedient than what we wanted ourselves. Our great Mediator gave us an example of this. After he had said: Father, if it is possible, let this cup be taken away from me, he immediately added, Yet not what I will, but what you will, Father, so transforming the human will that was his through his taking a human nature. As a consequence, and rightly so, through the obedience of one man the many are made righteous.

For What Should We Pray

From today's Office of Readings is this letter of St. Augustine,

You may still want to ask why the Apostle said: We do not know what it is right to pray for, because, surely, we cannot believe that either he or those to whom he wrote did not know the Lord’s Prayer.

He showed that he himself shared this uncertainty. Did he know what it was right to pray for when he was given a thorn in the flesh, an angel of Satan to bruise him, so that he might not be puffed up by the greatness of what was revealed to him? Three times he asked the Lord to take it away from him, which showed that he did not know what he should ask for in prayer. At last, he heard the Lord’s answer, explaining why the prayer of so great a man was not granted, and why it was not expedient for it to be granted: My grace is sufficient for you, for power shines forth more perfectly in weakness.

In the kind of affliction, then, which can bring either good or ill, we do not know what it is right to pray for; yet, because it is difficult, troublesome and against the grain for us, weak as we are, we do what every human would do, we pray that it may be taken away from us. We owe, however, at least this much in our duty to God: if he does not take it away, we must not imagine that we are being forgotten by him but because of our loving endurance of evil, must await greater blessings in its place. In this way, power shines forth more perfectly in weakness. These words are written to prevent us from having too great an opinion of ourselves if our prayer is granted, when we are impatient in asking for something that it would be better not to receive; and to prevent us from being dejected, and distrustful of God’s mercy toward us, if our prayer is not granted, when we ask for something that would bring us greater affliction, or completely ruin us through the corrupting influence of prosperity. In these cases we do not know what is right to ask for in prayer.

Therefore, if something happens that we did not pray for, we must have no doubt at all that what God wants is more expedient than what we wanted ourselves. Our great Mediator gave us an example of this. After he had said: Father, if it is possible, let this cup be taken away from me, he immediately added, Yet not what I will, but what you will, Father, so transforming the human will that was his through his taking a human nature. As a consequence, and rightly so, through the obedience of one man the many are made righteous.

Feast of Blessed Gerard

Today is the Feast of the founder of the Order of Malta, Blessed Gerard. Please pray for us.

Click here to read an article on Blessed Gerard I wrote last winter for the American Assoc. newsletter

Feast of Blessed Gerard

Today is the Feast of the founder of the Order of Malta, Blessed Gerard. Please pray for us.

Click here to read an article on Blessed Gerard I wrote last winter for the American Assoc. newsletter

Steve Jobs- A Life That Might Not Have Been

In 1954, [Joanne Schiebel] was a young unmarried college student who discovered that she was pregnant. In the 1950s, her options were limited. She could have had an abortion – but the procedure was both dangerous and illegal. She could have gotten married, but she wasn’t ready and didn’t want to interrupt her education. Joanne opted, instead, to give birth to the baby and put it up for adoption.

And so it was that in 1955, a California couple named Paul and Clara Jobs adopted a baby boy, born out of wedlock, that they named Steven.
We know him today…as Steve Jobs.

It would not be overstating things to say that Steve Jobs is my generation’s Thomas Edison. As one observer put it, he knew what the world wanted before the world knew that it wanted it.

If you have an iPhone or an iPad or an iPod, or anything remotely resembling them, you can thank Steve Jobs.

If your world has been transformed by the ability to hear a symphony, send a letter, pay a bill, deposit a check, read a book and then buy theater tickets on something roughly the size of a credit card…you can thank Steve Jobs.

And: you can thank Joanne Schiebel.

If you want to know how much one life can matter, there is just one example.

But: imagine if that life had never happened.

Steve Jobs- A Life That Might Not Have Been

In 1954, [Joanne Schiebel] was a young unmarried college student who discovered that she was pregnant. In the 1950s, her options were limited. She could have had an abortion – but the procedure was both dangerous and illegal. She could have gotten married, but she wasn’t ready and didn’t want to interrupt her education. Joanne opted, instead, to give birth to the baby and put it up for adoption.

And so it was that in 1955, a California couple named Paul and Clara Jobs adopted a baby boy, born out of wedlock, that they named Steven.
We know him today…as Steve Jobs.

It would not be overstating things to say that Steve Jobs is my generation’s Thomas Edison. As one observer put it, he knew what the world wanted before the world knew that it wanted it.

If you have an iPhone or an iPad or an iPod, or anything remotely resembling them, you can thank Steve Jobs.

If your world has been transformed by the ability to hear a symphony, send a letter, pay a bill, deposit a check, read a book and then buy theater tickets on something roughly the size of a credit card…you can thank Steve Jobs.

And: you can thank Joanne Schiebel.

If you want to know how much one life can matter, there is just one example.

But: imagine if that life had never happened.

Memorial of Blessed Peter of Imola of the Order of Malta

Today is the feast of Bl. Peter of Imola the Prior of the Grand Priory of Rome. Although there is little know of his life there is an interesting account of an incident involving him after his death.


Again thanks to Fr. Gerard of the South African Association of the Order of Malta for his work in putting together these biographies.

He was born about 1250 at Imola (Italy) into the family of the lords of Linasio. An able lawyer, he mediated between the Guelphs and Ghibellines at Romagna in 1297. He became a knight of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem and was elected Grand Prior at Rome. He devoted great energy to caring for the sick at Florence (Italy) where he died on 5 October 1320: he was buried in the Church of St. James in the Campo Corbolini.


Prayer:

O God, who gave to blessed Peter, Prior of our Order, the gift of healing discord and division, grant to us through his prayers the grace of striving for peace and so being called the children of God. Through the same Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

For more info see last years post.

Memorial of Blessed Peter of Imola of the Order of Malta

Today is the feast of Bl. Peter of Imola the Prior of the Grand Priory of Rome. Although there is little know of his life there is an interesting account of an incident involving him after his death.


Again thanks to Fr. Gerard of the South African Association of the Order of Malta for his work in putting together these biographies.

He was born about 1250 at Imola (Italy) into the family of the lords of Linasio. An able lawyer, he mediated between the Guelphs and Ghibellines at Romagna in 1297. He became a knight of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem and was elected Grand Prior at Rome. He devoted great energy to caring for the sick at Florence (Italy) where he died on 5 October 1320: he was buried in the Church of St. James in the Campo Corbolini.


Prayer:

O God, who gave to blessed Peter, Prior of our Order, the gift of healing discord and division, grant to us through his prayers the grace of striving for peace and so being called the children of God. Through the same Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

For more info see last years post.

The Grand Master of the Order of Malta Fra' Matthew Festing was given a warm welcome when he visited the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Prince Regent Alois of Liechtenstein received the Grand Master in the twelfth-century Vaduz castle overlooking the principality’s capital. After the national anthems in the castle courtyard there was a meeting with the prince regent during which the Principality and Order of Malta’s initiatives in the fields of development, humanitarian cooperation and multilateral relations were discussed.

The full story can be read here.

The Grand Master of the Order of Malta Fra' Matthew Festing was given a warm welcome when he visited the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Prince Regent Alois of Liechtenstein received the Grand Master in the twelfth-century Vaduz castle overlooking the principality’s capital. After the national anthems in the castle courtyard there was a meeting with the prince regent during which the Principality and Order of Malta’s initiatives in the fields of development, humanitarian cooperation and multilateral relations were discussed.

The full story can be read here.

Lourdes Grotto Cam Now Available on iPhone and Android

If you want to view the live cam of the Grotto at Lourdes with your iPhone or Android phone you can now do so. The mobile web address is http://fr.lourdes-france.org/tv-lourdes/mobile/

Lourdes Grotto Cam Now Available on iPhone and Android

If you want to view the live cam of the Grotto at Lourdes with your iPhone or Android phone you can now do so. The mobile web address is http://fr.lourdes-france.org/tv-lourdes/mobile/

Grand Master Fra Festing's Interview on The Catholic Cafe

Earlier this Spring in Lourdes, the Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Fra' Matthew Festing dropped by The Catholic Cafe for an interview. He talks about the history and nature of the Order and gives an interesting lesson on the actual meaning of the motto 'Tuitio Fidei' as being more than just "Defense of the Faith" but more accurately as "nurturing or teaching the Faith."

The Catholic Cafe, Inc. is incorporated in Tennessee as a not-for-profit corporation, under the umbrella of the Diocese of Memphis for tax-exempt purposes. It’s board members and officers are all members of the Order of Malta serving with the approval of the Bishop of Memphis. The mission of The Catholic Café, Inc. is to reach out to non-Catholics and fallen-away Catholics with positive, high quality radio and Internet programming to faithfully present Catholic teaching and follow up with personal outreach when requested. We wish to invite all people to consider joining us in the Catholic Church.

The interview lasts about half an hour and can be heard by clicking here.

Grand Master Fra Festing's Interview on The Catholic Cafe

Earlier this Spring in Lourdes, the Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Fra' Matthew Festing dropped by The Catholic Cafe for an interview. He talks about the history and nature of the Order and gives an interesting lesson on the actual meaning of the motto 'Tuitio Fidei' as being more than just "Defense of the Faith" but more accurately as "nurturing or teaching the Faith."

The Catholic Cafe, Inc. is incorporated in Tennessee as a not-for-profit corporation, under the umbrella of the Diocese of Memphis for tax-exempt purposes. It’s board members and officers are all members of the Order of Malta serving with the approval of the Bishop of Memphis. The mission of The Catholic Café, Inc. is to reach out to non-Catholics and fallen-away Catholics with positive, high quality radio and Internet programming to faithfully present Catholic teaching and follow up with personal outreach when requested. We wish to invite all people to consider joining us in the Catholic Church.

The interview lasts about half an hour and can be heard by clicking here.

Address Change for the Order of Malta's Official Website

Rome, 15/09/2011


New address for the website of the Sovereign Order of Malta, http://www.orderofmalta.int/


From 15 September the address of the website of the Sovereign Order of Malta has changed. IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) the international organisation responsible for the registration .int (international), has given the government of the Sovereign Order of Malta the new domain name of: www.orderofmalta.in. This is now the website’s main address.

The main email address also changes to: info@orderofmalta.int


The domain .int is considered to have the strictest application policies of all top level domain names and implies that the holder is a subject of international law. This change guarantees a more immediate recognition of the information published by the government of the Sovereign Order of Malta.

Address Change for the Order of Malta's Official Website

Rome, 15/09/2011


New address for the website of the Sovereign Order of Malta, http://www.orderofmalta.int/


From 15 September the address of the website of the Sovereign Order of Malta has changed. IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) the international organisation responsible for the registration .int (international), has given the government of the Sovereign Order of Malta the new domain name of: www.orderofmalta.in. This is now the website’s main address.

The main email address also changes to: info@orderofmalta.int


The domain .int is considered to have the strictest application policies of all top level domain names and implies that the holder is a subject of international law. This change guarantees a more immediate recognition of the information published by the government of the Sovereign Order of Malta.

Fra Festing Interviewed by Rome Reports

A nice interview of the Grand Master of the SMOM by Rome Reports TV News Agency

Fra Festing Interviewed by Rome Reports

A nice interview of the Grand Master of the SMOM by Rome Reports TV News Agency

HIRH Archduke Felix of Austria R.I.P.

HIRH Archduke Felix of Austria, last surviving son of the late Emperor Karl and Empress Zita (née Bourbon-Parma) passed away in Mexico, where he had lived for decades.

Felix was born at Schönbrunn on 31 May 1916, the same year that his father was to succeed to the moribund Austro-Hungarian throne. He was named after his mother's brother, Prince Felix of Bourbon-Parma, who later married Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg.

He married at Beaulieu, France, Princess and Duchess Anna Eugenie of Arenberg (1925-1997), by whom he fathered seven children: Maria del Pilar (b. 1953); Karl Philipp (1954); Kinga (1955); Raimund (1958-2008); Marie Adelheid (Miriam) (b. 1959); István (b. 1961); and Viridis (b. 1961).

The Archduke settled in Mexico and led a very successful business career. All but one of his children were born in that country. He will be buried in Vienna as well.

Like his brother Otto who recently preceded him in death, Archduke Felix was also a Knight of Malta.

HIRH Archduke Felix of Austria R.I.P.

HIRH Archduke Felix of Austria, last surviving son of the late Emperor Karl and Empress Zita (née Bourbon-Parma) passed away in Mexico, where he had lived for decades.

Felix was born at Schönbrunn on 31 May 1916, the same year that his father was to succeed to the moribund Austro-Hungarian throne. He was named after his mother's brother, Prince Felix of Bourbon-Parma, who later married Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg.

He married at Beaulieu, France, Princess and Duchess Anna Eugenie of Arenberg (1925-1997), by whom he fathered seven children: Maria del Pilar (b. 1953); Karl Philipp (1954); Kinga (1955); Raimund (1958-2008); Marie Adelheid (Miriam) (b. 1959); István (b. 1961); and Viridis (b. 1961).

The Archduke settled in Mexico and led a very successful business career. All but one of his children were born in that country. He will be buried in Vienna as well.

Like his brother Otto who recently preceded him in death, Archduke Felix was also a Knight of Malta.

The Charity of Cardinal Merry del Val or the "Charity" of Wealth Re-Distribution

I've been reading a wonderful biography on Cardinal Merry del Val, Secretary of State under Saint Pope Pius X and one of the greatest statesman to ever serve the Church. While he will long be remembered for colloborating with Pope Pius X on reforming the Church and the battle against Modernism he is equally to be remembered for his humility and service to the sick and poor. He was also a Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order of Malta and his cause for canonization was introduced by Pope Pius XII and he is currently declared a "Servant of God." Here is a brief characterization of his charity from the author and an example of the charity he gave from a Canon of the Basilica of St. Peter.

Like all great souls, Cardinal Merry del Val had a passion for charity that knew no limits; merciful charity that helps a person without humiliating him; pious charity inspired not by any human motives but only out of love for God.

"No one ever had recourse to him in vain; no one ever left him without getting some sort of help and comfort. He gave to all, and in order to give even more he imposed upon himself a way of life that was parsimonious and at times even downright austere (he once took the sheets and mattress from his own bed to give to a family in need). He was always so courteous and genteel in exercising his charity it seemed as if he was the one accepting it."

One last example from a former member of the Pious Association of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which he founded to help the young boys of Trastevere, one of the poorest sections of Rome.

"It was he who paid the rent for families unable to pay it. It was he who found work for those that did not know how or where to find it. He was the one who went out and procured employment for needy young men. Finally, it was he who, disregarding the sacrifice entailed or the expenses involved, would provide the sick, the infirm, and the invalids with care, support, and medicines."

What would happen if more of us would live our lives by his shining example? Instead of community organizing or radical social activism we acted as true Christian disciples how much more would God bless our efforts? Rather than abdicating our responsibilities to "the Government" or slandering those who might have a different political or economic philosophy we ourselves took care of our brother in need. Government has a proper role to be sure but too often those who work for it have their own selfish motives and interests in mind far removed from true Christian charity. Contrast the anonymous charity of Cardinal del Val with the self-promoting paying off of special interests to ensure their votes in the next election. Too often among these individuals there is a self-aggradizing look at me, I have compassion for the poor, while the example of the Saints is to show us that what they do is solely out of love of God and neighbor and seen by Him alone.

Today at a labor rally in Detroit, union boss Jimmy Hoffa, used inflammatory rhetoric to motivate the "labor crowd" in a war against corporations, Republicans, and anyone else they imply is not a labor supporter. The problem with this rhetoric is that calling your opponent "s-ns of b--ches" and threatening to "take them out"  is a decidedly un-Catholic view of the relationship between labor and capital. In honor of "Labor Day" here in the States here is a portion of the encyclical Rerum Novarum of Pope Leo XIII. Though it has been updated by the encyclicals of subsequent popes, being the original document of the Church to address the changing social questions it still has relevance to us today.

1. That the spirit of revolutionary change, which has long been disturbing the nations of the world, should have passed beyond the sphere of politics and made its influence felt in the cognate sphere of practical economics is not surprising. The elements of the conflict now raging are unmistakable, in the vast expansion of industrial pursuits and the marvelous discoveries of science; in the changed relations between masters and workmen; in the enormous fortunes of some few individuals, and the utter poverty of the masses; in the increased self-reliance and closer mutual combination of the working classes; as also, finally, in the prevailing moral degeneracy. The momentous gravity of the state of things now obtaining fills every mind with painful apprehension; wise men are discussing it; practical men are proposing schemes; popular meetings, legislatures, and rulers of nations are all busied with it—actually there is no question which has taken a deeper hold on the public mind.

2. Therefore, venerable brethren, as on former occasions when it seemed opportune to refute false teaching, We have addressed you in the interests of the Church and of the common weal, and have issued letters bearing on political power, human liberty, the Christian constitution of the State, and like matters, so have We thought it expedient now to speak on the condition of the working classes.[1] It is a subject on which We have already touched more than once, incidentally. But in the present letter, the responsibility of the apostolic office urges Us to treat the question of set purpose and in detail, in order that no misapprehension may exist as to the principles which truth and justice dictate for its settlement. The discussion is not easy, nor is it void of danger. It is no easy matter to define the relative rights and mutual duties of the rich and of the poor, of capital and of labor. And the danger lies in this, that crafty agitators are intent on making use of these differences of opinion to pervert men's judgments and to stir up the people to revolt.

3. In any case we clearly see, and on this there is general agreement, that some opportune remedy must be found quickly for the misery and wretchedness pressing so unjustly on the majority of the working class: for the ancient workingmen's guilds were abolished in the last century, and no other protective organization took their place. Public institutions and the laws set aside the ancient religion. Hence, by degrees it has come to pass that working men have been surrendered, isolated and helpless, to the hard-heartedness of employers and the greed of unchecked competition. The mischief has been increased by rapacious usury, which, although more than once condemned by the Church, is nevertheless, under a different guise, but with like injustice, still practiced by covetous and grasping men. To this must be added that the hiring of labor and the conduct of trade are concentrated in the hands of comparatively few; so that a small number of very rich men have been able to lay upon the teeming masses of the laboring poor a yoke little better than that of slavery itself.

4. To remedy these wrongs the socialists, working on the poor man's envy of the rich, are striving to do away with private property, and contend that individual possessions should become the common property of all, to be administered by the State or by municipal bodies. They hold that by thus transferring property from private individuals to the community, the present mischievous state of things will be set to rights, inasmuch as each citizen will then get his fair share of whatever there is to enjoy. But their contentions are so clearly powerless to end the controversy that were they carried into effect the working man himself would be among the first to suffer. They are, moreover, emphatically unjust, for they would rob the lawful possessor, distort the functions of the State, and create utter confusion in the community.

The Charity of Cardinal Merry del Val or the "Charity" of Wealth Re-Distribution

I've been reading a wonderful biography on Cardinal Merry del Val, Secretary of State under Saint Pope Pius X and one of the greatest statesman to ever serve the Church. While he will long be remembered for colloborating with Pope Pius X on reforming the Church and the battle against Modernism he is equally to be remembered for his humility and service to the sick and poor. He was also a Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order of Malta and his cause for canonization was introduced by Pope Pius XII and he is currently declared a "Servant of God." Here is a brief characterization of his charity from the author and an example of the charity he gave from a Canon of the Basilica of St. Peter.

Like all great souls, Cardinal Merry del Val had a passion for charity that knew no limits; merciful charity that helps a person without humiliating him; pious charity inspired not by any human motives but only out of love for God.

"No one ever had recourse to him in vain; no one ever left him without getting some sort of help and comfort. He gave to all, and in order to give even more he imposed upon himself a way of life that was parsimonious and at times even downright austere (he once took the sheets and mattress from his own bed to give to a family in need). He was always so courteous and genteel in exercising his charity it seemed as if he was the one accepting it."

One last example from a former member of the Pious Association of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which he founded to help the young boys of Trastevere, one of the poorest sections of Rome.

"It was he who paid the rent for families unable to pay it. It was he who found work for those that did not know how or where to find it. He was the one who went out and procured employment for needy young men. Finally, it was he who, disregarding the sacrifice entailed or the expenses involved, would provide the sick, the infirm, and the invalids with care, support, and medicines."

What would happen if more of us would live our lives by his shining example? Instead of community organizing or radical social activism we acted as true Christian disciples how much more would God bless our efforts? Rather than abdicating our responsibilities to "the Government" or slandering those who might have a different political or economic philosophy we ourselves took care of our brother in need. Government has a proper role to be sure but too often those who work for it have their own selfish motives and interests in mind far removed from true Christian charity. Contrast the anonymous charity of Cardinal del Val with the self-promoting paying off of special interests to ensure their votes in the next election. Too often among these individuals there is a self-aggradizing look at me, I have compassion for the poor, while the example of the Saints is to show us that what they do is solely out of love of God and neighbor and seen by Him alone.

Today at a labor rally in Detroit, union boss Jimmy Hoffa, used inflammatory rhetoric to motivate the "labor crowd" in a war against corporations, Republicans, and anyone else they imply is not a labor supporter. The problem with this rhetoric is that calling your opponent "s-ns of b--ches" and threatening to "take them out"  is a decidedly un-Catholic view of the relationship between labor and capital. In honor of "Labor Day" here in the States here is a portion of the encyclical Rerum Novarum of Pope Leo XIII. Though it has been updated by the encyclicals of subsequent popes, being the original document of the Church to address the changing social questions it still has relevance to us today.

1. That the spirit of revolutionary change, which has long been disturbing the nations of the world, should have passed beyond the sphere of politics and made its influence felt in the cognate sphere of practical economics is not surprising. The elements of the conflict now raging are unmistakable, in the vast expansion of industrial pursuits and the marvelous discoveries of science; in the changed relations between masters and workmen; in the enormous fortunes of some few individuals, and the utter poverty of the masses; in the increased self-reliance and closer mutual combination of the working classes; as also, finally, in the prevailing moral degeneracy. The momentous gravity of the state of things now obtaining fills every mind with painful apprehension; wise men are discussing it; practical men are proposing schemes; popular meetings, legislatures, and rulers of nations are all busied with it—actually there is no question which has taken a deeper hold on the public mind.

2. Therefore, venerable brethren, as on former occasions when it seemed opportune to refute false teaching, We have addressed you in the interests of the Church and of the common weal, and have issued letters bearing on political power, human liberty, the Christian constitution of the State, and like matters, so have We thought it expedient now to speak on the condition of the working classes.[1] It is a subject on which We have already touched more than once, incidentally. But in the present letter, the responsibility of the apostolic office urges Us to treat the question of set purpose and in detail, in order that no misapprehension may exist as to the principles which truth and justice dictate for its settlement. The discussion is not easy, nor is it void of danger. It is no easy matter to define the relative rights and mutual duties of the rich and of the poor, of capital and of labor. And the danger lies in this, that crafty agitators are intent on making use of these differences of opinion to pervert men's judgments and to stir up the people to revolt.

3. In any case we clearly see, and on this there is general agreement, that some opportune remedy must be found quickly for the misery and wretchedness pressing so unjustly on the majority of the working class: for the ancient workingmen's guilds were abolished in the last century, and no other protective organization took their place. Public institutions and the laws set aside the ancient religion. Hence, by degrees it has come to pass that working men have been surrendered, isolated and helpless, to the hard-heartedness of employers and the greed of unchecked competition. The mischief has been increased by rapacious usury, which, although more than once condemned by the Church, is nevertheless, under a different guise, but with like injustice, still practiced by covetous and grasping men. To this must be added that the hiring of labor and the conduct of trade are concentrated in the hands of comparatively few; so that a small number of very rich men have been able to lay upon the teeming masses of the laboring poor a yoke little better than that of slavery itself.

4. To remedy these wrongs the socialists, working on the poor man's envy of the rich, are striving to do away with private property, and contend that individual possessions should become the common property of all, to be administered by the State or by municipal bodies. They hold that by thus transferring property from private individuals to the community, the present mischievous state of things will be set to rights, inasmuch as each citizen will then get his fair share of whatever there is to enjoy. But their contentions are so clearly powerless to end the controversy that were they carried into effect the working man himself would be among the first to suffer. They are, moreover, emphatically unjust, for they would rob the lawful possessor, distort the functions of the State, and create utter confusion in the community.

Prince Alois of Liechtenstein Vetos Bill to Legalize Abortion

From an article by J.C. von Krempach at the blog Turtle Bay and Beyond, which covers international law, policy, and institutions.

In the small Principality of Liechtenstein, a popular referendum is held on a bill that would legalise abortion. But Prince Alois of Liechtenstein, the heir apparent to the throne (who is exercising the functions of Head of State on behalf of his father, HSH Prince Hans Adam II.), has publicly stated that he will in any case use his veto right against this bill.

This definitely reminds of the famous dictum ascribed to the Austrian Emperor Francis Joseph (1848 – 1916): “My task as Emperor is to protect my people against the follies of their politicians”.

May God bless you Prince Alois for taking this courageous position and may He grant you the grace to remain firm in your beliefs and provide an example to other Catholic politicians and leaders.

Prince Alois of Liechtenstein Vetos Bill to Legalize Abortion

From an article by J.C. von Krempach at the blog Turtle Bay and Beyond, which covers international law, policy, and institutions.

In the small Principality of Liechtenstein, a popular referendum is held on a bill that would legalise abortion. But Prince Alois of Liechtenstein, the heir apparent to the throne (who is exercising the functions of Head of State on behalf of his father, HSH Prince Hans Adam II.), has publicly stated that he will in any case use his veto right against this bill.

This definitely reminds of the famous dictum ascribed to the Austrian Emperor Francis Joseph (1848 – 1916): “My task as Emperor is to protect my people against the follies of their politicians”.

May God bless you Prince Alois for taking this courageous position and may He grant you the grace to remain firm in your beliefs and provide an example to other Catholic politicians and leaders.

The Order of Malta and It's Wines

A fine article in Spectator.co.uk about the Order of Malta with a review of some of it's wines, h/t to Fr. Mullins. Here's an excerpt and you can finish the article at their website.

Sovereignty, protocol, military tradition, historic splendour: the Knights cherish them all, but today’s Order has returned to its roots. A medieval hospital, such as the one they ran in Jerusalem, was a guesthouse for travellers. But it would have tended the sick and the dying. Today, that is the Knights’ principal purpose. They are the largest source of non-governmental aid in the world. All Knights are expected to perform good works. By enforcing this requirement, Fra Andrew stirred up some discontent in Rome. One or two princely families, who regarded their membership of the Order as merely an hereditary honour, had neither paid a subscription nor undertaken any charitable works since the Risorgimento. Fra Andrew insisted on a firm purpose of amendment.

The British Knights organise pilgrimages to Lourdes. They tend to have lineages with many quarterings, often from the recusant families who kept the candle of English Catholicism alive at the risk of being hanged and quartered. Many pilgrims are frail, despairing and lonely, a long way removed from Debrett’s. There are those who disapprove of the Order’s grandeur. But there is nothing grand about the nursing tasks which the Knights (and Dames) undertake. Anyone who is prepared to nurse the incontinent dying is entitled to a bit of pomp on their return.

As well as some decent wine. The Order has several vineyards in Italy, mainly near Lake Trasimene and the Castello di Magione, a 12th-century fortress which is the Grand Master’s summer residence. During a prolonged tasting, I had only one disappointment: their Prosecco (mind you, it was no worse than the run of Proseccos). I would commend their Rosso dell’Umbria, a sound quaffing bottle, and their Morcinaia, more complex and more expensive. It is a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, so some purists regard it as a French interloper. Would they decline a glass of Sassicaia? There is a delicious Vin Santo, Colli dei Trasimeno, and, from Friuli, an excellent Fruiliano plus a first-rate Pinot Grigio. The Knightly vineyards are almost incapable of producing a bad wine and the profits subsidise good causes. If that does not put you off, the UK stockists are Clarion Wines, who have a website.

The Order of Malta and It's Wines

A fine article in Spectator.co.uk about the Order of Malta with a review of some of it's wines, h/t to Fr. Mullins. Here's an excerpt and you can finish the article at their website.

Sovereignty, protocol, military tradition, historic splendour: the Knights cherish them all, but today’s Order has returned to its roots. A medieval hospital, such as the one they ran in Jerusalem, was a guesthouse for travellers. But it would have tended the sick and the dying. Today, that is the Knights’ principal purpose. They are the largest source of non-governmental aid in the world. All Knights are expected to perform good works. By enforcing this requirement, Fra Andrew stirred up some discontent in Rome. One or two princely families, who regarded their membership of the Order as merely an hereditary honour, had neither paid a subscription nor undertaken any charitable works since the Risorgimento. Fra Andrew insisted on a firm purpose of amendment.

The British Knights organise pilgrimages to Lourdes. They tend to have lineages with many quarterings, often from the recusant families who kept the candle of English Catholicism alive at the risk of being hanged and quartered. Many pilgrims are frail, despairing and lonely, a long way removed from Debrett’s. There are those who disapprove of the Order’s grandeur. But there is nothing grand about the nursing tasks which the Knights (and Dames) undertake. Anyone who is prepared to nurse the incontinent dying is entitled to a bit of pomp on their return.

As well as some decent wine. The Order has several vineyards in Italy, mainly near Lake Trasimene and the Castello di Magione, a 12th-century fortress which is the Grand Master’s summer residence. During a prolonged tasting, I had only one disappointment: their Prosecco (mind you, it was no worse than the run of Proseccos). I would commend their Rosso dell’Umbria, a sound quaffing bottle, and their Morcinaia, more complex and more expensive. It is a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, so some purists regard it as a French interloper. Would they decline a glass of Sassicaia? There is a delicious Vin Santo, Colli dei Trasimeno, and, from Friuli, an excellent Fruiliano plus a first-rate Pinot Grigio. The Knightly vineyards are almost incapable of producing a bad wine and the profits subsidise good causes. If that does not put you off, the UK stockists are Clarion Wines, who have a website.