HOC EST ENIM CORPUS MEUM (FOR THIS IS MY BODY)

 

After pronouncing the words of Consecration, the priest never disjoins his fingers and thumbs, except when he is to take the Host, until after washing his fingers at the ablutions after Communion.

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Anima Christi Prayer by Saint Ignatius Of Loyola (1491 - 1556)

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.

Body of Christ, same me.

Blood of Christ, inebriate me.

Water from the side of Christ, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

O Good Jesus, hear me.

Within your wounds, hide me.

Permit me not to be separated from you.

From the wicked foe, defend me.

At the hour of my death, call me

And bid me come to you

that with your saints I may praise you

For ever and ever.

Amen.

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“The Fingers that Hold God”: The Priestly Benefits of ‘Liturgical Digits’ (Somehow Lost With Vatican II)

 

Over a period years attending the usus antiquior prior to Vatican II, I find myself noticing more and more the lost custom of the priest holding his thumb and forefinger together from the time of the consecration until the ablutions, a practice once called ‘canonical digits’ or ‘liturgical digits.’  You seldom see this any more in the New, Modern Catholic churches. Why is that? We all need to make the time to ask our local priests that question.

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The Original Portiuncula in Assisi, Italy

 

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Saint Charbel Miracle

 

An Italian woman from Australia heard of Saint Charbel Makhlouf in Lebanon and decided she wanted to go with her Lebanese friend and son to visit his shrine, as she was suffering from cancer. She arrived in Lebanon and went to the church only to discover that everything was closed. As she and her son walked back to the car a priest was walking by. The woman asked if the church was open and he answered “How can I help you?” She explained that she had come from Australia, was suffering from terminal cancer and just wanted to receive a blessing from the priest. The priest said to her that he would give her a blessing now. She asked her son to take a picture when the priest blessed her. She thanked the priest, got back in the car and left. As they were driving back to the hotel, she, with her Lebanese friend, went through the photos on her phone, and suddenly realised that the priest in the picture was actually St Charbel himself! She got back to Australia, went to the hospital and tests confirmed that she no longer had cancer. The miracle has been documented.

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The Synod Of Synodality: The Vatican Embraces Liberation Theology

 

By Chris Dickson, F.L.A.

I am appalled by the naivete of our Church being duped into anti-Christian communism. Liberation theology is a threat to free society by its undermining of the Church and its Magisterium through attempting to redefine moral issues (changing the Gospel to support theology opposed to shaping theology as a result of the Gospel.)

Ignorance is not bliss and unless we familiarize ourselves with the dangers, then future generations will demand answers as to why we threw away our freedom in lieu of communism.

To quote Gustavo Gutierrez (the "father" of liberation theology,) "There is no evil in being subversive, struggling against the capitalist system...Liberation leads to reinterpreting the Gospel...As I have witnessed the power of Marxism to provide motivation for a life of service where none existed before, I have come to a new appreciation of this part of my own history. I cannot settle for any story of America that fails to give a central place to this vision."

Again, Roger Garaudy (one of France's foremost Marxist intellectuals) wrote, "Socialism is a traditional stage in the passage from capitalism to communism." Also, "When the established order involves such injustice that millions of men are exploited, oppressed, mutilated, and humiliated by this order, a revolution, even armed revolution, can be less costly and in the long run less 'violent' than this established disorder, which has become pure violence. Of this, incidentally, many Christians are today becoming conscious, including, for example, even priests and bishops in Latin America."

Charles E. Curran, no longer permitted by the Church to teach moral theology at Catholic universities, has stated,"Questions arise in the light of both the importance and the limitations of Scriptures. In the light of the most striking development has been the emergence of dissent within the Roman Catholic theological community from the teachings of the hierarchical magisterium on specific moral issues."

One cannot help but feel an air of approval when local archdiocesan newspapers print articles written by these people. Already we have seen a swing by our priests and educators away from the Church's doctrine of "norma normans non normata"(the Scriptures being the norm above all other norms by which all norms are taken) and are thus shown to question the Scripture's relevance in our daily lives.

Perhaps we need to seek the definition of a couple terms which seem to have taken on good and bad connotations in complete reversal of their intended meanings:

First of all, the term orthodoxy means "right praise," or consistency with the faith of the Church as embodied in Sacred Scripture, the Fathers, official teachings and the liturgy.

Liberation theology, on the other hand, is defined as a new type of theology which emphasizes the motif of liberation in both Old and New Testaments and which reinterprets all doctrines in terms of that motif. Forms of liberation theology include Latin American, black and feminist.

Jesus "liberated" all of us from the bonds of oppression. Rather than reinterpreting the Gospel, perhaps we would be better served to "live it." This idea may not be popular with some in the Church today, but by returning to the basics of our faith, we will be truly liberated through the instruction of Sacred Scriptures if only we would accept Jesus as the catalyst of our lives.

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Suffer To Be Ruled

 

"The horse is a noble and useful creature; for in his swiftest course he suffers himself to be ruled, and turned hither and thither, backwards and forwards, according to the will of the rider; so likewise should it be with the servant of God, who should suffer himself to be ruled, guided, turned and bent, according to the will of his superior; nay, of all others, for the love of Christ.

Little Flowers of St. Francis
PART FOUR
Chapter V
Of Holy Patience

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Mocking The Poor

Once blessed Francis had gone to the hermitage of the brothers near Roccabrizia to preach to the people of that region. Now, on the day of the sermon, a poor, miserable and sick man came in search of him. Blessed Francis was moved by his distress and spoke to his companion of his poverty and sickness. His companion answered him: "Brother, it is true, he is very poor, but perhaps there in no other man richer in desire in all providence than he." The saint chided him for having spoken so uncharitably, and the brother admitted his sin. Blessed Francis then said to him: "Are you willing to perform a penance I shall give you?" "Gladly," he said. "Well, take off your tunic and go throw yourself half clothed at the feet of the poor man; tell him how you have sinned against him, and ask him to pray that God may forgive you." The brother went and did what blessed Francis had prescribed...

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 89

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October 3rd: The Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi

 

Then he (St. Francis) asked the Brothers to read the passage of St. John's Gospel which begins: "Before the paschal feast began" (John 13:1); only a partition of flesh now separated him from his Beloved and he would listen to the beat of his voice in the Gospel phrases. All God's mysteries had been finally accomplished in him and he died quietly, praying and singing the psalm. His holy soul was freed from his body and absorbed in the abyss of eternal glory.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Minor Life
Chapter VII

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"Rebuild My Church"

 

When Saint Francis heard those words from the mouth of the Lord, speaking through the San Damiano crucifix in a small, dilapidated church, he took them to mean simply rebuilding that little church outside Assisi. It was in the Portiuncula that he founded the Friars Minor; there that he clothed Clare in the religious habit and began the Order of Poor Clares; and there that Francis yearly gathered the friars in chapter to discuss the rule and renew their dedication to the Gospel life. And it was at the Portiuncula where St. Francis died in 1226.

That first tiny Portiuncula, a holy place and the center of St. Francis’ activity, will be recreated here on The Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Jerusalem, Ohio as a grace-filled haven for quiet meditation and Eucharistic Adoration. Nestled in a grove of trees visitors will be invited to “come and spend an hour with the Lord” in prayer.

This small chapel will be completed in the Fall of 2024, like St. Francis’ 13th-century original, it will become a place of adoration, conversion, and prayer. The simple beauty of the small stone structure will reverberate with the power of the Lord’s presence. The stillness, imbued with the peace of the Lord’s tender concern, will draw visitors in and focuses attention on the Eucharistic Lord.

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Dangerous Ohio Constitutional Amendment

 

Beginning Friday, September 15th, Catholics across the state of Ohio will be joining in prayer for the protection of human life and dignity and the defeat of the dangerous constitutional amendment on the Ohio ballot this November. A 54-Day Rosary Novena will be prayed from September 15th through Election Day, November 7th. Visit www.pray54ohio.org for more information.

Fra Chris

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The Tertiary Monthly Pledge

 

 

All:  Realizing the importance of saving my immortal soul * and the great value of the Third Order Rule * to achieve this all important goal in life * I hereby resolve to observe this sanctifying Rule * not only in part * but as fully as human frailty will allow.

With God's grade, * I will assist at Holy Mass on weekdays, whenever possible * recite my Seraphic Office faithfully * never omit grace before and after meals * and examine my conscience each night.

I will receive the Sacraments at least once a month * attend the fraternity meetings regularly * and contribute according to my means for the charities of the Order.

I will always carefully observe the Commandments of God and the Church * wear my Scapular and Cord * avoid extravagance in dress and manner of living * avoid dangerous amusements * be temperate in food and drink * set a good example to my family and fellow-man * avoid dangerous reading * be at peace with all * avoid vulgar and improper speech * and practice charity towards all * with special solicitude toward sick and deceased members.

May Saint Francis * so wonderful in penance and love of Jesus Crucified * grant me the necessary spirit of prayer * penance * love and sacrifice * so that I may faithfully observe his rule until death. Amen.

Ritual for Public Functions
FRANCISCAN THIRD ORDER
by
Mark Hegener, O.F.M.
Franciscan Herald Press, 1955

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Mega Churches Provoke Criticism And Set A Bad Example

 

The Portiuncula Chapel at the 

Little Portion Friary Berryville, AR

Photo courtesy of John Michael Talbot

St. Francis taught that churches are to be small; we are not to build great churches in order to preach to the people, or for any other reason, for they show greater humility and a better example when they visit other churches to preach. Religious or secular, visit their houses, their humble little dwellings, cells, and tiny churches will speak for themselves, and these things will edify them more than any words.

Francis also said, 'Friars often raise large buildings, and violate our holy poverty, and by doing so provoke criticism and set a bad example. And sometimes, in order to obtain a better or holier place, or larger congregation, they abandon their own house out of covetousness and greed; or they will pull them down and build others that are large and pretentious. Consequently, those who have contributed to their cost, and others who see it, are greatly offended and distressed.'

Saint Francis of Assisi

Mirror of Perfection - 10

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No Long Winded Sermons

 

St. Francis was convinced that leading sinners to conversion was more acceptable to the merciful Father than any sacrifice, particularly if it was done in a spirit of perfect charity, more by example than by preaching, more by fervent prayer than by long-winded sermons.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Bonaventure, Major Life

Chapter VIII

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"Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth: For Thy love is better than wine."

 

"Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth: For Thy love is better than wine."

Song of Solomon 1:2

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Epiphanytide

 

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Either on Twelfth Night (5 January), the twelfth day of Christmastide and eve of the feast of Ephiphany, or Epiphany Day (6 January) itself, many Christians, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians and Roman Catholics, among others, write on their doors with chalk in a pattern such as 20 + C + M + B + 23 with the numbers referring "to the calendar year (20 and 23, for instance, for this year, 2023); the crosses stand for Christ; and the letters have a two-fold significance: C, M, and B are the initials for the traditional names of the Magi (Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar), but they are also an abbreviation of the Latin blessing Christus mansionem benedicat, which means, May Christ bless this house. Another form for Three Kings Day is to mark the door with IIIK (the Roman numeral three followed by "K" for "Kings.") Chalking the door is done most commonly on Epiphany Day itself, although it can be done on any day of the Epiphany season. In some localities the chalk used to write the Epiphanytide pattern is blessed by a Christian priest or minister on Epiphany Day itself, then taken home to write the pattern.

The Christian custom of chalking the door has a biblical precedent as the Israelites in the Old Testament marked their doors in order to be saved from death; likewise, the Epiphanytide practice serves to protect Christian homes from evil spirits until the next Epiphany Day, at which time the custom is repeated. Families also perform this act to represent the hospitality of the Holy Family to the Magi (and all Gentiles); it thus serves as a house blessing to invite the presence of God into one's home. 

From the Catholic Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments:

The blessing of homes, on whose lintels are inscribed the Cross of salvation, together with the indication of the year and the initials of the three wise men (C+M+B), which can also be interpreted to mean Christus mansionem benedicat, written in blessed chalk; this custom, often accompanied by processions of children accompanied by their parents, expresses the blessing of Christ through the intercession of the three wise men and is an occasion for gathering offerings for charitable and missionary purposes.

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The Coal Carried By The Seraph Cleansed The Lips Of Isaiah

 

"In the ancient Syriac Church, the rite of Communion distribution was compared to the scene of the purification of the Prophet Isaiah by the seraph In one of his sermons, St. Ephrem puts these words on Christ's lips.

"The coal carried [by the seraph] cleansed the lips of Isaiah. It is I Who, carried now to you by means of bread, have sanctified you. The tongs which the Prophet saw and which the coal was taken from the altar, were the figure of Me in the great Sacrament. Isaiah saw Me, as you see Me now extending My right hand and carrying to your mouths the living Bread. The tongs are My right hand. I take the place of the seraph. The coal is My Body. All of you are Isaiah."

DOMINUS EST - It is the Lord!

by

The Most Reverend

ATHANASIUS SCHNEIDER

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First Saturday Exposition, Latin Rosary and Latin Mass Continues Into 2023

 

On Saturday, January 7th, the First Saturday of January we will continue with our First Saturday devotions. There will be a rosary prayed in Latin at 7:30 a.m. followed by a period of meditation at 8:00 a.m. and then finally Mass at 8:30 a.m. and potluck afterwards in the basement of St. Sylvester’s Church. All are welcome to attend. Our Lady promises us that if we observe the Five First Saturdays as she has requested we will receive the grace to die in sanctifying grace. Confessions will be heard starting at 7:30 a.m. I hope everyone will have a good week as we begin 2023!! 

Yours Sincerely, 

Father Timothy Davison

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Special Epiphany Blessing Of Water

 

On Thursday, January 5th I will bless water with a special Epiphany Blessing at 4:00 p.m. The ceremony of blessing takes about 45 minutes and will be done at St. Sylvester’s Church. It will be done in Latin. If anyone is interested in having water blessed that day please bring a container of water to set on the table in front of the first pew. Salt may also be brought to be blessed. The salt can be used then for cooking or for sprinkling around the house. Both blessings include exorcisms. The Feast of the Epiphany is celebrated in the traditional calendar on January 6th but in the new calendar it is moved to Sunday, January 8th.

Yours Sincerely, 

Father Timothy Davison

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Lay Eucharistic Ministers Are Forbidden Within The Catholic Mass

 

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