Bullet Holes in Pope St. John Paul II's Undershirt

"Hanro," made in Switzerland, size 9.  The red cotton initials "JP" stitched by Polish sisters.  Three holes in the abdomen.  Blood and antiseptic stains.  What difficult times we live in.  It was very painful to pray before this relic.  My heart ached.  The Church has much to suffer.       

Visiting the Home of Pope Benedict in the Vatican Gardens

Just stopping by to say hello to an old friend.

If there is one thing Joe Ratzinger taught me, it was love for orthodoxy.  There is nothing more intoxicating than truth.  Nothing more sinister than heresy. 

Secondly, the orchestral masterworks of Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart, Schubert and the others.  Papa Ratzinger grew up with these orchestral Masses.  We share this much in common.  By God's grace, I, too, grew up with this same musical tradition at the church of St. Agnes in St. Paul, Minnesota.

To hear these Masses, sung in their original context, in the Solemn Latin High Mass of the Roman Rite, is the closest thing to heaven.  It can stir the most hardened of hearts and make converts.  It is the highest form of artistry known to man.  

Pray for a revival of these orchestral Masses - in the context of the sung Roman rite.  Begin to familiarize your kids with these works of art:

Joseph Haydn, Kleine Orgellsolomesse, Paukenmesse, Nikolaimesse, Nelsonmesse, Harmoniemesse, Heiligmesse, Mariazellermesse, Theresienmesse, Franz Schubert, Mass in A-Flat, Mass in B-Flat, W.A. Mozart, Requiem Mass, K 626, Piccolomini Mass, K 258, Coronation Mass, K 317, Missa Brevis in D, K 194, Mass in C, K 337, Franz Schubert, Mass in B-flat, Mass in G, Mass in C, Mass in G, Ludwig van Beethoven, Mass in C, Charles Gounod, Messe Solennelle (Saint Cecilia), Johann Nepomuk Hummel, Mass in B-Flat, Joseph Rheinberger, Mass in C, Op. 169, Anton Dvorak, Mass in D, Heinrich von Herzogenberg, Messe in E, Op. 87, etc.

It is being done:

http://www.catholicchorale.org/

Where Pius XII Walked in the Vatican Gardens: La Passeggiata Pio XII

While he was Cardinal Secretary of State he helped design this section of the Vatican Gardens, where one can walk in a pattern while reading, praying, meditating. 

Street Named After Pius XII in the Vatican Gardens: Viale Pio XII

Pilgrimage Destination: Shrine of La Salette

Do not miss out.  This is a great place to visit.  Our pilgrimage to this region has been spectacular.

In the final photo the faithful gather at the apparition site. 

Just above, a statue of St. Philomena (the French have had great devotion to her, as did St. John Vianney). 

The well of La Salette, bringing fresh water from mountain streams to the faithful who hike the trails above the shrine. 

The Stations of the Cross, the Cemetery, the Shrine Chapel. 

An approved site of Marian apparitions.  If you have never been here, consider making a visit.   

Santo Subito

Thanks, Summer!

Our Lady of La Salette

A great honor to pray here at the apparition site.  It was a fine pilgrimage.  Do join us next time!

Hildegard von Bingen - Voice of the Living Light

Bring Back the Papal Carriage

Rome Quotes

"One of the reasons why I believe we have been failing lately is because since the Vatican Council, we went into the world and the world also came into the Church. This has created a tremendous problem as to how the Church is related to the world.  The answer is quite clear in the Gospels, but we have not altogether followed it. The first word of Our Lord’s public life was 'Come.' 'Come to me, learn, absorb.' The last word of Our Lord’s public life was, 'Go.' 'Go into the world.'
First, we become completely absorbed with Him. Then he may send us on a mission. But today, since the Vatican Council, we’re the Church made up only of 'go, goes' without any 'come, comes.' We’re losing our faith, and our fire, and our zeal."

-Archbishop Sheen 

Source: http://thomasaquinas.edu/sheen

La Salette

If you enjoy mountain climbing, this pilgrimage site has your name on it.  Lots of trails to mountain tops.  Some of them have crosses at the top.  Spectacular views in every direction.  In the morning you find yourself in the clouds. 

Tintinnabulum of La Salette

Nightly Procession at La Salette Shrine in France

During the summer months there is an evening procession at dusk.  The faithful process from the church to the apparition site.  It is quite a moving experience.  Dress warm, it can be chilly. 

Rabbi JONATHAN CAHN ON CAPITAL HILL

Brahms German Requiem: How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place

The Way It Is

Image from Facebook, Schola Sainte Cecile.

Palestrina - Sicut Cervus

La Salette Apparition Site

A place of prayers and miracles. 

On a mountain top where heaven meets earth.  

La Salette: Heavenly Apparition Site

High in the mountains, there is no train that arrives here.  You will have to arrive in an automobile or a tourist coach bus.  It is a fine place of pilgrimage.  The guest house behind the church is large and accommodates many.  Prices are reasonable.  There are meals, and nice gift shops.  Lots of pilgrims from France and Italy. 

La Salette: Heavenly Marian Apparition Site

High in the French Alps, near the Italian border.  A great place to pray and reflect.  Definitely worth a visit.