fssp ordinations

Places of Prayer

I thought I would share with you some images of the chapel and sacristy at the rectory at Holy Family. This chapel is used for visiting priests saying private Masses as well as a private place to say their office.

The chandler gives it a nice Victorian look I think.

This altar was recently put in last summer. I think it's quite elegant if I do say so myself.


The sacristy was just recently completed and has everything a priest could want.

Vessels
Vestments
veils, maniples, stoles, etc.
vesting prayers and various missals (my favorite is on the bottom)

Stop The Presses!!!!

CALLING ALL PRIESTS!

In conjunction with EWTN, the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter has just released their new training DVD for the Extraordinary form of the Roman Rite. The DVD includes step by step instructions, explanations of the symbolism behind the gestures, and everything a priest needs to know to celebrate the traditional Mass.

CHECK OUT THIS LINK!!!!!!!!!!

I think that this shows that the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter does not think that the Traditional Mass is its own private ceremony, but shows the charism of the Fraternity. That is, namely, the sanctification of priests through the celebration of the Traditional Mass. I would highly recommend this DVD to any priest who wants to learn this sacred ceremony.

Just an Awesome Video

Although this video has already found its way around the internet, I wanted to share it here. This is just an amazing video, and the nuns singing can only be described as angelic.

Traditionalist and hating it

I was having a discussion with a friend the other day. We were discussing how we both hate being "traditionalists." It's not that we hate the traditional Mass. No. It's not that we hate defending the traditional Mass. Its that we hate having to do so.

There are many times when I would just like to say "I'm Catholic," and let that be the end of it. Unfortunately, we find ourselves in this peculiar situation in the Church today where we have to describe what kind of Catholic we are. Are you a Charismatic Catholic? Are you a Traditional Catholic? Are you a Conservative Catholic? There seems to be an endless amount of sub-categories that one can put oneself in as a Catholic.

Our discussion led to a couple of interesting, yet sad, conclusions. It seems to me that the Church herself has created an endless amount of divisions within her own fold. Granted, yes, a practicing Catholic (in my mind the only person who should be considered Catholic) must accept the authority of the Pope, believe all that the Church teaches, and so on. However, the ideological differences are endless. Should the Church extend into politics (abortion, death penalty, etc.)? What is "real ecumenism?"

And, of course, many of the issues which define Catholics result around the Mass. Rightly so! If the Mass is the crux of our lives as Catholics, if it is the pinnacle, that it should be of the utmost concern of every Catholic how it is celebrated. It seems that the main differences in ideology of the Mass run along these lines: Charismatic, Liberal, Conservative, and Traditionalist.

Let's take a closer look.

Charismatic:

Liberal:


Conservative:

Traditional:

I think that's pretty typical of each category of Catholics. Keep in mind I left out Eastern Catholics because the issue of division is in the Western Church. The East is pretty much solid on the practice of the Faith. Also, I was extremely generous in the display of Conservative Catholics. I did this because I think that the video of the Mass I displayed is the end goal of their movement, or at least pretty close.

So, why have I posted all of this? What was the end result of the discussion with my friend? It is this. We find ourselves in a dreadful time as Catholics. In a time in which we should be united against modernism and secular influence, the Church seems divided. Secular governments are allowed to destroy life and liberty without so much of a rebuke on the grassroots level. The Church is divided on the issue. People are confused about what the Church teaches. Priests across the globe present heresy as the faith and the faith as heresy. And, in the end, we can not even agree on the proper way to worship our Lord.

Now, think what you may, be it Charismatic or Traditional, but remember this. A house divided against itself can not stand, and when we were unified in all things, Mass looked like this

Lost but not Forgotten

Somtimes I weep when I think of what we have lost.

Sold to Baptists

Comin Back

I know I haven't posted in a long time. Partially because I haven't had anything interesting to say. Also, because my computer had a pretty nasty virus that I wanted to get rid of before I accessed my blog. I didn't want it to spread that thing around.

I have been up to a few things though. Check out this video I made of a traditional Mass recently celebrated at St. Michael's in Worthington, Ohio. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWKXFQFQHq8

I will also be posting a video of pictures of Sr. Mary Francis' funeral. Copies will be available to anybody who's interested. That should all be coming soon!

Happy Birthday Holy Father!

The Road to Reform wish the Holy Father a very happy birthday and may many more follow!

A Must See

I wanted to share this news with you of yet another new blog. This blog is for a must see in Columbus, Ohio. It's the Jubilee Museum. If you're ever in the Columbus area or are looking for a good place for RCIA retreats or pilgrimages, you can schedule such events through the blog as well as see previews for the different displays and such. Right now the blog is just in its infant stages, but will soon have pictures of many of the exhibits at the museum as well as news and events. I encourage you to check it out!

The Jubilee Museum and Catholic Cultural Center

Una Voce Columbus has a new Blog!

I just thought I would share this with all of you. Una Voce Columbus has a new blog. You can find upcoming events concerning the Latin Mass in the diocese of Columbus as well as information on past events. It's worth a look! (I've also added it to my link list.)

Una Voce Columbus

A Sad Post

My Dear Friends,





It is with great sadness that I make my first post after lent. For anybody who knew or has had contact with Sister Mary Francis at Holy Family Church, I regret to pass on the news that Sister went to God today, Saturday, March 29th at 5:31 AM. As of yet, funeral arraingements are incomplete, but I will post later with the details.

Sister Mary Francis

Requescat in Pace

Taking a break for lent

I just wanted to inform everybody that I am taking a break from the internet for Lent. As a result, I won't be blogging during the season. Remember to be prayerful this season of Lent and the time of the Resurrection draws nearer.

I love Ireland!

To those who know me, it's no supprise that I love Irish culture and Irish music. I just thought I would share this with you!

Kudos to the NLM

I wanted to pass on this link to you from the NLM. They have a great post over there about appareled amices and some great pictures from the Fraternidad de Christo Sacerdote y Santa Maria Reina. If any of you speak Spanish, I would appreciate any comments about their website (the Fraternity not the NLM). I'd like to know more about them. I'd also like to know why they are saying Mass outside in their pictures. I saw a link on their website, but alas I am ignorant and my lingual skills stink! You can find the link to their website on the vocation station on the right side of my blog.

Home sweet Home

I wanted to share this picture with all of you. This is a picture of Wheeling, West Virginia. I absolutely love this town. Most of my family is from here and I think it is the best little town in the world. The scenery is beautiful. It a big, little city in the middle of God's country. Entertainment includes a casino, a small classical theater and all the mountains, fishing, and camping anybody could want. This town is really where my heart is. It's an old Irish and Slovic coal mining town so there are a lot of beautiful catholic and orthodox churches in the city as well. If you're ever in the northern panhandle of West Virginia, make sure to spend some time in this quaint little town.

EDIT: I just found out that Wheeling is an Indian word that means "Place of the Skull." How cool is that? Golgotha? Hmmmmmmmmmm

Different Era, Same Ideal

A short wile ago I posted about the Cathedral of Christ the Savior church in Moscow. Here is a short video of its destruction. I find a frightening comparison to the destruction of our Churches in this modern era. Both the destruction of Christ the Savior and the distruction of Churches in today do not have God as their source.

A Look Back at the Good Old Days

Here's a video I made with pictures of my various adventures at the Josephinum. Enjoy!

Take a good look

Take a good look at the above picture. It's a picture of the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. The church is absolutely breathaking. It's worth a second glance though because the church you are looking at was built within the last 10 years. The original Cathedral of Christ the Savior was destroied by the communists. With the fall of communism, the church was comissioned to be rebuilt. Who says we can't build 'em like we used to?

From Trent to Today

Recently I just purchased a copy of the Catechism of the Council of Trent (CCT). I found the work so profound and clear that I felt I had to share it and, of course, comment on its application today. Lets begin with the pinnacle of our faith, the Holy Eucharist.

Pt. II Chapter IV Question I:

"Why the Mysteries of the Eucharist ought to be treated and received with the deepest reverence."

"As of all the sacred mysteries bequeathed to us by our Lord and Saviour as most unfailing instruments of divine grace, there is none comparable to the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist; so, also, for no crime is there a heavier punishment to be feared from God, than for the unholy or irreligious use by the faithful of that which is full of all holiness, or rather which contains the author himself and source of holiness. This the Apostle wisely saw, and of it he has openly admonished us; for when he had declared the enormity of their guilt, 'who discerned not the body of the lord', he immediately subjoined: 'Therefore are there many infirm and weak among you, and many sleep.' That the faithful people, therefore, aware that to this heavenly sacrament are due divine honours, may derive therefrom abundant fruit of grace, and escape the most just anger of God, pastors will explain, with the greatest diligence, all those things which may seem calculated more fully to display its majesty."

The article begins immediately by emphasizing the absolute Holiness of the Eucharist. It draws the equation between belief and action. The Eucharist is God Almighty and thus should be feared as such. It explains that "for no crime is there a heavier punishment to be feared from God." This passage instantly draws to mind the acts of sacrilege in the Church today. When parishes and clergy treat the Eucharist as a joke (clown masses, barney masses, etc.) or as if what happens at the altar as nothing, they are in fact giving such treatment to God.

One of the things that struck me is how this catechism admonishes pastors of souls. Question I states that "pastors will explain, with the GREATEST diligence, all those things which may seem calculated more fully to display its [the Eucharistic mystery] majesty."

Do we see this today? With modern church designs and contemporary liturgy? Is this great mystery properly presented to the faithful? Is the majesty of God properly displayed when the Mass is said on a bare table in a room with whitewashed walls? Is the solemnity of the moment of God coming amongst us once again on the altar really displayed by a pastor having everybody act like yahoos? I think not. Perhaps all of this comes from a fundamental misunderstanding of God, creating the image of a "buddy Jesus." I think this may be partly to blame and thus most of the responsibility falls on the bishops to make sure that their priests are properly formed.

Even though the brunt of responsibility does fall on the bishop, some also falls on priests and seminarians. They must realise that intellectual assent in not enough, according to the CCT. Beyond mere intellectual realization, they must properly display such majesty and glory to their parishioners in their churches, sermons, and liturgical practices.

There is some weight to be given to pastoral implementation of some things. Although immediate implementation of proper pious practices into a previously impious parish would be like thrusting Judas into the arms of Christ after betraying him thus causing him to flee, one should still not make changes slowly. After all, we're talking about peoples souls. I think it is inevitable that some people leave because of proper changes to the building, liturgy, or sermon content, but doing so, they reject the notion that proper majesty is due to God.

Many may be asking by now in this post "If people are going to church in such a bad parish, why ruffle feathers? At least they are going to Mass." Well, as the Catechism says "That the faithful people, therefore, aware that to this heavenly sacrament are due divine honours, may derive therefrom abundant fruit of grace, and escape the most just anger of God." We see here that this is not just about aesthetic tastes. If people are not brought to realize the majesty in the reality of Christ being present transubstantially in the Eucharist they are deprived from the grace of God. Not only that, but they risk committing sacrilege and angering God.

Of course, I think it goes without saying that in my opinion the traditional liturgy (of any rite) solves such dilemmas.

A Return to Greatness

With the recent events, liturgically, at the Vatican I can't help but hope that some day our Holy Father will celebrate a Papal Mass in the Extraordinary Form. The video above shows the Canon during a Papal High Mass of John XXIII. It's interesting to note that the Masses of the Pope were greatly different from even that of a normal Pontifical Mass. You'll also see some similarity to the way the altar is set up. As I have said before, what Benedict XVI did at the Sistine Chapel was of no surprise to me. In my opinion, the Pope began saying Mass ad orientem the minute he rearranged the altar in St. Peters. He seems to be making logical steps to me with the end point being obvious. Long live the Pope!

This ones for Shawn

This one's for Shawn. He'll know what it means. Free at last!

God Bless the Pope!

He's the man. 'Nuff said!

What wonderful Masses!

Isn't this a wonderful sight?

Traditional Mass in PA

Somebody just sent this video to me of a small parish celebrating the traditional Mass. It immediately struck me because of the "smallness" of the parish and yet the great enthusiasm that is manifested in the video for the traditional Mass.

I imagine that the situation for this parish is similar to that of my home parish just based on the way the altar is set up (freestanding with the tabernacle on another surface). Still, the video shows that the faith is still alive and strong.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgUW1H-8SNU

Testing a new tool

I just saw this little device over on the Cafeteria is Closed blog and I thought I would give it a try. This is just a test so feel free to help me see if it works!

Better Late than Never!

Wow, I hadn't realised how long I have been blogging. It's almost been a year now.

I was just going through some of my older posts and was reminiscing about my trip to St. Louis. I was taking a look at this post about St. Francis de Sales Oratory and realised that I NEVER POSTED THE PICTURES OF FR. TALARICO'S FIRST MASS!!!!

Well, here they are. I think a lot of these pictures turned out well. Plus, the Institute was taking advantage of their indult to use blue vestments. It's all pretty awesome. Please remember Fr. Talarico in your prayers as he is now out at the ICRSS oratory in New Jersey.

(BTW, the pictures are extremely out of order. They're still cool though)

Septuagesima Sunday!

I just thought I would post some pictures of the vestments we used today, Septuagesima Sunday. These beautiful violet vestments were made by the good Benedictine Nuns at House of Ephesus. All of their vestments are always worth getting. Beautiful!

My Title Picture

I've had a couple of people ask me for a copy of the title picture on my blog. I'm making it available here for download. Just simply right click and save. I can't remember if I gave any information about it either. The picture is of a Solemn High Mass in a bombed out church in Germany in 1945 to celebrate the end of the war. I think it goes without saying how powerful this image is.

I should proabably give credit where credit is due as well. I got this picture from my friend over at St. Louis Catholic. Check his blog out. It's a great thing!

More from the Sacristans Closet

If many of you out there want to get a solemn high vestment set for your priest, or if you're a priest who wants a solemn high vestment set, but you can't take the time for a great deal of shipping or custom manufacturing, here is a set for you! If I remember correctly, this set is either made by the Almy or R.J. Toomey company. These vestments are a good quality, and if I had to guess were made from a combination of silk and some man made fiber.
Although they aren't the fanciest of vestments, the brocade is noble enough and the set is downright functional. The set is also durable. The Chasuble, seen above, is used quite often here at Holy Family.
The biggest benefit to this set is the fact that it's made by a manufacturer (Toomey or Almy) that is usually carried by your local Catholic supply store, so the shipping trouble can be handled by your local store.