Thursday, January 31, 2013

Anybody Want to Generously Donate for New Computer?

Old Betsy is a dying computer.  In fact, on her very last leg.  I took this photo this morning.

Dying this very moment [I am finishing this post on a borrowed computer]. 

The screen has been broken for almost a year (I have not had a seizure yet, thanks be to God).

Now since yesterday the external monitor is showing a flurry of red colour.

Also, yesterday evening the "L" button broke.  Today the screen is flashing and I can no longer type at the moment.

I want to give readers a chance to support this - I have not been able to blog properly in weeks; I have many Rome pics to post.

If there is a generous soul out there willing to donate, please let me know.  I can purchase a new Toshiba laptop for about $500 usd.

This blog apostolate has always been a community effort.  I thank all those in advance as well as all those who have given in the past and all readers for their support.

There is much work to be done.  If you think it a worthy cause, please consider it in intense prayer. 

Let us pray!

And enjoy this new video on the Extraordinary Form:  http://vimeo.com/58589884.

Helping Those In Need

A friend has asked that we link to this site to help a Catholic family in need.

See here: http://11onmyown.com/.

In your charity remember those in need.

Bless you!


Why not women priests?

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Church Music Association of America 2013 Conference

See here: http://musicasacra.com/st-agnes/.

"The Church Music Association of America will hold a conference exploring renewal movements within the Church’s liturgy and sacred music on October 13–15, 2013, at the Church of St. Agnes and Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, Minnesota.  The conference marks the 40th anniversary of the residence of the Twin Cities Catholic Chorale, founded by Msgr. Richard J. Schuler, at the Church of St. Agnes in St. Paul.  The conference seeks to explore, through critical analysis, former and present efforts to revive the Church’s sacred liturgy and music, particularly as exemplified by Msgr. Schuler’s work."

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Recommended Reading


During his military service, Muhammad, a young Muslim Iraqi from a leading Shiite family, discovers to his dismay that his roommate is a Christian. Muhammad tries to convert his roommate, but he is the one who is converted.

In Islam changing one's religion is a crime, and Muhammad's family does everything possible to make him renounce his new faith in Christ. After threats and blows come prison and torture. Muhammad, who has become Joseph by his baptism, experiences a long Calvary but does not give in. Finally, he is taken from prison by relatives who threaten to kill him if he does not resubmit to Islam. They shoot him and leave him for dead...

THE PRICE TO PAY is the true story of Joseph Fadelle's conversion to Catholicism.

Available in hardcover and e-book: www.ignatius.com/Products/PRPA-H/the-price-to-pay.aspx?src=ipfb

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Ultimate Goal of Ecumenical Efforts

A return to the Universal (Ecumenical) Church.  

Image from the Internet. 

Monday, January 21, 2013

Catholic Culture: Ball Season in Vienna

"The Rudolfina Redoute is the oldest, most traditional ball organized by a student fraternity. Of the many Redoutes that once took place, the Rudolfina Redoute is the only one that still survives today. Every year on Carnival Monday ("Rosenmontag"), guests from all over the world come to the Vienna Hofburg for the Rudolfina Redoute.  The Rudolfina Redoute dates back to the Austro-Hungarian empire.  As the last large ball before Lent, the Rudolfina Redoute is a glorious end to the Viennese Carnival season."

Saturday, January 19, 2013

PIO XII - PASTOR ANGELICUS

Rome Quotes

"The rejection of religious tradition leads to the reduction of vision in the arts."

-James MacMillan

The Angelicum's Greatest Professor: Fr. Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange, OP

Image from Facebook.  

"A sure way to save the Angelicum is to revive authentic Thomism.  This will take a new generation."  -Anonymous Dominican Professor

Wonderful Catholic Videos from a Wonderful Catholic Parish (Hat Tip to Famous Fr. Z)

Pro-Life Arguments

Image from Facebook. 

Team Spirit: Be Proud of Your Faith and Stand Up for It

Image from Facebook. 

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Christian Armies: the Warrior Prince


Rome Quotes

"Pray for President Obama, because he is the enemy of human nature (St. Ignatius of Loyola's term for Satan)."

-Gerard Steckler, S.J.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Augustine on Truth

Image from Facebook. 

Rome Quotes

"I would offer St Francis de Sales' consul that a spoonful of honey is better than a barrelful of vinegar and that balance is a virtue of the wise!"

-John Tabor

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Pig Latin

Image from the Internet. 

"And Be Not Conformed to This World." -Holy Bible

Image from the Internet. 

What the Papal Mantum Looked Like

I wish they would not cut up these old treasures.

Preserve them in their original.

Image from Facebook.

Pagan and Christian Art in the Vatican Museums

AD AVGENDVM VRBIS SPLENDOREM ET ASSERENDAM RELIGIONIS VERITATEM is the epigraph of Benedict XIV seen above an entrance in the Vatican Museums which effectively summarizes the history and the destiny of the Vatican's art collections.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Damask: It's What's In Style

Would be unique to see a Requiem Mass set in this black and white pattern.  

Clergy Retreat in Bavaria: April 15-19, 2013

Priests, join a retreat for priests in the Pope's Bavaria at one of the largest international seminaries on the European continent.

Six openings left.  Book now.

See here for details:

http://www.fssp.org.uk/england/media/2013-01-07%20Clergy%20retreat%20Bavaria%2015-19%20April%202013.pdf


Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Ad Mvltos Annos! Axios!

Many hearty congrats to a very fine priest.  The finest in the Vatican. 

Was always nice to see him in Rome before Sede Vacante 2005 - always wearing his Roman cassock - and with a smile.  A beautiful thing.

And every time I asked him for a photo, he never said no, but quipped with a warm smile, "Brevemente."

Pastors: Remember to Provide Blessed Chalk for Your Faithful

The Epiphany blessings are to be treasured.

We grow up with them.  Teach them to our kids.

This photo was taken today after Mass.

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/prayers/view.cfm?id=568.

Thanks, Fr. Ashley!

Catholic Culture: Converts Received Into the Church

The Christmas season is a great time to enter the Church!

Always an honor to witness an adult received into full communion with the Universal Church.

Congrats, Neil!

Gingerbread House


A great family tradition. 

Nice job, guys!

Catholic Culture: Epiphany Party

On the 12th day of Christmas, on the vigil of the Epiphany.  

A wonderful tradition.  The first Epiphany party yours truly ever attended was at the famous flat of Chris and Cyril (aka the crib).  Chris made an Italian feast. Very memorable.  In a snowy basement flat in the city of the Apostle to the Gentiles.

When Does Christmas Season End?

Rome Quotes

"The idea behind my current practice of having people kneel to receive Communion on the tongue was to send a signal and to underscore the Real Presence with an exclamation point."

-Pope Benedict XVI (cf. Light of the World). 

A Word About "Reading Between the Lines"

Image from the Internet. 

Is Truth Relative?

Image from the Internet. 

Are All Religions Equal?

Short answer: No. 

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Catholic Culture: 20 + C + M + B + 13

Image from Facebook. 

Nice when parishes give out blessed chalk for this purpose. 

Catholic Culture: Crib Cross (For Flowers or Decorative Candle)

Such a thoughtful and wonderful gift for a new baby - the French crib cross.

Thanks, Deb!

Latin: the Catholic Language

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Prayers for All

Life is tough.  Hang in there.  It is the season of hope. 

GOD IS WITH YOU.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Rome Quotes

"BEATVM FAVSTVMQVE ANNVM SALVTIS BIMILLESIMVM TERDECIMVM, IN QVO VENERABILEM PIVM DVODECIMVM BEATIFICARI VIDEAMVS."

-Rodolfo

Happy New Year in Latin: Felix Annus Novus!

New Year's Eve was splendid.  Spent in church with a small group of faithful.  In adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.  At the stroke of midnight, in the nave, it was just my wife and myself with Baby von Sonnen.  And the Lord.  Very special.  Te Devm!