The Road to Reform

fssp ordinations

2008-06-04T19:26:00.000-07:00

Places of Prayer

2008-05-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

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!!!!

2008-05-02T15:46:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-02T06:52:00.001-07:00

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

2008-05-02T05:22:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

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

Sold to Baptists

Comin Back

2008-04-29T18:02:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-04-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

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

A Must See

2008-04-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-04-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

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

2008-02-04T17:34:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-02-04T17:33:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-03T05:26:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-31T06:12:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-30T05:39:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-26T06:30:00.000-08:00

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

Take a good look

2008-01-26T06:11:00.001-08:00

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

2008-01-25T18:11:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-25T17:22:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-25T14:02:00.000-08:00

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

God Bless the Pope!

2008-01-23T16:47:00.001-08:00

He's the man. 'Nuff said!

What wonderful Masses!

2008-01-23T16:37:00.000-08:00

Isn't this a wonderful sight?

Traditional Mass in PA

2008-01-21T17:36:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-21T14:30:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-01-21T08:13:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-01-20T07:36:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-18T17:30:00.001-08:00

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

2008-01-18T15:41:00.000-08:00

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.

Longing for Return

2008-01-18T15:08:00.000-08:00

I have had many discussions in the past with my friends regarding my attitudes toward the Orthodox churches. Although we have roadblocks that seperate us, I personally enjoy the company of an orthodox over a modernist any day.

Of all the Orthodox churches that I long to come back into communion with Rome is the one the seems the farthest away. That is the Orthodox church of Russia. In my opinion, they have the most beautiful churches and traditions of all of the orthodox churches. They are also a strong willed people (part of what keeps them from unity with the Pope) forged by decades of oppression. While I continue to lament their seperation from us, I constantly look to their art as sources of beauty in my life. I hope you will enjoy some as well.

New Website for the Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

2008-01-15T19:57:00.000-08:00

I just thought that I would pass along some information about the Carmelites in Wyoming. I've had their link on my blog for some time now and if you haven't taken a look at their website lately, it has changed. I have to say that this is a pretty awesome website!

For Charismatics

2008-01-15T19:41:00.000-08:00

I want to start by saying that I have nothing against charismatics, but just that I think that the charismatic movement is patronising to young people.
That being said, I would like to share these pictures of a traditional parish in Nigeria. So much for the charismatic movement being the force of strength in Christian Africa.

What surprises me is that the African people get sold short when it comes to the way Christianity is portrayed. I recently heard of a conversation between a priest friend of mine and an African bishop and, according to my friend, the bishop commented that the Motu Proprio was the greatest thing to happen for Africa. This is because African priests, sent to western seminaries, go away with great spirituality and then return with these ideas of "how African Catholics are supposed to be." They bring back things lie wacky liturgical dance and the like.

The African people, at least the ones that I have met, are extremely contemplative, and they have a great history of being so in a Christian context. A case in point is the Ethiopian Orthodox (once Catholic) Church.

In short, true African Christian spirituality is a very beautiful thing. St. Augustine of Hippo, pray for us and especially for Africans.

A Visit from the Superior

2008-01-15T17:32:00.000-08:00

This past week has been pretty cool for me. The new district superior for the North American District of the FSSP visited Holy Family. While he was there, I got to speak with him albeit briefly. I have to say that he was a very humble man who seemed to love being a priest. I'm happy to say that he is also a child of the Columbus diocese and at one time was assigned to Holy Family as a seminarian for the diocese! I'm glad that I was able to meet him. I think that the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter is in good hands here in North America.

More from inside the sacristy

2008-01-15T17:19:00.000-08:00

I thought I would post some more pictures of vestments from the sacristy of Holy Family.

This first vestment is one of my favorites. Although it doesn't have a lot of fancy embroidery, it does display the somberness of its use, namely Requiem Masses!

Am I weird because I think black vestments are cool?

The Pope!

2008-01-14T05:26:00.000-08:00

I know this is old news, but it's news that bears repeating and it's just big enough news to not ignore. On the feast of the Baptism of the Lord (New Calender) the Pope celebrated Mass in the Sistine Chapel ad orientem. This is definitely a step in the right direction and a pretty big step at that. (Although, I would argue that when he rearranged the altar at St. Peters that he began celebrating Mass ad orientem a month ago!) Now, I'm just hoping to see the Traditional Mass used by the Pope. Well, I guess I'll keep praying.

A Cool Picture

2008-01-11T08:51:00.000-08:00

I was just working at Holy Family this morning and found a great picture from a book on the Holy Family. I have seen pictures of the Immaculate Heart and the Sacred Heart but I've never seen all of the Holy Family depicted with St. Joseph's Chaste Heart. Either way, I thought it to be very cool.

House of Ephesus

2008-01-10T05:21:00.001-08:00

All of your priest out there who need new vestments need to check out the Benedictine Nuns in Kansas City, Missouri. Their main income for their traditional monastary is from making and selling some absolutely stunning vestments. Their store is called The House of Ephesus, and everyone should check it out. The picture here is but a small taste of what these nuns can do.

In the Footsteps of Mary

2008-01-10T05:16:00.000-08:00

For all of the ladies who read my blog, I know that I promised to do this a while ago, but I finally added it. Please feel free to check out the list for women religious over in the new section on my blog "In the Footsteps of Mary." If any of you have any suggestions as to anything that can be added to that list, please let me know.

From the Sacristy

2008-01-10T04:49:00.000-08:00

I figured since my last post that I would do a couple of entries on the various vestments here at Holy Family. This post is on one of my favorite vestments here. This is our Roman set of Marian vestments. The center embroidery on this vestment is actually quite old. It was taken off of it's original vestment and sent to the Benedictine nuns in Kansas City to be placed on one of their new vestments. The results are stunning!The really amazing thing about this vestment is the detail in the embroidery. Even as old as this centerpiece is on this vestment, which is over 100 years if I remember correctly, it retains a tremendous amount of detail. I know that the Benedictines in Kansas City are building skills to embroider like this, but I don't know if they've reached this point quite yet. This is really a case of "they don't build them like they used to."

Cleaning Out the Closet

2008-01-09T09:05:00.000-08:00

I spent all afternoon yesterday organizing the sacristy in the church and found some wonderful supprises. I found out that Holy Family has sets for Solemn High Masses in all liturgical colors except for silver. The best find, in my opinion, was this Solemn High rose vestment set that included everything (Cope, Chasuble, Dalmatic, Tunicle, Humeral Veil, Chalice Veil, Burse, Tabernacle Veil, Priest Stole, Deacon Stole) except for rose maniples. Check it out!

Monks at Clear Creek OK

2008-01-08T16:13:00.001-08:00

I just saw some of these pictures over at the NLM blog and thought I would share them here as well. If you haven't heard of the Benedictine monks at Clear Creek, Oklahoma, then you need to check them out. They are traditional monks who live out the rule of St. Benedict to a "t." They have been working on their monastary for some time now and it appears that they have made some major progress. It's my hope now that they begin to use the Missal of John XXIII to match their new monastary.

Where were you on New Years?

2008-01-06T14:46:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that this new years eve celebration was a little out of the ordinary for me. Usually I do the typical thing like have a few beers, light off some fire works and play video games until 3 or 4 in the morning. This past new years I think I have adopted a great and new pious practice thanks to my good pastor. On new years eve, at the stroke of midnight, we had benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. New years day Mass wasn't bad either, both because every Mass is a solemn event and my friend Travis began to serve the traditional Mass. Check out the pics!

Here's the Mass from the 1st with Fr. Lutz sporting some beautiful Marian Gothic vestments! The young man on the right is my friend Travis. Please pray for him as he is discerning a priestly vocation.Proof that even Gothic vestments can be beautiful.Doesn't Fr. Lutz look regal?

And, of course, the pinnacle of the Mass!

I hope you all enjoyed the pictures from the last few days. Give me some feedback on what you think of posts like this. I'm going to try to get more pictures of parish life here because, if you're like me, these images bring great hope and show the great power that the tradition of the Church holds.

First Solemn High Mass of Fr. Joeseph Tuscan OFM Cap

2008-01-03T14:07:00.000-08:00

I've been waiting to post this for a while. On December 30, at Holy Famil Parish, Fr. Joeseph Tuscan said his first Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form for the first time. Here are some wonderful pictures of his first Solemn High Mass. It was a sight to behold!

If you can't tell, we don't have the biggest center isle in the world.
Asperges Me!

Ahhh, contemplitive bliss.

Confetior Deo omnipontenti...

Et Verbum caro factum est.

Finally, a very happy Fr. Joeseph Tuscan OFM Cap with Fr. Kevin Lutz (left) acting as deacon and Msgr. John Cody (right) as sub-deacon.

An Ode to the Crucifer

2008-01-02T21:10:00.000-08:00

O blessed crucifer, it is you who leads us into battle. Carrying the sign of our victory, you lead us into the smoke of war. Like a beacon of light, you lead us, giving us our rally cry. O crucifer, it is you who first step into the battle field, it is you who show us the way to victory. At your sign, the enemy trembles, for you show him that our King is coming, the King of glory. After the smoke of the great battle has ended, our victory won, and the enemy sent to his fiery prison, it is you who waves the banner of victory. Let all people know that our king is victorious o noble crucifer, for you lead the one who is victor over all.

Amazing Post

2007-12-30T17:42:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share this link with all of you. If you haven't checked out the blog Unam Sanctam Catholicam, you need to. Especially this post. The blogger over there is currently reading "Pope John's Council" by Michael Davis. He does an excellent job of commenting on the first two chapters. Check it out!

New Years Almost Here

2007-12-28T19:20:00.000-08:00

Well, 2008 is almost here. We get to look forward to a year of political lies through presidential campaigning. But before we have to deal with all of that, we get to enjoy some parties remembering the good times of 2007. I know that I will.

A big part of these parties is almost always alcohol. To some, drink is a demon. To others, drink is a blessing to enjoy good times. What makes the difference? Well, in one word, abuse. It's important to remember this year that alcohol is only a blessing to a point. Formerly managing a liquor store, I've seen many times when drinking has crossed the line from being a blessing to a curse, from being a friend to lift spirits (no pun intended) to being an agent of death. I'm blogging this simple message to ask all of you out there to drink responsibly and to listen to your friends. If they say you may have a problem, you may want to listen to them, because there are other blessings you can enjoy to ring in the new year besides alcohol.

May God bless you all this year. Cheers!

(BTW, my drink of choice and recommendation: A Martini made with Bombay Sapphire Gin, a drop of extra dry vermouth garnished with a lemon or orange twist)

I Was There

2007-12-28T19:16:00.000-08:00

I just found a clip on youtube for the Rorate Mass broadcast on EWTN. I was lucky enough to go to that Mass. I'm not sure if I'm in the clip, but if you haven't seen it yet, enjoy!

Rorate Mass

Changing the Face of the Liturgy in Rome

2007-12-27T17:55:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure how many of you are taking notice, but the face of the high altar at St. Peter's in Rome is quickly changing. These changes include the movement of the altar cross from the edge of the altar to the center as well as the addition of the 7th candle.

"So what?" you might be asking. Well, these changes, although seemingly small at St. Peter's, indicate a whole new mindset at the Vatican concerning liturgy. As a matter of fact, from a liturgists point of view, the Pope has stopped saying Masses versus populum and is now saying Mass ad orientem.

"But Zach, the pope hasn't switched directions when saying Mass!" Well, as far a his physical orientation, no he hasn't. This is because the nave of St. Peter's faces west (when walking toward the altar.) This set up is the same in all of the Roman basilicas. However, the changes the pope has made are the same changes that your parish priest would make if he would start using the high altars. Let me explain. The difference is in emphasis. The versus populum orientation was adopted in the Mass so that people have "access" to the Mass and can see what is going on at the altar. The focus of Mass being said ad orientem is the priest facing God to address him in prayer and to face the rising Son of God. The emphasis has once again been taken up at the Vatican. This is shown by the placement of the candles and altar cross in the traditional layout. The pope is no longer concerned (or at least seems to be) with being able to face the people during Mass or the people seeing the action at the altar. He now seems to be concerned with doing his duty at the altar. Namely, offering sacrifice.

If you still don't understand the significance of these actions by the pope, I would suggest reading the popes book "The Spirit of the Liturgy" as well as the great liturgical treasure "Reform of the Roman Liturgy" by Msgr. Claus Gambier.

God Bless.

Back from a Merry Christmas

2007-12-27T17:31:00.000-08:00

Well, the rush of Christmas is over and everything is slowing down again. I got to spend this Christmas with my mom and was able to attend a beautiful Mass a midnight at my former home parish of St. Vincent de Paul in Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

If you ever go through Mt. Vernon, St. Vincent's is quite a church to visit. The current church was built in 1923 and is in English Gothic design. Unfortunately, the high altars suffered the same fate as many others after Vatican II, as well as the votive stands. However, all of our beautiful murals, statues, and windows survived. The windows in the church depict the joyful and sorrowful mysteries of the rosary as well as the death of St. Joseph. The St. Joseph window, in my opinion, is the most beautiful. There are also 8 statues in the church (the Sacred Heart, two of the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Martin of Tours, St. Theresa, and St. Anthony) as well as 3 statues on the outside lawn of the church (The Sacred Heart, Our Lady of Victory and the Blessed Mother.) The murals are amazing as well, although I can't describe them with words, you'll just have to go see the church!

The Mass at midnight was very good as well. There is a great calming effect at St. Vincent's. The church offers a great silence and place for prayer. Also, to me, there is something special about Mass at midnight on Christmas. I can't think of any good reason to go to another Christmas Mass other than the one at midnight. (I'm not saying other people don't have good reasons to go to others though).

All of these things made for a great Christmas for me. Even without the presents, lights, and candy, just the midnight Mass is the highlight of Christmas for me and makes all of the panic worth it.

May God bless you this Christmas season.

Tidings of Comfort and Joy

2007-12-22T18:48:00.001-08:00

My dear friends,

I haven't done a lot of blogging lately. With my new job and the joy of Christmas upon us I have been very busy. I have been thinking about this season that is readily upon us. What a great meditation this is. Remember that soon we will remember the day that our creator entered the created world for love of us. A child, so small and meek was almighty God. What a great mystery that the weight of all of creation rested on the shoulders of a babe. As we remember such a joyous day I urge you to give thanks for all God has given you. If He has given you great blessings such as family and friends be sure to spend time with them. If He has given you crosses, remember that those too are blessings, for even the blessed babe of Bethlehem was born to carry a cross.

I wish you all a blessed Christmas season I promise to post more after Christmas. In the meantime I leave you with these tidings of comfort and joy for the season.

Comfort

Joy

Merry and Blessed Christmas

Tradition: Theology not Novelty

2007-12-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

In the last few weeks I have noticed a trend among certain traditionalist circles to love tradition for the "novelty" of it. That is, to dedicate themselves to tradition for the sake of dedicating themselves to something old. This is the wrong attitude to have when committing yourself to the traditional form of the Mass.

Our dedication to the tradition of the Church, especially the Mass, must be a theological one and not a nostalgic or for the sake of something old. These are merely novelties. It is no better, in my opinion, to go to the traditional Mass for this reason than for a priest or parish council to introduce folk, rap, or rock music into the Novus Ordo. The way I look at it there is no difference.

We have to remember that the traditional Mass is the foundation witness to our belief as Catholics. The elements of sacrifice and external reverence serve to remind us and to witness to the world our belief in the redemptive nature of the sacrifice of Calvary, the divinity of Christ and his real and substantial presence in the Eucharist. This is not merely a novelty and should not be treated as such.

Yes, it's easy to romanticize about medieval monks in a great monastery or a knight prostrating himself before a grand high altar and pretend that we still live in that age. This, however, is nothing but fantasy and to treat the Mass as such is a great farce. It is an easy trap that I'm finding more and more people falling into. I'm not saying that it's necessarily an evil to call to mind the pious images of the monk, or knight. It is a reality that at the traditional Mass we do worship with them in mind, body, and spirit. It is the same Mass. However, these images should bring to mind the reasons why these thought are pious. It is because these people believed in Christ, His Church, and the power of His sacrifice on the altar.

In short, it's important to remember why the tradition of the Church, especially in the Mass, is important. It's not because we love novelty, it's because we love our faith.

Back From Thanksgiving (for a while)

2007-12-01T06:28:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a while since I've gotten back from Thanksgiving. I figure I would post about it. I don't think it's any secret now that I've been visiting the seminary for the FSSP in Denton. Thanksgiving made my second trip. I have to say that that seminary is absolutely wonderful. What a place of prayer. Absolutely everything revolves around Christ. The seminarians lives are so filled with inner joy that it's indescribable. Unlike the Josephinum, where seminarians seem to have nothing but contempt for everything they do, the seminarians in Denton know exactly why they're there. Prayer proceeds everything and life is structured to where the seminarians lives revolve around the seminary life and the seminary life revolves around Christ and his church. It was also nice to see priests teaching the classes. The interaction between the priests and the students was a lot different than what I was used to. The seminarians really trust the priests they have contact with. There is great honor given to the sacred priesthood there and thus great honor and trust is given to every individual priest.

I've spent a total of 3 weeks (my first trip and my most recent) with the Fraternity and I absolutely love it. I only hope my application process goes well. I'll leave that one up to God though. Boy, discernment can be difficult.

As for the trip itself, it went wonderful. For anybody who's wondering, the trip from Columbus to Denton is 17 hours one way. On our way back, we stayed in Chicago with the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest (see link to side). They were very hospitable and even the short time we stayed with them was very tranquil. The brothers and priest there showed nothing but kindness and hospitality to us.

We also got a chance to go to downtown Chicago. For those of you who have never been to Chicago, it's wonderful and worth the trip. The pizza alone is worth the trip. I would suggest the place near the base of the Sears tower with the famous stuffed pizza. For the life of me, I can't remember the name of that place, but it's gooooooooood! I would also recommend going to the top of the Sears tower. What a view! It's was absolutely awesome! It's also $22 so be prepared.

When leaving we visited St. John Cantius church. It's right outside of downtown and is absolutely breathtaking! Unfortunately we only saw the church (like that's unfortunate!) and didn't get a chance to talk to the brothers or stay there for a Mass.

Lastly, on this trip I'm only left with this last advice... don't go to Toledo. Worst part of the trip!

Off for Thanksgiving

2007-11-18T14:46:00.000-08:00

Well, starting Tuesday, I will not be blogging for a bit. I will be out of town on Thanksgiving (at a secret location oooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooo.) I know I haven't been blogging a lot lately, but I'm hoping to pick that up when I get back. I have gotten several books on the various rites of the west that existed before Vatican II that I will be highlighting on this blog. Although they will by no means be exhaustive, I'm hoping that they will be a bit informitave. I hope to see you all when I get back!

+Oremus pro invicem +

Gloria! Gloria! Gloria!

2007-11-14T08:33:00.000-08:00

I just saw this on youtube. This is one of the most magnificant gloria's I've ever heard. Check out these three video's in order to hear it:

Video 1 Video 2 Video3

If I were pope I would so use this for my easter vigil Mass. That's about the only context this makes sense in because the gloria is over 20 min long.

Prayer Request

2007-11-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

My dear friends,

Please keep a special friend named John in your prayers for me. He recently underwent a traumatic experience and he is in ICU and is in great need of prayer. His family has set up a blog to update friends and family as to his status. You can view it here. Please pray for him, and let his family know that you're praying for him via their blog. Thanks and God bless.

A Lovely Song

2007-11-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

I just saw on another blog this video. I think it's pretty cool and I wanted to share it with all of you.

Little Altar Boy

Serious Faith or Mockery

2007-11-07T16:28:00.000-08:00

Wow, I haven't blogged for a really long time. I almost forgot I had one! Seriously, though, I've been in a slump about what to blog about. Not to mention, I've been a bit disorganized as of late. Not to disappoint any of my readers (who have probably given up on my blog thinking it was closed) but I won't be posting anything about my trip to Denton last October. My reasons are my own.

I am however going to speak about this video. I saw this on another blog (and subsequently through youtube) and was disgusted. This video is the most absurd thing I have ever seen. I was watching it with a friend of mine and asked him "When did the Catholic Church stop taking itself seriously?" This is an important question. I can say, coming from a background which includes protestantism as well as extreme secularism, that any non-catholic who saw this would never feel any ounce of a pull to become involved in the Church.

This video reminds me of when I was in high school and would see such things. Jesus Jams, Youth Rallies; they're all a bunch of crap. I apologise for the harsh language, but my feelings about such things are coming to a head. This is because the mecca for such patronising crap geared toward young people, the National Catholic Youth Conference, is coming to Columbus. Just before leaving the Josephinum, I got to see the promotional video for this. You can see it here.

I'd like to know who plans these things. Are they seriously trying to convince young people that the Apostles and saints died for this emotional high Mickey Mouse crap!?!

It really is patronising if you think about it, and it isn't going to increase the attractiveness of young people to the Church. I would bet my life that the majority of the young people in the above video will either be in this situation in less than 5 years. They will more than likely not regularly attend Mass and will probably approach a priest within that time asking to be married while cohabiting and using birth control. This isn't the way to approach young people.

I remember when I was young(er than I am now) all I wanted to do was be an adult. I wanted to do what adults did. I wanted responsibility. I wanted my life to be a serious thing heading for a serious good. I would look at these goofy gospel rallies and laugh. I always thought then that, quite obviously, faith was not something people took seriously. It was a game, and that game looked boring to me. I could find 1000 things more fun to do than go to something like that. And I did.

I didn't know that faith could be serious until I met some people who were serious about their faith, and unfortunately, at first, those people weren't Catholic. I only say this as an example to the opportunities that the Church truly has to reach out to young people thrown out the window. Not only that, but I wasn't entirely sure I made the right decision until I saw the faith taken seriously like this , and this. Thank God for faithful priests and bishops who take their faith seriously.

Coming Soon

2007-10-22T07:37:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon:

Details on my trip to Denton, Nebraska. If you're wondering why I haven't posted in a while, It's because I just recently made a trip to Denton, NE. I drove and it was a 17 hour road trip. I just got back to Ohio last night after a 17 hour drive. I'm still quite tired and don't feel like going into a lengthy post about it. The short story is I have pictures as well as many details. I should be posting within the next few days about it.

Help the Shrine of Christ the King

2007-09-26T12:20:00.001-07:00

My dear friends,

The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest have undertaken a great task. That is to restore the Shrine of Christ the King, formally St. Gelasius, in Chicago. Please check out their website for drawings of what they wish to do to the church. Also, they will be on EWTN tonight with their architect, William Heyer, whom I know personally. They really have some great plans in store for this Church, so please consider making a contribution. Also, check out the shrine's website here.

The PCJ on the Blogosphere

2007-09-23T09:15:00.001-07:00

Recently the Pontifical College Josephinum caught some attention over on Fr. Z's website. Not wanting to look like a bitter seminarian (because I'm not) I withheld a lot of information. Now that some of this information has been made public by Fr. Z and a seminarian(s) still at the Josephinum, I thought I would go ahead and pass along the information. You can get all the details here. Judge for yourself, but know that I had nothing to do with Fr. Z making the post. The talk in question was given by the rector to theologians only and it was given after I had already been dismissed.

[EDIT: Fr. Z has removed the post due to controversy and immense response to the information contained therein.]

A Video for a Friend

2007-09-21T07:19:00.000-07:00

I just saw this video and thought it was amazing. It's a slide show and commentary of the Wyoming Carmalite Monks (see the link in the vocation station). I know of a friend who is interested in these guys, so hopefully he will see this video. Check it out!

Carmalite Monks Slideshow

Where were you?

2007-09-20T15:24:00.001-07:00

The question of our generation! Where were you on Summorum Pontificum day? I was right here, on the right side of the picture with the thurible.

Guide to the Traditional Mass

2007-09-20T04:56:00.000-07:00

Since the release of the Motu Proprio, Summorum Pontificum, I have seen a lot of blog posts on how to use a missal or what gestures to follow and various phisical responses in the traditional Mass. I have also seen people constantly say that "active participation" is primarily a contemplitive aspect. These two responces seem directly opposed to each other. On the one hand we say that people should try to enter into contemplation at the traditional Mass and then on the other we tell them every single time one should respond "et cum spiritu tuo."

I'm not saying here that there's anything wrong with making responses or knowing when to stand and kneel. These are important things. What I am saying is that focusing on these things, especially at first, is not the way to foster a contemplitive spirit at the Mass.

So, that being said, here is ZACH'S GUIDE TO ATTENDING THE TRADITIONAL MASS!!!!!!!

If you've never attended a Mass in the Traditional Roman Rite, now called the Extraordinary Use of the Roman Rite, then you have to attend at least 3. Here's why. The first time you attend, typically, you will leave confused and you will have the biggest headache you've ever had. This is especailly true if you attended a solemn high Mass or a pontifical Mass as your first Extraordinary Use Mass. This is because there is so much to take in and combined with the fact that you probably don't know a thing that's going on and your brain just can't absorb it all, so it blows up (or at least feels like it). The second time you attend will be similar, but the headache will be less or non-existant. The third time you go, you will be floored and you will want to know more and more and more about this ancient rite.

So, how does one approach the Extraordinary Use Mass for the first time. Many people will tell you that when you first go to the traditional Mass to find a 1962 hand missal and to shove your nose in it through the whole Mass so you "know what's going on." I'm going to flat out say here that that's a stupid idea. If you go to the Mass with your nose in a missal you will never be able to appriciate the traditional Mass and, despite common belief, you won't know what's going on. Most of the prayers that you would read in a missal are said in silence at the Mass. So while you're busy trying to find where you are in the Mass because you'll have missed a lot of prayers, the Mass will already be about 10 pages ahead of where you think it is. In my opinion, hand missals are a useful thing, but there best use is when you are at home so you can study the Mass and learn what's going on. So, when you go to the traditional Mass for the first time, leave the missal at home.

So, we've established what you don't do. Here's what you should do. Pay attention to what the priest is doing. Pay attention to every action, because every action in the traditional Mass has meaning even if only a symbolic one. Remember also that the Mass isn't about you, so don't get upset if you can't see or understand what the priest is doing. Just remember that he is performing the sacrifice and at that instant is acting in the person of Christ, so at the very least you should be looking at him as you would look at Christ on the Holy Cross. The traditional Mass is as if you are climbing a mountain. The summit of which is the elevation. At the elevation, you have seen God, you have seen the greatest act ever done on Earth. What a mericle. What a priviledge to see God in the flesh appear before you. So you continue toward the summit, and at last, when recieving communion, you have recieved the fullness of all things. The creator of all the universe now approaches you, so you kneel before the altar and recieve this great gift.

Remember to always approach the traditional Mass with humility. You will be immideately struck by the realisation that the Mass is not about you. It is about God. You must submit yourself to it and realise that you are now at the foot of Calvery, looking at our Lord, and He looks at you.

I hope that this little guide and discription helps you the next time you go to a Mass in the Extraordinary Use of the Roman Rite. I hope as you continue to go that you will become more contemplitive in your approach to the Mass in either use and that your love for God will be fostered through uniting youself with the sacrifice of the Mass by being truely active.

Dismissed

2007-09-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

My dear internet friends,

The URL of my blog no longer makes any sense. As of Friday September 14, 2007, I am no longer a seminarian. I was dismissed from the Pontifical College Josephinum on Summorum Pontificum day (The Exhaltation of the Holy Cross.) I won't go into much detail about it here.

I will still continue to blog, although I won't have any posts about seminary live (duh!)

I want to thank you all for your prayers and comments since I started this blog, and I would ask that you still pray for me as I continue to discern what God wants for me in my life.

-oremus pro invicem

Zach

Summorum Pontificum!!!

2007-09-14T04:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day!!!

Today, Summorum Pontificum takes the force of Law in the Church. It is a great day worthy of great celebration! How are you celebrating??

Thank you for your prayers

2007-09-08T05:43:00.000-07:00

Update:

Thank you all for praying for my friend. He had to have surgery to remove his appendix and everything went fine. He his well on his way to recovery.

Please pray for a friend of mine

2007-09-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

My friends,

I just got word that earlear today a friend of mine was taken to the hospital and may have to undergo surgery. Please pray for him.

Greek Fest at Columbus Ohio

2007-09-03T13:45:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday we went to the Greek Fest, a local festival at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. We had good food, good music, good drinks and got to see an Orthodox vespers service. The priests and the monk present were very nice and cordial and the Cathedral is just breathtaking. Check it out:

Despite being built approx. 10 years ago, the cathedral still retains a very sacred style of architecture. Boy, I wish we could still build them like this again.

One of the first things you notice when entering the cathedral is the breathtaking mosaics. The dominant one is of Christ on the main dome.

The Icon screen was made of pure white marble. You can notice the great mosaics behind it as well.

We were lucky enough to catch a vespers service while we were there. The monk is from a local monastery here in Ohio.
Combined with the cathedral, the food and drinks were awesome as well. I highly recommend a baklava sundae.

2007-09-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

Vocations

2007-09-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about my blog the other day and was wondering how many people use the different things on my blog. Specifically, I was wondering about the vocation station. If you use the vocation station (the list of male orders on the right side) comment here and let me know. If it's successful enough, or if I get enough requests, I'll put a female counterpart here.

New Boston Colonial Fest

2007-09-02T04:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to the New Boston Colonial Fest located near Springfield, Ohio. It really was a great. Souvenirs were relatively cheap (except for period clothing), plus we got to see come cannons fired. The only stupid thing there is that these people seem to be under the concept that the only religion in the 1790's was witchcraft because there were an abundance of tarot card readers, one of which had the audacity to be selling hand made rosaries. I'm guessing she was a misguided Catholic who made her own rosaries and decided that would be a good venue to sell them.

Overall it was pretty great though. Check out these pictures

I need to get me one of those tents for the next time I go camping!

The costumes there (for the most part) were pretty cool.

Dan and Shawn in the stocks. That'll teach them to argue with me!

It was around this time I started smacking Dan in the head because he couldn't do anything about it.Then he did something about it.However, Shawn got a worse punishment for his crime. Because he refused to shower for months at a time he was made to sell flowers in the stocks! Only $1.00!In the end it all seemed to turn out well though. I made my escape and Shawn was in a better mood. It was win/win.

After all was said and done, Shawn and I escaped and had a good beer and a smoke.

Then Shawn got a little bit too drunk and decided to join the local militia.

They decided to put him in charge of the artillery. Notice he's drinking on the job.

I offered to help but all I did was philosophise. I'm not even sure why they let me touch the thing.Then Dan got into the act yelling and screaming "when I was your age I used to use one of these things in the north against the injins!"

Well, that was kind of the last straw. When the Captain saw that Shawn was letting civilians mess with the artillery they threatened to put us in the stocks again. We decided to run instead. After dodging cannon fire for about an hour, we finally made it back to the Josh.

Well, that was our trip. After I patch the bullet holes and wash off the gunpowder I'll get to blogging again. Until then, please pray for me.

2007-08-29T17:36:00.000-07:00

Check out this blog

2007-08-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody!

Well, I'm back here at the Josh. I've been here for three days and I have to say it's good to see my friends again. The new guys are an interesting bunch as well. There are some top notch guys this year.

I want to draw you attention to a blog by a good friend of mine as well. His name is Shawn and he's a member of the Glenmary Home Missionaries of America. This group has a great apostolite and you can find out all about him at his blog at http://seminarianshawn.blogspot.com

5 More Days

2007-08-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

Well, there's just 5 more days until I go back to the Josh. I've already begun to move my stuff. My computer is packed and I'm looking forward to seeing my friends again.

It's always neet to meet the new students, especially those from the southwest. I remember last year when I met some of my greatest friends who happen to be from New Mexico. It was funny seeing the looks on their face when they got their first taste of Ohio humiditiy. It was priceless. Their reaction to a 2-14 day rain storm was neet too. I remember one of them asking "why is it not flooding?" Truely priceless. I am expecting the same reactions this year from the new guys.

It will be neat not being a "new guy" this year. I don't have to get used to the different daily schedules and to the overall life at the Josh. Although I'm expecting that some things will change, I don't think much will so I won't have to get used to a whole lot of new stuff.

I'm also looking forward to some of my classes this year. I'm hopefully going to be taking a French class, which I have wanted to take since High School, but it wasn't offered. I'm also looking forward to taking a liturgy and sacraments class for my undergraduate theology class. I'm really looking forward to that as I have read quite a few liturgy books this summer.

Well, please pray for me as these 5 days count down. Also, I would encourage you to take a look at the new Vocation Station on my blog located on the right side of the page. They are all male orders who (to my knowledge) are faithful to the Church. If you have any suggestions for the list, please let me know. Also, I'm thinking of putting one for female orders on there as well, but to do that I will need help because I don't know of that many female orders to place on there. Please comment on this post if you have any suggestions.

Is Latin The Issue?

2007-08-16T17:26:00.000-07:00

After reading blog after blog and hearing numerous media reports, I can see that the older form of the Mass or the "Extraordinary Form" is catching a lot of flack. Most of the negative reports boil down to one argument, Latin. The story usually contains a line similar to this: "Most of today's Catholics don't know or understand Latin." I honestly think that this argument is a cop out and oversimplifies things.

The main thing I want to get at is this. Is the older Mass about the Latin? Is Latin the main focus here? The answer is no, it's not. Now, Latin has it's advantages and is disadvantages in the liturgy. Obviously it is the language of the Church and must be respected. It is more meticulous of a language and thus is more accurate in expressing prayers. Because most people aren't fluent in Latin, it does protect the liturgy, to an extent, from abuse such as ad-libbing prayers. It's disadvantages include the fact that most people don't understand it, as that is a legitimate point. However, is the use of the Latin language the central point of the ancient liturgy? Of course not.

The Church, even today, is full of ancient liturgies. The most obvious proof of this is in the east. Most of the liturgies used in the eastern Church are at least 1200 years old. Now I have heard the objection that their liturgies aren't that old because they use modern languages in their liturgies. That is precisely my point. A language is not ontological to a liturgy. The form of the liturgy is not contained in the language but in the specific thoughts that are expressed through the language.

So, is it about the Latin? Here's yet another example. I have spent this summer in the parish of my diocese that had the former indult for the Extraordinary form. Many of the parishioners who attend the 9:00 Traditional Rite don't speak Latin, yet they love this form of the Mass? Why? Well, it's just as I said, they love this FORM of the Mass. They love the prayers expressed in this Mass and the reverence that is built into it. The language is merely an accidental property of it. Now, as I said before, this shouldn't be interpreted that the Latin is not important. That's not what I'm saying. What I'm saying is that the Latin isn't ontological to the liturgy. If the Ordinary Form of the Mass was just simply the Extraordinary form in the vernacular, I don't think we would have seen the problems that we've seen in the Church for the past 40 years. However, the Ordinary Form is a completely different in form from the Extraordinary. There are different prayers as well as the actions of the priest are different. I'm not saying that it's a different rite or that one is valid and the other isn't. I'm not even saying that one is better than the other. I'm just trying to point out one simple fact.

When peoples complaints about the Extraordinary form boil down to the use of a language this is clearly a smokescreen for the fact that they usually don't like the very form of the Mass. Why don't they? Well, I'll leave that for you to decide.

New List!

2007-08-11T14:55:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to highlight the new list on my blog! If your interested in vocations (male vocations) check out the list just below my profile. If you can think of any orders that are missing, let me know and give me their website and I will add them!

Just About Two Weeks

2007-08-11T11:40:00.001-07:00

Well, I have just about two more weeks before I go back to the Josephinum. I'm looking forward to a new year and am planning to revise my day to day routine to strengthen my prayer life this year. I'm looking forward to seeing all of my friends again. For any of you who are thinking about seminary, I would encourage it for even only one year. You'll make some of the best friends of your life, I know that I have.

This year's also going to be a year of heavy discernment this year. At the suggestion of my vocation director, I will be visiting some religious orders this year during my breaks. I was originally thinking about religious life before entering diocesan seminary and I've began to think about it again. I'm hoping this year will clear some things up in that aspect, so please pray for me.

I'm also going to try to modify my schedule so that I can pray all of the hours of the breviary every day, or at least as much as possible. Due to my class load last year and the way my schedule was, that was a near impossibility. Last year seemed to be a very "working" year for me and I hope to make this one a very prayerful one.

So, please pray for me these last few weeks of my summer assignment and keep me in prayer for this year at the Pontifical College Josephinum.

+Oremus Pro Invicem+

The Seminarian Retreat

2007-08-08T08:19:00.001-07:00

Well, I said I'd comment on the yearly seminarian retreat and so here I go!!!

Overall, the retreat went very well. The retreat was far from silent and I suppose technically It was not a retreat but a fun gathering of all the seminarians. One of the best things we did there was dubbed "Ora et Labora" day. We spent the whole day cleaning St. Theresa's retreat center (which was badly needed) and revolved the day around the Breviary. It was a lot of fun and because it was focused on prayer, it was extremely contemplative in nature. Plus I got to use a power washer! (As a side note, if you ever need to clean anything, always get a power washer!)

The second day (which was the last full day) we got to go trap shooting with the retired bishop of Columbus. What fun! I am a very big gun enthusiast and found a lot of common ground with our retired bishop. What a great guy! This day also revolved around prayer and the day was just a fruitful as the day before.

Overall, the retreat went very well and I got to take care of some discernment issues as well so the week all ended on a very high note.

A Great Political Cartoon

2007-08-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

From the local newspaper in Columbus. How right they are! (BTW, this is usually a very very very liberal news paper)

Check this blog out

2007-08-03T15:07:00.000-07:00

Hi again everybody!

I wanted to bring some attention to a favorite blog of mine, Bonfire of the Vanities. I just got the opportunity recently to meet Fr. Fox and was very intrigued by our conversations. Pay his blog a visit. He puts his Sunday homilies on regularly and they are a good treasure trove of insight.

Also, my retreat went well and I will be posting about it soon. Thank you for all of your prayers.

Off on Retreat

2007-07-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

My friends,

Tomorrow I'm beginning the annual seminarian retreat for the diocese of Columbus. I have to do much praying and I have to make a very important decision so I kindly ask for your prayers.

Franciscans of the Primitive Observance

2007-07-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

A Call to all my readers!!

I'm trying to find out any information I can about the Franciscans of the Primitive Observance. If anybody knows anything please comment on this post. I'm looking for things like contact information, locations, constitutions, or vocations info. All help will be appreciated.

We have lost faith in our faith.

2007-07-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been reading a lot about people complaining about the Good Friday liturgy of the Extraordinary form of the Mass. You've heard the complaints too. "It's anti-Semitic", "How dare we pray for the conversion of the Jews?!" My question is, when did we loose faith in our faith? At what point in time did we actually begin to think that converting to the Church was a useless endeavor and that we shouldn't pray for peoples conversion? I would like to think that my conversion wasn't a waste.

This reminds me of a situation in my own life. I came from a Protestant background and from time to time I visit the side of my family that is protestant. They happen to also be anti catholic. One thing I can count on, though, when I go to visit is they always try to convert me back to their church. Am I offended? No. I know that they believe, and believe firmly, that their church is the true church of God and that my soul is in danger. Does this mean that they're anti-Zach? No, of course not. It means that they're pro-Zach. They actually believe what they say and don't give their faith only lip service. They actually care about me enough to want me to attain salvation and thus pray and strive for my conversion. I happen to think that they're wrong, but it doesn't upset me that they actually care about my soul. We just happen to disagree. This action in particular wouldn't be anti-catholic either. It is other actions they do that justify that title, and I don't wish to go into them now. That's not what this post is about.

So when did the Catholic Church loose faith in herself to lose that commitment? I personally think its false ecumenism that's to blame. When the Church teaching is skewed for 40+ years to the point of relativism then of course Catholics are going to think that other people don't need to convert. So if the Church prays for the conversion of Jews is it anti-Semitic? Of course not. The Church is no more anti-Semitic than my grandmother is anti-Zach. If anything, it's pro-Semitic. The Church needs to realise once again that "no one can come to the Father except by [Jesus]." That's it. End of story. Christ is not just simply a useless guru. The Church is not just an organization that exists to make people feel better about themselves. Christ is the only was to salvation and the Church is the only instrument through which that is accomplished.

Is Ecclesia Dei already getting involved?

2007-07-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

Well, if you look over at Fr. Z's blog, What Does The Prayer Really Say (see link to the right), a new notice has been given by the diocese of Orange. Here's the text of the letter:

THIS MESSAGE BEING SENT TO ALL PRIESTS.On 10 July 2007 Bishop Brown sent out a memo Re: Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum based on the unofficial English translation sent to all bishops by Pope Benedict XVI in advance of the Motu Proprio’s release at noon on July 7, 2007. The translation has since been revised. This, in particular, affects the directions in the memo to give serious consideration to the use of the reformed Lectionary for Mass and its expanded cursus of Scripture texts. The revised translation of Article 6 of the Motu Proprio states that “the readings may be given in the vernacular, using editions recognized by the Apostolic See.” After September 14, the Exhalation [sic – breathe deeply] of the Holy Cross, when the Motu Prioprio becomes effective and when the forma extraordinaria is celebrated, the calendar of the Missal of Blessed John XXIII along with the readings contained in the Missal should be used until such time that the Ecclesia Dei Commission gives further direction. The home page of the USCCB website has the most recent translation of the Motu Proprio along with Pope Benedict’s letter to the bishops. If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at ….Lesa Truxaw Director, Office for Worship

If you look at the bold part it would almost seem that Ecclesia Dei has been called to clarify as to whether or not Article 6 gives permission for use of the new lectionary. Orange's original statement mandated that extraordinary form Masses in the diocese had to use the new lectionary. Now they're resending that statement. Why? It would seem to me that Ecclesia Dei is beginning to flex its muscles. Let's hope anyway.

Side Note: If Fr. Z reads this blog and has any objections to copying the letter released by Orange off of his blog, please let me know and I will get rid of it.

New Clip on Youtube

2007-07-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I think I've just made another small step into the world of technology. I've recently put a video on youtube. The video is in commemoration of St. Vincent de Paul Orphanage that used to stand on Main St. in Columbus Ohio. Sadly, the chapel old chapel (which hadn't been used in ages) was torn down in May of this year. Check out the video though. Tell me what you think!

You can see the video here.

[Edit: The picture above is of the sanctuary of St. Vincent orphanage in the early 1900's (the chapel was built in 1884). Click on the picture for a more detailed view.]

Troubles Ahead

2007-07-13T18:20:00.000-07:00

Well, we've had Summorum Pontificum for a week now and things seem to already be headed down hill. I have to say that it's unfortunate to see bishops who seem to want to limit the Holy Father's generosity. This is not to say that all bishops want to limit Summorum Pontificum, but as we have seen on the web lately there are some. I was hoping that this would be a great moment for the Church, but as some feared this seems to be causing division. Not division as some thought. It's not causing division between priests and laity. It's not causing divisions between Catholics who prefer the Ordinary Form against catholics who prefer the Extraordinary Form. It's not causing divisions between Catholics and Jews (or any other non-catholic for that matter.) No, it's not causing any of that as it was feared. But it is a document of division. It is a document that divides the orthodox from the heterodox. It is a document that divides the faithful from the unfaithful. Lastly, and this is the saddest of all, it is a document that seems to be dividing some bishops from their priests, their faithful, and the Holy Father. In a time where we should be forgetting our agendas, and turning towards Rome in faithful obedience, we have begun to turn inward. That is frightening indeed.

As always, there is only one remedy for this. Let us pray. Let us pray for an end to the 40 year confusion that has clouded the Church of God. Prayer has gotten us this far and it is prayer and only prayer that will be our guide to the second coming.

Oremus Pro Invicem

The Orthodox and Summorum Pontificum

2007-07-12T13:18:00.000-07:00

I just happened to catch this video here on Youtube and found myself amazed at the words of His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew I. When giving his homily during the visitation of the Holy Father during his visit to Turkey, Bartholomew I focused almost solely on the Divine Liturgy. I can't help but wonder if this decision by the Holy Father to free the ancient liturgy of the western rite was part of a giant step towards reunification with the Orthodox. I truly hope so.

That is really one of my great loves (...is that a word?) of the ancient Roman liturgy is that it connects us with the Orthodox East. It was at a Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom at the local Byzantine Ruthinian Catholic Church that I fell in love with ancient liturgy. The ancients truly knew how to express themselves in an angelic way and when moved by the Holy Spirit, the Church held on to such great expressions. These are expressions that you just can't produce with a committee.

Well, enough of my ranting! Check out the video at the link. They are truly words of wisdom.

[Also, for anybody who gets their hair in a bunch because I referred to Patriarch Bartholomew I as "His Holiness" I have only this to say. He is a Patriarch and it is his due title. He respects the Church of Rome enough to call Benedict XVI "Your Holiness" so I feel we should do the same. Not only that, but the Church recognises his Holy Orders as valid, so I don't see much reason to with hold titles. If I met an eastern bishop (orthodox or otherwise) I would probably referrer to him as "Your Excellency." ]

Nothing to Fear

2007-07-10T10:31:00.000-07:00

It seems a great fear has come over some of the faithful regarding Summorum Pontificum. This is evidenced by several calls on EWTN last night expressing concern over the return of the old Mass. These calls show a great misunderstanding regarding the Motu Proprio.

Summorum Pontificum in no way proposes replacing the Mass of Paul VI with the Mass of John XXIII. It is only allowing an option. For those who have grown to love the Mass of Paul VI, you have no need to fear loosing it. Summorum Pontificum doesn't abrogate this Mass and implies no intention to do so in the future.

So, for those of you who read this blog who may be of a more contemporary mind, don't listen to the liberals who whine like it the end of the world. It seems to me that they are only trying to draw attention to themselves and push an agenda that wants you to think that it's the end of the Mass of Paul VI. I assure you, they are wrong.

I think there is a lesson to be learned in all the confusion surrounding Summorum Pontificum. It's a lession we should have learned after the Second Vatican Council. That lesson is to ACTUALLY READ THE DOCUMENTS. The great confusion after Vatican II was due to many people pronouncing judgements before ever reading the documents. We are in the same danger here. This is a message to anybody who reads my blog, don't take my word for it. READ THE DOCUMENTS! (In this case specifically, read Summorum Pontificum.)

On the Triduum

2007-07-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

For those of you who may have been watching EWTN last night you may have noticed a mistake that seems to becoming more common.

Before I say any more, I have to clarify something. I want to say that I am highly devoted to EWTN and that I think the mistake made last night was an honest one.

The mistake made was regarding the use of the Extraordinary form of the Roman Rite on the Easter Triduum. Raymond Arroyo mentioned that Summorum Pontificum said that the Extraordinary form could not be used on the Easter Triduum. This is not correct. This is a result of misreading Article 2 of Summorum Pontificum.

Here is the article in question (emphasis mine):

Art. 2. In Masses celebrated without the people [in other words, private masses], any priest of Latin rite, whether secular or religious, can use the Roman Missal published by Pope Blessed John XXIII in 1962 or the Roman Missal promulgated by the Supreme Pontiff Paul VI in 1970, on any day except in the Sacred Triduum. For celebration in accordance with one or the other Missal, a priest does not require any permission, neither from the Apostolic See nor his own Ordinary.

If you'll notice, the article only refers to private masses or "Masses celebrated without the people." It says that these Masses, the private ones, can't be celebrated during the Triduum under either form. It's written a bit awkward, but that is what it's stating. If it were stating that public Mass (as is the assumption) can't be celebrated during the Triduum it would also include the Missal of Paul VI, hence the conjunction "or." If that's so, then what missal can we use? Under that context, article 2 does not make sense.

Article 2 is just another article restating an established norm. Private Masses, including those done according to the Missal of Paul VI, have always been prohibited during the Easter Triduum. Before 1970 this was the case as well, as private Masses have ALWAYS been prohibited during the Triduum.

So, in short, either Missal may be used for public Masses during the Easter Triduum.

Thank You Holy Father

2007-07-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted a picture in a while so I will post this one in thanksgiving!

Caption: "My job here is done, have fun with my new document, I'm off on vacation!"

What a cry baby

2007-07-08T19:50:00.000-07:00

"I can't fight back the tears. This is the saddest moment in my life as a man, priest and bishop," Luca Brandolini, a member of the liturgy commission of the Italian bishops' conference, told the Rome daily La Repubblica in an interview on Sunday.
"It's a day of mourning, not just for me but for the many people who worked for the Second Vatican Council. A reform for which many people worked, with great sacrifice and only inspired by the desire to renew the Church, has now been cancelled."

The above is part of an article from ABC. As I said in the title, what a cry baby. Not only that, be he seems to almost be insulting the Holy Father implying that the Holy Father's actions were counter to the Council, and unwise. Honestly, who does this guy think he is?

Dissapointed wit NLM

2007-07-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

This post has been deleted.

Some Confusion

2007-07-08T08:46:00.000-07:00

There seems to be some confusion regarding article 6 of the Apostolic Letter Summorum Pontificum and I would like to clear it up here.

Before I explain, I would like to inform anybody who reads this that this is not just my opinion but also the opinion of a canon lawyer.

Here is the article in question:

Art. 6
In Masses celebrated with the people according to the Missal of Blessed John XXIII, the
Readings can be proclaimed even in the vernacular, using editions that have received the recognitio of
the Apostolic See.

Now, some are stating that this article gives permission to alter the missal of John XXIII to replace the latin readings with that of the vernacular. This is not so. Why? Because the article says "in Masses celebrated... according to the Missal of Blessed John XXIII." In the Missal of Bl. John XXIII the only vernacular allowed were the readings being repeated in the vernacular, not innitially proclaimed in such. If the readings were to be replaced with the vernacular, it would not be according to the missal of Bl. John XXIII.

Here's a simple syllogism to illustrate it.

The Missal of John XXIII allowed for vernacular readings only as repeats of the already proclaimed latin.

Pope Benedict stated that vernacular readings can be used according to the Missal of John XXIII

Therefore, the vernacular readings that Pope Benedict is making a statement about are those that are repeats of the already proclaimed latin.

Simple, p->q, q->r = p->r . It's simple logic.

That being said, the point is almost entirely moot in the fact that article 6 says that they CAN be used, not that they must. This further proves my point, however, because this was exactly the option in the Missal of Bl. John XXIII, the vernacular COULD be used in repeating the readings, but it was not necessary.

To further prove my point, it should be noted that the rest of Summorum Pontificum points out to the fact that the Missal of Bl. John XXIII is not to have elements of the Missal of Paul VI mixed in. (See Art. 2) This is given exception, however, with intoductions of new saints into the older calender, but it should be noted that the pope DOES NOT DO THAT WITH THIS DOCUMENT!!! He says that this task will only be undertaken after consulting not only
Ecclesia Dei, but also "various bodies devoted to the usus antiquior," in other words, the heads of orders that exclusively use the traditional rite (FSSP, ICRSS, etc.)

I hope that clears up any confusion that some may put out there is a simply and logical way.

[Edit: I should also mention that this is only an opinion of mine and many others and that I feel that this matter needs to be clarified by the Eccelisia Dei commission.]

-Zach

This is just too good.

2007-07-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

EDIT:

Ok, my links were messing up my blog so if you would like to see the video previously posted just click the link here.

FREE AT LAST! FREE AT LAST! THANK GOD ALMIGHTY IT'S FREE AT LAST!

2007-07-07T05:03:00.000-07:00

Well, my friends, it has been released. Although I haven't read a translation of the document itself, the Vatican website does have a translation of the letter that accompanies it. There is one sentence I would like to highlight.

"I would like to draw attention to the fact that this Missal was never juridically abrogated and, consequently, in principle, was always permitted."

From the mouth (or should I say pen) of the Holy Father himself. The old Mass was never abrogated and, well, I guess I can't put it better myself. My initial reaction to this document is very good, however, I'm waiting on an official translation to read because, as I have said, I only have a translation of the accompanying letter.

The Countdown Has Begun!!!

2007-07-06T20:44:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will, hopefully, be like Christmas morning when I will feast with my eyes on the great gift given by the Holy Father and by God himself. Namely that of the Motu Proprio of the Supreme Pontiff Benidict XVI, Summorum Pontificum! I am quite excited to see what it says and I hope and pray that it will be what we all have been hoping for. For those of you on the east coast (EST) if you wish to know the MP should be released in 4 hours, however this does not mean that it will be translated in that time. However, I have had a long day and can wait until morning. Perhaps I will look it over after a 9:00 AM First Saturday Mass (Traditional Roman Rite of course!)

Deo Gratias

The silence before the storm

2007-07-05T17:06:00.000-07:00

Well, there seems to be a call to silence in the net for any information regarding the MP. This is a good thing. Why? Because there is too much rumor and speculation right now regarding the text of the document. Rumors include a designation of an "ordinary" and "extraordinary" rite (which would be very bad thing) as well an ad experementum period. These rumors, often sparked by unreliable Internet news sources, will only throw gasoline on the fire. If the MP is to be effective than a panic can not be caused among liberals. If you're attempting to get rid of a bees nest you don't throw a brick into it first.

Instead of speculation regarding the document we should do a couple of things.

1. Pray. Prayer is the most powerful tool we have. It has brought us this far and will strengthening us in the future. Prayer is that which connects us to God and with God all things are possible. So let us pray for the best possible outcome for this document.

2. Prepare. Let us prepare to give thanks. Let us prepare to encourage our priests to embrace this movement within the Church as well as embracing the Holy Father in this decision.

These two things will help us not to gossip and not to chase rumors. For anybody who reads my blog you should now that I don't advocate chasing rumors. Many rumors fall short (Remember May 5, Pentecost, Easter, Christmas, etc.?) Now this has moved beyond the rumor stage so let us give thanks for the hope we now have.

Deo gratias.

A Pretty Strong Hunch

2007-06-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

Just so everyone is aware, Fr. Z over at What Does the Prayer Really Say is reporting that a news source, in German, stated that Cardinal Bertone has given the MP to 30 explicitly chosen bishops and the release date has been announced for July 7th. Although this seems to be from a reliable source and contains some specific information there are still some questionable holes in the story. Now, I can't read German, so I only know what is in the article by the little bits of Fr. Z's translation. However, if the MP is this close there still remains the question of a title. If the MP is truly only a week and a half away, what is it called? Perhaps we will find at the end of this week, however if the title isn't released by Monday I would suspect that this is just more of the proverbial carrot on a stick.

BTW, here is the link to Fr. Z's original post on the subject. Motu Proprio
Oremus

St. Louis Part 4, St. Francis de Sales Oratory

2007-06-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

OK, so you thought the Basilica of St. Louis and the ordinations were the capstone to my trip? Oh, how wrong you were. All in all, the trip had absolutely no low points, but if I had to pick a favorite part, it would be this. One of the young newly ordained priests, Father Matthew Talarico, had his first Mass there. I was privileged to witness it.

These first pictures are just of the St. Francis de Sales. The church is an amazing German Gothic design. It has 7 altars (including the high altar, pictured last) and 4 confessionals (none of which are storage closets.

Also, if any of you are considering a charitable donation this year, please consider St. Francis de Sales Oratory. The church is in a threatening condition in which the bell tower is slowly pulling away from the main part of the building due to foundation problems. The oratory has to raise a stunning $4 million to save it and receives no help from the Archdiocese or the Institute as a whole. The church is worth saving folks, so please consider it (and no I haven't been asked to say that.)

Here are the pictures of the stunning church:

Altar 1:

Altar 2:

Altar 3:

Altar 4:

Altar 5:

Altar 6:

And at last the High Altar, altar 7:

The organ was also a fine instrument and an intriguing design:

The Pulpit is awe inspiring as well:

And lastly, the outside. The bell tower seems at least 4 stories tall when standing at it's bottom. This is what is threatening the whole structure, and again, it's worth saving. These pictures do not do the church justice. It's a must see if ever in St. Louis.

Awesome isn't it?

Well, I will do the pictures from Fr. Talerico's first Mass on my next post as it is getting late here. I hope you all have enjoyed my pictures.

COMING SOON: Fr. Talerico's first Holy Mass!!!

EDIT: If you wish to help out St. Francis de Sales Oratory, please click this link for contact information.

The Basilica Cathedral of St. Louis and the ordinations for the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest

2007-06-18T05:47:00.000-07:00

OK, here it is folks. My camera died after taking pictures of the ordinations, so I didn't get a whole lot of pictures of the basilica itself. Also, my camera wasn't the best, so some of these pictures are a little blurry and grainy. I apologise for that. I'll let the pictures do the talking though.

The Basilica was awsome, as you can see from these pictures. This is the way that altar is really supposed to be set up. ;-)

I just want to highlight something unseen in this picture. For those of you who have never seen a bishop vested in full pontifical regalia here's what he's wearing. He's wearing a cassock, surplice, alb, amice, subdeacons tunicle, deacons dalmatic, chasuble, pallium, bishops gloves, zuchetta (I'm not sure if I spelled that correctly), precious miter, and of course, his crosier. I'm not quite sure if he was wearing his special boots. Knowing the Institute, he probably was, but I never got a good look.

This last picture is the coolist I think. If you look closely you can see that one of the newly ordained priests still has his hands wrapped. This is some amazingly powerful symbolism folks. From that point on this mans hands are consicrated to touch the sacred species. Like St. Thomas, he has been invited to place his finger into the wounds of Christ. The only proper response to this being "my Lord and my God."

Deo Gratias!