The Value of the Mass

The Value of the Mass
Up to our own times, it has been the constant concern of supreme pontiffs to ensure that the Church of Christ offers a worthy ritual to the Divine Majesty, 'to the praise and glory of His name,' and 'to the benefit of all His Holy Church - Pope Benedict XVI, Summorum Pontificum

Monday, April 30, 2007

The Motu Proprio and St. Pius V


Well, there's a lot of rumors out there right now about the Motu Proprio possibly coming out on May 5 (the feast of St. Pius V on the old calender.) Originally there was speculation that it would come out today (the feast of St. Pius V on the new calender.) Obviously that hasn't happened.

I have to say that although I don't buy into a lot of the rumors, I am getting excited. There are a lot of coincidental happenings on May 5. Obviously the feast of St. Pius V (old calender), but that day also happens to be our diaconate ordinations. Not only that, but May 5 is a first Saturday. As a local coincidence, this first Saturday our local indult parish is using it's oldest vestments, a missal dating from 1607 and a special chalice the priest has that has a jewl from Mary Queen of Scots in it.

Although I personally think that the rumors are garbage (because the date was supposedly given by the pope to Alice Von Hildebrand, but we have yet to hear that from her mouth), I do think that May 5 would be the perfect date. It would just provide a capstone to all of the great things happening that day.

Let's pray extra hard this week, throught the intercession of St. Pius V, to Christ for the restoration of the liturgy in his Church for the renewal of his people and to bring a resurrection of sacredness this Easter season.

Final Two Weeks at the Josh

Well, we're down to it here. We're in the final two weeks of the year at the Josephinum. This truly has been a mixed year. It has been full of joys and challenges. I have to say that I am happy to hear that we're getting a whole new spiritual program here at the Josephinum and that's definately a good thing. Next year we already have a retreat planned with Fr. Benedict Groschel. So, I'm definately looking forward to next year.

I'm also looking to getting this year done. I have about 4 papers to write in a week, and our last week is full of finals. The stress is definately building here. It's so thick in the air you could cut it with a knife.

This summer is going to be awsome as well! I'll be on assignment at our local indult parish. If I get a chance to post on my blog at all this summer I will be sure to share some pictures with you.

Because things are so busy here, I may not be posting a whole lot. That's one of the reasons I haven't been posting for the past couple of weeks. (Boy, my blog just might become boring.) Unfortunately my brain is burned out as well, so I'm hoping that if I do post it's not incoherent jibberish.

+Oremus Pro Invicem+

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Little Changes

I recently had a conversation with a friend of mine that I thought was of some interest, so I thought I would put it here.

Not too long ago I posted something to the effect of what really needed changed in the old Mass. Truth be told, I think I came up with about 3 things. So what is on the opposite side of that coin? What needs changed in the new Mass?

Well, I think that question is pretty obvious. I think we all know the answer and it ranges everywhere from ad orientem posture to receiving communion kneeling as well as a range of other issues. However, I would like to take the time to look at exactly how I think these changes should be implemented.

First off, although I think that some time should be taken in implementing them, I also think that they should all be implemented at once. Why? Well, because all off the changes that are needed build upon one another. Let me explain a little more.

The biggest problem with the new Mass is that it no longer teaches the faith. The old Mass was a catechises in and of itself. One knew that Christ was present in the Eucharist because you couldn't touch the sacred species or even the sacred vessels, only the priest and deacon could. You also knew by this very same method that Jesus Christ was God (a doctrine that is being lost and replaced by the buddy Jesus.) The new Mass obviously has flaws in this aspect. What can be learned by the new Mass? Is Christ's divinity and full presence emphasised in the Eucharist in the new Mass? I would say hardly, and this is just one of many issues.

So, back to my original assertion, the changes needed should be implemented at once so as to create a complete theological catechises in action. For example: Saying Mass ad orientem places importance on the Resurrection as well as emphasises the sacrificial nature of the Mass. It also places emphasis on the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, being that we all face the resurrected Christ. However, this is not in continuity with receiving the Eucharist in the hand while standing! So if just the aspect of saying Mass ad orientem was changed without being accompanied by the changes in reception of communion, the act of saying Mass ad orientem just appears as a nostalgic priest bullying his parishioners.

That was but one example, however it applies to the many other changes that are needed.

Now, I know that this post has been a little choppy, and unfortunately I'm in a bit of a hurry as I only have a couple weeks left of school and have quite a lot of papers due, but I haven't posted in a while, and I thought that this was an interesting aspect to consider.

I'll leave you with some eye candy :D

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Calling all Converts!

I have recently entered a debate with my former pastor. The former denomination I used to belong to was the Church of Christ, "non-denominational", no musical instruments, that kind of Church of Christ. So, if there are any converts out there that think they could help me with this, please comment on this post. This debate is going to be via email, and I'm still waiting on him to send me the first email so to begin the debate. I will post the emails here in the future.

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Counting the Days


Wow, I can't believe that my first year of seminary is almost done. I only have 4 weeks left, and then I get to go to my summer assignment at my local indult parish to work with the poor in that area, give tours of the museum there (which I'll have to tell all of you about sometime here) and of course learn to serve the old Mass.

Reflecting on the year here, I have to say that in seminary it is imperative to trust in God. Just a few days ago, I was seriously questioning my vocation believing that the Church was in serious trouble with the kind of spirituality present in the seminary. Little did I know that God was inspiring, behind the scenes, great changes. Now, looking towards next year we're looking at retreats with the likes of Fr. Groschel and possibly even Fr. John Corapi. It's truly exciting. We're looking here at going from retreats were benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was forbidden to a formation that requires an hour of Eucharistic Adoration before the day begins. Truly good things come to those who wait, and if I've learned one important thing in my first year of seminary it's to trust God with your whole heart for with God all things are possible.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

A Tale of Two Altars

If any of you haven't seen this yet, take a look. It's an awsome video posted on the New Liturgical Movement blog of the FSSP in France transforming an altar with very little effort. Check it out!


AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <---Link

Parish Highlight: St. Patrick's Columbus Ohio

ST. Patrick Parish, the second in the city of Columbus, was established in 1852 for the English speaking Catholics. The current church was dedicated in 1853. Currently, the parish is run by the Dominican order. It has absolutely NOBODY living within its parish boundaries. The parish now sits in the middle of an industrial area in downtown Columbus. However, every Mass at the parish is packed to the gills. Although the Dominicans at St. Patricks no longer say the Dominican rite (as popularly dictated by their order), the parish still enjoys the option to use gregorian chant and at least one Mass a month with the liberal use of Latin.

The picture here is a close up of their "old" high altar. I quote old because the altar is brand new (within the last 5 years). Unfortunately the altar isn't used, but perhaps they're planning for the future? It's still very beautiful.



Here is a picture of the sanctuary as a whole. Notice the altar rail. The rail is still used by the way!
Here is the facade of the parish. The church is of midevil english design, but is quite beautiful.


Ah, the stain glass window of St. Patrick. I once knew who he was baptising in this window, but it escapes me know. If anybody has any idea, please let me know. St. Patrick Parish has some of the most beautiful stain glass windows I've ever seen.
On the cealing of the church are mosaics of dominican saints. Here's one of my favorites, St. Pius V.
Unfortunately this picture came out rather dark, but this is a picture of the choir loft. St. Patraick's has a very good choir with whom the Josephinum choir will be having a concert with in two weeks.

If you're ever in the dowtown area of Columbus, OH, I would recomend looking up St. Patrick's, especially if you are in need of confession. They have confessions before most Masses, and have several priests hearing them at once.

Monday, April 9, 2007

Christ is Risen!!


Happy Easter everybody! I got to spend this Easter MC'ing all of the Masses for the Triduum at my home parish. We went all out with incense, chanting, and candles. It was pretty awesome! I hope and pray that all of your Easter celebrations went just as well.


OH! I almost forgot the best news of all. My sister came into the Church this Easter with her baptism, confirmation and first holy communion! Please pray for her that God fills her with the grace to stay faithful to her baptismal promises and strengthen her in faith.


...indeed He is risen. Alleluia!