Where to Buy Catholic Christmas Cards

For 41 years this publishing house has been doing a fine job.

Over 40 designs to choose from...

http://www.lifecyclebooks.com/store/usa/christmas-cards.html

Vatican Radio Interview with Cardinal Burke

Many thanks to the great Mr. Chris Wells, Canadian-American journalist and Vaticanista on the ground in Rome and the Vatican....

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/11/24/card_burke_liturgy_at_the_heart_of_communion_with_christ/1112241

St. Cecilia Mass, Part I: Kyrie by Charles Gounod

Bombing of Rome at San Lorenzo

The Pius XII statue at San Lorenzo to commemorate his going to the people amid the destruction of war.  The Pope of Peace.  May he pray for us from above.  Peace to the world!

Tomb of St. Cecilia in Rome

Holy Mass in the crypt at her tomb.  

Introit: "I will speak of Your decrees before kings without being ashamed.  And I will delight in Your commands, which I love exceedingly." 

Thank you, Patrick, for the snapshot!

What is Europe?

"What then is Europe?  It is a community of people who share a common spiritual tradition - a tradition which had its origins in the eastern Mediterranean and has been transmitted from age to age, and from people to people till it has overshadowed the world."

-Christopher Dawson

The Bombing of the Roman Basilica of San Lorenzo: July 19, 1943

In the final image you get the picture of how bad the damage was.  A wartime travesty. 

Read the story here:  http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/cardinal-remembers-pope-pius-xii-as-wartime-hero-saint/.

Fr. Angelini at the Bombing of Rome with Pope Pacelli and Msgr Montini

Three years a priest, Providence had him on the spot in the San Lorenzo district the day fire rained from the sky at the Roma Termini rail lines.  He was a first responder, seen here, in front of the Basilica of San Lorenzo.  A prince among men, he was my favorite Italian prelate in Rome.   

The Very Last of the Romans: Fiorenzo Cardinal Angelini (RIP 1916-2014)

Born in Rome.

Died in Rome.

Ordained priest in 1940.

Consecrated bishop in 1956.

Council Father.

Roman.  

The last.

Master of Pontifical Ceremonies from 1947 - 1954.

He knew Padre Pio.

Lived through two world wars.  

In recent years he could often be seen at S. Spirito in Sassia.

He was a first responder during the bombing of Rome in July 1943 and was there at San Lorenzo with two other priests: Pope Pacelli and Mons. Montini.

I remember bumping into him once on the street and it was a true joy to chat with him.  He always said: "Pius XII was my pope."  

Until the end he was well and receiving visitors - always seated in his Roman cassock.  He accepted visits in the morning.

Many thanks to the staff of sisters of the Holy Face who took care of him and managed his household.  Just last month I stopped in to say hello and the porter said His Eminence was still going strong.     

Legends among us.  The last Roman cardinal.    

Requiem!

Roman Basilica of St. Cecilia: Buona Festa!

Today is the feast of St. Cecilia, November 22. 

St. Cecelia, a Roman by birth, was forced to marry Valerian, a pagan.  She converted him and Tiburtius, his brother, to the Faith.  She died in A.D. 230.

Auguri to every girl named Cecilia!

"O God, You gladden us with the annual feast of Blessed Cecilia, Your virgin martyr; grand that as we honor her in this service, so we may follow the example of her holy life."