Sunday, April 03, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Feast of St. Valentine, February 14
From History.com:
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, "At least three different Saint Valentines, all of them martyrs, are mentioned in the early martyrologies under the date of 14 February." One was a priest in Rome, the second one was a bishop of Interamna (now Terni, Italy) and the third St. Valentine was a martyr in the Roman province of Africa.
Legends vary on how the martyr's name became connected with romance. The date of his death may have become mingled with the Feast of Lupercalia, a pagan festival of love. On these occasions, the names of young women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius decided to put an end to the Feast of Lupercalia, and he declared that February 14 be celebrated as St Valentine's Day.
Labels: Feast Days
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Twist and Shout" - The Original Version
Did you know that the Beatles started their career singing in Latin? Me neither...
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Catholics Are HILARIOUS!
A joke about the (supposed) rivalry between the Dominicans and the Jesuits from the blog, The Hermeneutic of Continuity:
"The Dominicans were founded by St Dominic to fight the heresy of Albigensianism. The Jesuits were founded by St Ignatius Loyola to fight Protestantism... So when did you last meet an Albigensian? "
Well I don't know. Fr. Hardon says:
"The Albigenses followed Manichaean dualism in its attempt to solve the problem of evil. They asserted the co-existence of two ultimate principles, a good deity (the God of the New Testament) who created Spirit and Light, and a bad deity (the God of the Old Testament) who created Matter and Darkness. Accordingly, they condemned marriage and the procreation of children as demoniac. Yet concubinage was tolerated as less permanent than matrimony; and desertion of husband or wife was called praiseworthy."
Maybe they are not so scarce on the ground as supposed...
"The Dominicans were founded by St Dominic to fight the heresy of Albigensianism. The Jesuits were founded by St Ignatius Loyola to fight Protestantism... So when did you last meet an Albigensian? "
Well I don't know. Fr. Hardon says:
"The Albigenses followed Manichaean dualism in its attempt to solve the problem of evil. They asserted the co-existence of two ultimate principles, a good deity (the God of the New Testament) who created Spirit and Light, and a bad deity (the God of the Old Testament) who created Matter and Darkness. Accordingly, they condemned marriage and the procreation of children as demoniac. Yet concubinage was tolerated as less permanent than matrimony; and desertion of husband or wife was called praiseworthy."
Maybe they are not so scarce on the ground as supposed...
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Come Back, Lutherans!
It was all a misunderstanding! Martin Luther thought we were selling indulgences but we weren't! We were selling CONDOLENCES!
Friday, February 04, 2011
Catholic Combox
If you were to leave a comment on a Catholic blog, what kind of combox personality would you be?
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Why Nobody Reads the New York TImes Anymore
The NYT asserts:
"The Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928, is the oldest and largest Islamist movement in the world, with affiliates in nearly every Muslim country and adherents in Europe and the United States. Its size and diversity, and the decades-old legal ban that has kept it from genuine political power in Egypt, make it difficult to sum up simply. As the Roman Catholic Church encompasses leftist liberation theology and conservative anti-abortion advocacy, so the Brotherhood includes both practical reformers and firebrand ideologues."
Think of the Muslim Brotherhood as a kind of Knights of Columbus. I wonder if they do fish frys? Andrew McCarthy thinks differently.
"The Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928, is the oldest and largest Islamist movement in the world, with affiliates in nearly every Muslim country and adherents in Europe and the United States. Its size and diversity, and the decades-old legal ban that has kept it from genuine political power in Egypt, make it difficult to sum up simply. As the Roman Catholic Church encompasses leftist liberation theology and conservative anti-abortion advocacy, so the Brotherhood includes both practical reformers and firebrand ideologues."
Think of the Muslim Brotherhood as a kind of Knights of Columbus. I wonder if they do fish frys? Andrew McCarthy thinks differently.
Labels: Islam
Feast of St. Blaise, February 3
Per intercessionem Sancti Blasii, episcopi et martyris,
liberet te Deus a malo gutturis, et a quolibet alio malo.
In nomine Patris, et Filii +, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.
Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr,
may God free you from illness of the throat and from any other sort of ill.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
liberet te Deus a malo gutturis, et a quolibet alio malo.
In nomine Patris, et Filii +, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.
Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr,
may God free you from illness of the throat and from any other sort of ill.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
What Is It With Substitute Priests?
The same thing happened a couple of weeks ago at St. Joe's. Luckily, our parishioners knew better than these guys... A letter submitted to Father Z's blog:
"At Mass yesterday morning, the substitute priest forgot to show up. Several members of the congregation took it upon themselves to have a “Communion Service” with all the readings, etc. One of the EMHCs opened the Tabernacle and got the Consecrated Hosts out and proceeded to distribute them, along with another EMHC.
QUESTION: Are EMHCs allowed to open the Tabernacle and distribute
Consecrated Hosts when no priest or deacon is present?"
I loved Father Z's response:
"I think your diocesan bishop would like the chance to answer that question.
Ask him."
"At Mass yesterday morning, the substitute priest forgot to show up. Several members of the congregation took it upon themselves to have a “Communion Service” with all the readings, etc. One of the EMHCs opened the Tabernacle and got the Consecrated Hosts out and proceeded to distribute them, along with another EMHC.
QUESTION: Are EMHCs allowed to open the Tabernacle and distribute
Consecrated Hosts when no priest or deacon is present?"
I loved Father Z's response:
"I think your diocesan bishop would like the chance to answer that question.
Ask him."
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Things I Learned Today, Part 4
Bishop Fulton Sheen was from Peoria! I had no idea!
He's buried in New York, and despite reneging on a promise to send the body back for interment at the cathedral in Peoria, the Bishop has decided to move forward with attempts at beatification.
From Father Z...
Here's the Bishop in action.
He's buried in New York, and despite reneging on a promise to send the body back for interment at the cathedral in Peoria, the Bishop has decided to move forward with attempts at beatification.
From Father Z...
Here's the Bishop in action.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Right to Life March 2011
The biggest non-event in America took place yesterday, as it has for years. Compare and contrast. First up, Ronald Reagan...
And now the current President...
“Today marks the 38th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that protects women’s health and reproductive freedom, and affirms a fundamental principle: that government should not intrude on private family matters. I am committed to protecting this constitutional right."
And now the current President...
“Today marks the 38th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that protects women’s health and reproductive freedom, and affirms a fundamental principle: that government should not intrude on private family matters. I am committed to protecting this constitutional right."
Friday, January 21, 2011
A First!
A link to the ESPN website on a PSR blog!
"I hate the New York Jets because they don't practice in New York and they don't play in New York. Fireman Ed? Grew up as a Dolphins fan. And J-E-T-S? Really? You're thrilled with yourselves for spelling a four-letter word? Try cheering for Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception."
"I hate the New York Jets because they don't practice in New York and they don't play in New York. Fireman Ed? Grew up as a Dolphins fan. And J-E-T-S? Really? You're thrilled with yourselves for spelling a four-letter word? Try cheering for Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception."
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Things I Learned Today, Part 3
This came up during a discussion on Fr. Z's blog about people who are hyper-allergic to gluten. These people do not take the host; and do not want to share the chalice (I guess for fear of traces of gluten on the rim or something). But they can use a FISTULA!
Yeah, that's what I said...what the heck is a fistula? It's like a straw. The photo is of Pope Paul VI using one - apparently, this is the traditional way that the Pope used to drink from the chalice.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Blogger's Choice Awards Update
In looking through the nominees for other than Best Religion Blog, I see a pattern that indicates the voting is being "fixed". So don't vote if you don't want to...but check out the blogs I mentioned.
Jesus Was a Refugee
Or so says Pope Benedict. His family was forced to flee to Egypt after the Magi ratted Jesus out (by mistake).
Well, OK. Refugees are different than migrants though. I think refugees are those under direct threat form their government - say, the Christians of the Arab (that is, Muslim) world. If they stay, they will in all likelihood suffer persecution and die. A migrant is someone who leaves for greener grass.
My personal opinion is that they should be treated differently - two lines, with immigrants moving faster.
Just my opinion - and we should be kind and respectful to both...
Reminds me of the time that Hillary Clinton said that Jesus was born in a manger because he was "homeless".
Well, OK. Refugees are different than migrants though. I think refugees are those under direct threat form their government - say, the Christians of the Arab (that is, Muslim) world. If they stay, they will in all likelihood suffer persecution and die. A migrant is someone who leaves for greener grass.
My personal opinion is that they should be treated differently - two lines, with immigrants moving faster.
Just my opinion - and we should be kind and respectful to both...
Reminds me of the time that Hillary Clinton said that Jesus was born in a manger because he was "homeless".
Monday, January 17, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Holding Hands during the Our Father
Have you noticed that there are three different ways to pray the Our Father at Mass? Some hold hands. Some raise their arms (reminding me of "Touchdown Jesus"). Others (like me) just say the prayer. Which is correct?
Sister Mary Martha answers the question in her usual non-nonsense way...
"Just the other day, we had a question in the comments section about whether or not it's okay to hold hands during the Our Father during Mass. And no, it's actually not okay. You can't do whatever you want during the Mass. We're not holding hands and we're not doing the wave and we're not breaking into applause during the Consecration of the Host, even if we feel like it. No one is going to come rushing up behind you and hit you with a ruler if you happen to be holding hands with your husband or wife during the Mass. But, we have rules and we'd like you to follow them."
Friday, January 14, 2011
The Poor Clares Explained
Solemn Profession of a Poor Clare Nun from St. Louis Review on Vimeo.
Labels: Vocations
Shocka!
Looks like the "Religion of Peace" is mad at the POP. What did "Pop" Benedict XVI say that was so offensive? This:
"Among the norms prejudicing the right of persons to religious freedom, particular mention must be made of the law against blasphemy in Pakistan: I once more encourage the leaders of that country to take the necessary steps to abrogate that law, all the more so because it is clear that it serves as a pretext for acts of injustice and violence against religious minorities."
Labels: Islam, Pope Benedict XVI
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Feast Day of St. Martin Luther King, Jr?
Um...not so fast. Fr. Z says:
"Holy Church does not permit Masses in honor of a dead person who isn’t a saint or blessed with an cult approved by Holy Catholic Church. It is not permitted to celebrate Mass on honor of a person who has no official cult. As a matter of fact most blesseds can’t even be honored at the altar unless there is permission given for that locale or institute."
"Masses for a dead person mustn’t be reduced to a “celebration of someone’s life”. That is not what Catholics do. During Mass we pray that God will be merciful to them."
"Holy Church does not permit Masses in honor of a dead person who isn’t a saint or blessed with an cult approved by Holy Catholic Church. It is not permitted to celebrate Mass on honor of a person who has no official cult. As a matter of fact most blesseds can’t even be honored at the altar unless there is permission given for that locale or institute."
"Masses for a dead person mustn’t be reduced to a “celebration of someone’s life”. That is not what Catholics do. During Mass we pray that God will be merciful to them."
At the End of Your Rope?
Time to join the Sisters of St. Benedict! Many times I've thought, "Gee, I am called to the priesthood, but I would have to give up mountain biking so I won't do it." The good Sisters realize there are lots of women who feel the same way about religious orders and their hobbies. Like slacking! I mean slacklining...
Labels: Nuns
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Naming Names
Pope Benedict XVI says - be careful how you name your children. AMEN. Although it would have been funny if he had said after being elected, "No, it's spelled Benay'Dct".
I work with 18-22 year-olds every day and have for a long time. I can say (anecdotally) that with few exceptions: the dumber the name, the dumber the student. Just saying.
I work with 18-22 year-olds every day and have for a long time. I can say (anecdotally) that with few exceptions: the dumber the name, the dumber the student. Just saying.
Labels: Pope Benedict XVI
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Graffiti
The defacing of St. Boniface; unfortunately, the American Papist doesn't say in what city this occurred. My reactions are mixed:
1) I wish the person had spelled it "Cathlicks".
2) If "Kill the Mooslims" had been sprayed on a mosque, we would have to get a hand-wringing lecture from Barack Obama about hate crimes.
3) We are bigger than the person who did this. Catholics will not riot; we will not complain about our oppression; we will not lash out in anger. We will pray for the person and hope he he sees the errors of his way and come to Christ. "I gave My back to those who strike Me, and my cheeks to those whose pluck out the beard; I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting." (Isaiah 50:6)
Feast of Sts. Paldo, Tato, and Taso - January 11
Three brothers who founded the monastery of San Vincenzo. Why do these guys come to mind?
Labels: Feast Days, saints
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Friday, January 07, 2011
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
A New Governor for New York!
So what's wrong with this picture? The new pro-abortion governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo (who is divorced), sat in the front row of a Catholic church during Mass with his live-in girlfriend (who is also divorced) and then received Communion from Bishop Howard Hubble.
Let's assume that both Andrew and his girlfriend got annulments (not likely, but let's assume). How many mortal sins does that leave? Only THREE! Not so bad, right?
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
BLASPHEMY!
Or so says Frannie Boyle of the Student Free Press Association. When I read (on several sites) about this ad, I was outraged, too. But after watching it, I think it's just...well, you watch it.
Monday, January 03, 2011
Feast Day of St. Genevieve, January 3
St. Genevieve is the Patroness of Paris. Although she lived a long and productive life, she is best remembered for saving Paris from Attila the Hun. As Attila approached the city, Genevieve convinced Parisians not to flee, but rather pray and fast for God's intercession. And it worked. It had to be the prayers - it sure wasn't the fighting spirit of the French...
Labels: patron saints, saints
Who Is Addison Hart?
An Anglican who converted to Catholicism and is now converting back. He wrote about the reasons, and Father Z. goes all "Jesus and the Moneychangers in the Temple" on him.
One thing I learned - I've got a long way to go in understanding our faith.
One thing I learned - I've got a long way to go in understanding our faith.