Pro Gratiarum Actione in Fine Anni Civilis!

Mario Lanza - Ave Maria

Benedictines of Mary, Queen of the Apostles

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Rome March for Life – Saturday, May 19, 2018

Feast of St. Thomas Becket

Christmas Carol in English to Teach Your Children

2017 Noël Christmas Midnight Mass in Switzerland

Beauty of Byzantine Chant

DEC 26: Feast of St. Stephen

Friar Alessandro - Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle - Nativity Grotto

Mass for Christmas Day, Introit: Puer natus est nobis

In The Bleak Midwinter : Choir of Kings College, Cambridge

Catholic Culture: SSA Ministry

"Attention, Lower Mainlanders! You're invited (and are welcome to invite others) to a very special event at Eastern Catholic Church in Richmond. ALL are welcome.

This is a Christmas prayer service to which all are welcome. It's especially meant for anyone who is dealing with heightened tension over LGBT 'stuff' during the holiday season.

Perhaps you feel pressured by your family to conform to a 'perfect Christmas.' Perhaps there's someone in your life you're feeling distant from, as if your respective values are tearing you apart. Perhaps you've felt uncomfortable with public worship since coming out. Perhaps you have a friend who needs your support right now. Perhaps you wish your kids knew how much you love them, and words just aren't working. Perhaps . . . , well, you don't have to explain to anyone what brings you here. The guest list will not be disclosed.

Free admission.

The worship portion, with Byzantine chant and brief reflections, runs for an hour, and then everyone is welcome to join us in the parish hall for another hour of refreshments and caroling."

-Theresa Yoshioka

A Happy Christmas to All: Christus Natus Est!

A parish's Gregorian chant immersion

He Came Down

CHRISTMAS NOVENA: EXERCITIUM NOVEMDIALE AD PRAEPARANDVM NATALEM (a 16 ad 24 decembris)

LATINE


INVITATORIVM 

CANTORES
Regem venturum Dominum: Venite adoremus.

CHORVS
Regem venturum Dominum: Venite adoremus.

CANTORES
Iucundare, filia Sion, et exulta satis, filia Ierusalem: ecce Dominus veniet, et erit in die illa lux magnam et stillabunt montes dulcedinem, et colles fluent lac et mel, quia veniet Propheta magnus, et ipse renovabit Ierusalem.

CHORVS
Regem venturum Dominum: Venite adoremus.

CANTORES
Ecce veniet Deus, et homo de domo David sedere in throno, et videbitis, et gaudebit cor vestrum.

CHORVS
Regem venturum Dóminum: Venite adoremus.

CANTORES
Ecce veniet Dominus protector noster, Sanctus Israël, coronam regni habens in capite suo, et dominabitur a mari usque ad mare, et a flumine usque ad terminos orbis terrarum.

CHORVS
Regem venturum Dominum: Venite adoremus.

CANTORES
Ecce apparebit Dominus, et non mentietur: si moram fecerit expecta eum, quia veniet et non tardabit.

CHORVS
Regem venturum Dóminum: Venite adoremus.

CANTORES
Descendet Dominus sicut pluvia in vellus: orietur in diebus ejus justitia, et abundantia pacis, et adorabunt eum omnes reges terræ, omnes gentes servient ei.

CHORVS
Regem venturum Dominum: Venite adoremus.

CANTORES
Nascetur nobis parvulus, et vocabitur Deus fortis, ipse sedebit super thronum David patris sui, et imperabit, cujus potestas super humerum eius.

CHORVS
Regem venturum Dominum: Venite adoremus.

CANTORES
Bethlehem, civitas Dei summi, ex te exiet Dominator Israël, et egressus ejus sicut a principio dierum æternitatis, et magnificabitur in medio universæ terræ, et pax erit in terra nostra dum venerit.

CHORVS
Regem venturum Dominum: Venite adoremus.

In Vigilia Nativitatis cantores hoc additur:

CANTORES
Crastina die delebitur iniquitas terræ, et regnabit super nos Salvator mundi.

CHORVS
Regem venturum Dominum: Venite adoremus.

CANTORES
Prope est iam Dominus.

CHORVS
Venite, adoremus.


CANTICVS

Lætentur cæli et exultet terra* iubilate montes laudem.
Erumpant montes iucunditatem* et colles iustitiam.
Quia Dominus noster veniet* et pauperum suorum miserebitur.
Rorate cæli desuper et nubes pluant iustum* aperiatur terra, et germinet Salvatorem.
Memento nostri Domine* et visita nos in salutari tuo.
Ostende nobis Domine miseericordiam tuam* et salutare tuum da nobis.
Emitte Agnum Domine dominatorem terræ* de petra deserti ad montem filiæ Sion.
Veni ad liberandum nos Domine Deus virtutum* ostende faciem tuam, et salvi erimus.
Veni Domine visitare nos in pace* ut lætemur coram te corde perfecto.
Ut cognoscamus Domine in terra viam tuam,* in omnibus gentibus salutare tuum.
Excita Domine potentiam tuam et veni* ut salvos facias nos.
Veni Domine et noli tardare* relaxa facinora plebis tuæ.
Utinam dirumperes cælos et descenderes* a facie tua montes defluerent.
Veni et ostende nobis faciem tuam Domine* qui sedes super Cherubim.
Gloria Patri et Filio* et Spiritui sancto.Sicut erat in principio et nunc et semper* et in sæcula sæculorum. Amen.


Celebrans dicit in tonu capituli: 

CELEBRANS
Præcursor pro nobis ingreditur Agnus sine macula, secundum ordinem Melchisedech, Pontifex factus in æternum, et in sæculum sæculi. Ipse est Rex justitiæ cuius generatio non habet finem.

CHORVS
Deo gratias.


HIMNVS

En clara vox redarguit
Obscura quæque personans:
Procul fugentur somnia,
Ab alto Jesus promicat.

En Agnus ad nos mittitur
Laxare gratis debitum:
Omnes simul cum lacrymis
Precemur indulgentiam.

Beatus Auctor sæculi
Servile corpus induit:
Ut carne carnem liberans,
Ne perderet quos condidit.

Castæ Parentis viscera
Cælestis intrat gratia:
Venter puellæ bajulat
Secreta quæ non noverat.

Domus pudici pectoris
Templum repente fit Dei,
Intacta nesciens virum
Concepit alvo Filium.

Deo Patri sit gloria,
Ejusque soli Filio,
Cum Spiritu Paraclito
In sæculorum sæcula. Amen.


Ad Magnificat cantatur antiphona cuiusque diei secundum ordinem qui sequitur: 

Dies 16.- Ecce veniet Rex, Dominus terræ, et ipse auferet jugum captivitatis nostræ.

Dies 17.- O Sapientia, quæ ex ore Altissimi prodiisti, attingens a fine usque ad finem fortiter, suaviterque disponens omnia: veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiæ.

Dies 18.- O Adonai et Dux domus Israël, qui Moysi in igne flammæ rubi apparuisti, et ei in Sina legem dedisti: veni ad redimendum nos in brachio extento.

Dies 19.- O radix Iesse, qui stas in signum populorum, super quem continebunt reges os suum, quem gentes deprecabuntur: veni ad liberandum nos, iam noli tardare.

Dies 20.- O clavis David, et sceptrum domus Israël; qui aperis et nemo claudit, claudis et nemo aperit: veni et educ vinctum de domo carceris, sedentem in tenebris et umbra mortis.

Dies 21.- O Oriens, splendor lucis æternæ, et sol iustitiæ: veni et illumina sedentes in tenebris et umbra mortis.

Dies 22.- O Rex gentium, et desideratus earum: lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum: veni, et salva hominem, quem de limo formasti.

Dies 23.- O Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster, exspectatio gentium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos, Domine Deus noster.

Dies 24.- Cum ortus fuerit sol de cælo, videbitis Regem regum procedentem a Patre, tamquam sponsum de thalamo suo.


Deinde Magníficat cantatur:

MAGNIFICAT 

Magnificat * anima mea Dominum,
et exsultavit spiritus meus * in Deo salutari meo.
Quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae, * ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes.
Quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est: * et sanctum nomen eius,
et misericordia ejus a progenie in progenies * timentibus eum.
Fecit potentiam in brachio suo, * dispersit superbos mente cordis sui,
deposuit potentes de sede, * et exaltavit humiles,
esurientes implevit bonis, * et divites dimisit inanes.
Suscepit Israel puerum suum, * recordatus misericordiae suae,
sicut locutus est ad patres nostros, * Abraham et semini eius in saecula.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, * et Spiritui Sancto.
Sicut erat in principio, et nun et semper, * et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

Iteratur Antiphona et celebrans dicit clara voce: 

V. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

Oremus. Festina, quaesumus, Domine, ne tardaveris et auxilium nobis supernae virtutis impende ut adventus tui consolationibus subleventur qui in tua pietate confidunt. Qui vivis et regnas cum Deo Patre in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. R. Amen.

THANKS, RODOLFO!

2018: 60th Anniversary of the Passing of Venerable Pius XII

 Eight years ago Benedict XVI signed the decree of heroic virtues of PIUS XII.  Let us pray for a miracle for his beatification. 

Thanks, Rodolfo!

Rome Quotes

"Dear Catholic Bishops: Please restore the Ember Days, as called for in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal: In the drawing up of the calendar of a nation, the Rogation and Ember Days should be indicated (cf. no. 373), as well as the forms and texts for their celebration,[155] and other special measures should also be taken into consideration."

-Chris Wells

Bishop Sheen Celebrates Mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

This is the altar under the care of the Latin Church on Mt. Calvary, watched over by the Franciscans of the Custos.  It is called the "Nails of the Cross Altar," where Jesus was nailed to the cross, located adjacent to the Greek-Orthodox chapel where Christ was raised on the cross.  I am privileged to say I have stood here, praying these same words, in the Usus Antiquior, on a FSSP pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  We offer one every November, after American Thanksgiving.  Stay tuned for 2018.    

America's Leading Catholic Newspaper Turns 150: Der Wanderer

Hearty congrats to the Matt family from the Sonnen family.  Our families were close friends at the Assumption going back to the 1860s.  My ancestors read Der Wanderer, as do I.  Please consider taking out a subscription to help keep the momentum of this unique voice in full throttle.  There has never been greater need for clarity in moral teaching and Catholic thought.     

Lovely Antique Cathoic Christmas Images

Baby Jesus Statue from Spain

These lovely statues are seen in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Mexico and other Catholic countries.  The next time you find yourself on pilgrimage, be sure to pick up one of these to display in your home year round, or simply during Christmastide.  These can also be sometimes purchased at your local Catholic book shop. 

Catholic Culture: Christmas Carols

Music plays an important part in the instruction of Catholic youth.  Fill your home with traditional Christian hymns of Christ and His birth in Bethlehem.   

Teaching Your Kids and Grandkids about Christmas

"Christmas is not all about a little fat man with a white beard," my brother told me during a conversation we had in the Holy Land.  Indeed, when instructing your kids, always carefully bring the story of Christmas back to Jesus. 

For Those on the Chartres Pilgrimage 2018: Optional Post-Chartres Tour Through France

John us for an unforgettable adventure through time!

http://oc-travel.com/france-may/

Bring Back the Sedia Gestatoria

Catholic Christmas Art

Newly Released Dominican Sisters Christmas CD

https://www.sistersofmary.org/product/jesu-joy-mans-desiring/

A great gift!

Catholic Culture: Jesse Tree

Keep Christ in Christmas Yard Sign

The war on Christmas intensifies every year.  Fight back.  While you still can.  Our cargo is precious; we must fight for it. 

The Priest is Both Priest AND Victim

FYI: Best Pilgrim Book on Rome's Churches

https://angeluspress.org/products/pilgrims-guide-romes-principal-churches

Catholic Watercolor Art

Catholic Art

The cloud of witnesses. 

Buy Nativity Stamps

We are so fortunate to have these each year!  Let us never take this for granted, as hostilities towards Christians mount with each passing year.

The Perfect Christmas Gift: Saints Calendar from TAN

An excellent resource for every Christian adult, clergy and lay alike:

https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/2018-saints-calendar-16-month-daily-planner-spiral-bound.html

Gaudete Rosaceus Cope from India

Christmas Magnet: Keep Christ in Christmas

http://kcchristianshop.com/products/

Catholic Culture: Condolence Card

Harvard professor Christopher Dawson is famous for his quote: "Europe remains the most highly developed form of society that the world has known."  That quote makes me think of this beautiful tradition: mourning cards seen in Catholic countries.  In the Vatican Secret Archives such letters are seen, sometimes with black completely surrounding the border of the letter.   

Camillo Cardinal Ruini Ordination in 1954

Aka the good old days.  Liturgy is the highest art known to man.  

Thanks, Summer!

What a Letter in Latin from the Pope Looks Like

Catholic Humor

In Roman dialect: "Francesco, ma dai!"

Advent Wreath

A fresh and home made Advent is always the best.  Just visit your neighborhood Michael's or craft store to get some ideas.  Take some pride and put some work into it.  Foster the traditions of the faith in your home. 

Christmas Village Decorations

This makes a great Christmas decoration for your kids to look forward to setting up every year and to light up every night.  When I was a kid we had one, from the 1940s.  Peering in the frosty windows as a child with the wonder and awe of Christmas always made my heart warm.

Beloved Christmas Prayer

Jesus is the Reason for the Season: Keeping Christ in Christmas

Christmas Day in the Roman Martyrology

Read this on Christmas Eve before Midnight Mass.  It can be your meditation during Holy Mass.

Preserving the Tradition of St. Nick in Your Catholic Home

It's not all about Santa.  St. Nicholas is a historical person that existed and set the standard for gift giving. 

Christmas Image to Color with Your Kids

Color and draw Christian Christmas images with your kids.  Do not permit the secular militants to totally overthrow the Christmas holidays and forbid it from our children.   

Teach Your Kids About St. Nicholas

Father Christmas is St. Nick. 

Christmas folk lore is wonderful and at the same time our Christian traditions ought to be maintained. 

Buy Playmobil Christmas Toys for Your Kids

Excellent teaching tools for your kids to play with each year when the Christmas decorations come out. 

Catholic Culture: Catholic Advent Calendar for Kids

These are almost impossible to find now.  Refuse to buy secular ones.  You can order nice and meaningful Christian ones online: http://www.vermontchristmasco.com/category/chocolate-advent-calendar

The Silly Progressivism Being Taught in Our Universities

Don't Forget Christmas Day is Also the Feast of St. Anastasia in the Latin Church

Gothic Light Show in Spain

Martin Hurkens - Ave Maria

History of Una Voce Book

"This book, written by former FIUV President Mr. Leo Darroch using inestimable sources as Michael Davies's papers and files, is a fundamental contribution to understand the relevance of the lay movement "Una Voce", founded 50 years ago for the defense and maintenance of Roman Traditional Liturgy. Under the successive guidance of Dr. Eric de Saventhem (†) and Prof. Michael Davies (†) in its first 36 years, the FŒDERATIO INTERNATIONALIS UNA VOCE (FIUV) developed a constant and strong activity that undoubtedly contributed in a certain measure to the liberalization of the Usus Antiquior of Roman Rite operated by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI through his Motu Proprio "Summorum Pontificum" given on 7th July 2007. The FIUV has continued its labour under the presidencies of Fra' Fredrik Crichton-Stuart, SMOM (†), Mr. Jack Oostveen, Mr. Ralph Siebenburger, Mr. Leo Darroch, Col. James Bogle and Eng. Felipe Alanís Suárez (the current President). Now the goal consists in helping from the lay side the right implementation of Summorum Pontificum according to the letter and the mind of the Pope Emeritus. The FIUV also could be a valuable support to young people, both clergy and laymen, for knowledge and love the venerable heritage of Catholic Faith as expressed in the Roman Liturgy of Ages. This History of Una Voce will remain an important source for scholars who want to study the role of lay associations in the second half of XXth Century and the beginning of the Third Millenium regarding the problems raised by a hermenutic of rupture of post-conciliar liturgical reform. History is the best judge of men and institutions."

-Francisco Morandé

Available HERE.

Thanks, Rodolfo!  

Cardinal Francis Arinze on the Extraordinary and Ordinary forms of the Mass

Thomas Fire: A Message from President McLean

Merry Christmas from Roman Catholic Mission in Vladivostok, Russia

err

Spiritual Highlights of France Tour 2018

FYI: Post-Chartres budget-friendly FSSP SPIRITUAL HIGHLIGHTS OF FRANCE TOUR 2018 -- $200 discount for those who register before JAN. 1ST!

http://oc-travel.com/france-may/

BC Sacred Music Symposium

This is the first of its kind conference on Sacred Music in Western Canada.

AND it is being hosted by Catholic musicians! 

Please support this effort with your presence and help spread the word.

Bishop Joseph Perry of Chicago will be gracing us with his presence for sung Pontifical Mass.

Sign up here for updates:

https://www.stsjoachimandann.org/symposium

Vestment Set for Children

I just made this with an old sewing machine I picked up at a thrift store.  I am always on the hunt for antique sewing machines - you can sometimes find them in used clothing stores.  The older machines are the better machines and last forever.  Every Catholic family ought to have a good sewing machine under its roof.  Sewing is an excellent hobby for both boys and girls.  My mother taught me to sew on a 1960s machine when I was just a boy.  It is a terrific skill to own.  The materials for the vestments I picked up in Fatima, Portugal.  The blue silk is permitted to the Latin Rite clergy of Spain and her colonies for special Marian feasts.  My next project is a tabernacle veil.   

Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

Vancouver, Canada. 

BEST Guadalupe Catholic Pilgrimage

Have you ever been to see Our Lady?

Join us this July in Mexico City for the best possible Guadalupe pilgrimage - best itinerary, dates, guide and chaplain.

July is the rainy season in Mexico City - if you want to avoid the crowds and heat, then this tour is for you.

http://oc-travel.com/mexico-july/