† Traditional True Mass Propers: Dominica Quarta in Quadragesima ~ Fourth Sunday In Lent †

Robert Drobot | Anno Dómini 18 March 2012 | Most Holy Trinity

[Robert Drobot]

Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus Traditional True Holy Mass Propers † Dominica Quarta in Quadragesima ~ Fourth Sunday in Lent ( Laetare Sunday ) † Anno Dómini 18 March 2012 † Statio ad S. Crucem in Jerusalem ~ Station at the Church of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem † Commemorating † The Feast of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, BpCD, Doctor of The Church † Color: Violaceus aut rosaceus ~ Violet or Rose Vestments I Classis ~ First Class Observance Laetare, Jerúsalem: et convéntum fácite, omnes qui dilígitis eam.... ( Rejoice, O Jerusalem, and come together all you that love her.... ) "....quia ventúri essent ut ráperent eum, et fácerent eum regem, fugit íterum in montem ipse solus...." ( "....when He knew that they would come to take Him by force and make Him king, [He] fled again into the mountain Himself alone....." ) "All whatsoever you do in word or work, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Jesus Christ our Lord"--- Blessed Apostle Saint Paul "Let it not be as a murderer or a thief, a malefactor or a coveter of other men's goods that any of you suffer; but if it is for the name of Christian, let him be not ashamed, but glorify God in that name." --- Blessed Apostle Saint Peter ( First Epistle 4:15-16 ) The Miracle of Transubstantiation, in the presence of, and for, the many, everywhere in the world, wherever Holy Mass is celebrated. Praise be the grace and glory of the Most Holy Trinity, through our Holy Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ~~ Philippians 2:5-11 ".... be filled with the knowledge of the will of God...." "The Holy Mass is a prayer itself, even the highest prayer that exists. It is the Sacrifice dedicated by our Redeemer at the Cross, and repeated every day on the Altar. If you wish to hear the Mass as it should be heard, you must follow with eye, heart, and mouth all that happens at the Altar. "Further, you must pray with the priest the holy words said by him in the Name of Christ, and which Christ says by him. You have to associate your heart with the holy feelings which are contained in these words and in this manner you ought to follow all that happens on the Altar. When acting in this way, you have prayed Holy Mass." ~~ Pope Saint Pius X

[Robert Drobot]

Symbolum Apostolorum ~ THE APOSTLES' CREED

While the present form of the Apostles' Creed first appeared in the 6th century in the writings of Caesarius of Arles ( A.D. 542 ), it can be traced in one form or another back to Apostolic times. Rufinus' Commentary on the Apostle's Creed ( A.D. 407 ) contains the prayer in a form very close to what we have today. The Creed can also be found in a letter to Pope Julius I ( A.D. 340 ) and even earlier in a circa 200 document containing the Roman baptismal liturgy. It appears that originally this Creed was a baptismal creed summarizing the teachings of the Apostles and was given to the catechumens when they were baptized. Instead of the continuous prayer as we have it today, each line was rather in the form of a question to which the catechumen gave assent indicating he both understood and believed. Eventually this question and answer style was modified into the prayer form as we have it today. A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who recite the Symbolum Apostolorum.

CREDO in Deum Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae. Et in Iesum Christum, Filium eius unicum, Dominum nostrum, qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine, passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus, descendit ad inferos, tertia die resurrexit a mortuis, ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis, inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos. Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem, vitam aeternam. Amen.

:  I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary: Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell: The third day he rose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty: From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead: I believe in the Holy Ghost: I believe in the holy catholic church: the communion of saints: The forgiveness of sins: The resurrection of the body: And the life everlasting. Amen.

[Robert Drobot]

THE ATHANASIAN CREED

The Athanasian Creed, attributed to Saint Athanasius, also know as the Quicumque vult, was formerly recited at the office of Prime on Sundays and Trinity Sunday is the time when we renew our commitment to our Faith and the dogma Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus - "Outside the Church There is No Salvation." The Athanasian Creed is one of the four authoritative Creeds of Holy Mother Church ( The Apostle's Creed; Nicene Creed; and The Tridentine Creed, and it is not something that is an opinion but what every Roman Catholic must believe.

Quicumque vult salvus esse, ante omnia opus est, ut teneat catholicam fidem: Quam nisi quisque integram inviolatamque servaverit, absque dubio in aeternam peribit. Fides autem catholica haec est: ut unum Deum in Trinitate, et Trinitatem in unitate veneremur. Neque confundentes personas, neque substantiam seperantes. Alia est enim persona Patris alia Filii, alia Spiritus Sancti: Sed Patris, et Fili, et Spiritus Sancti una est divinitas, aequalis gloria, coeterna maiestas. Qualis Pater, talis Filius, talis Spiritus Sanctus. Increatus Pater, increatus Filius, increatus Spiritus Sanctus. Immensus Pater, immensus Filius, immensus Spiritus Sanctus. Aeternus Pater, aeternus Filius, aeternus Spiritus Sanctus. Et tamen non tres aeterni, sed unus aeternus. Sicut non tres increati, nec tres immensi, sed unus increatus, et unus immensus. Similiter omnipotens Pater, omnipotens Filius, omnipotens Spiritus Sanctus. Et tamen non tres omnipotentes, sed unus omnipotens. Ita Deus Pater, Deus Filius, Deus Spiritus Sanctus. Ita Dominus Pater, Dominus Filius, Dominus Spiritus Sanctus. Et tamen non tres Domini, sed unus est Dominus. Quia, sicut singillatim unamquamque personam Deum ac Dominum confiteri christiana veritate compelimur: ita tres Deos aut Dominos dicere catholica religione prohibemur. Pater a nullo est factus: nec creatus, nec genitus. Filius a Patre solo est: non factus, nec creatus, sed genitus. Spiritus Sanctus a Patre et Filio: non factus, nec creatus, nec genitus, sed procedens. Unus ergo Pater, non tres Patres: unus Filius, non tres Filii: unus Spiritus Sanctus, non tres Spiritus Sancti. Et in hac Trinitate nihil prius aut posterius, nihil maius aut minus: sed totae tres personae coaeternae sibi sunt et coaequales. Ita ut per omnia, sicut iam supra dictum est, et unitas in Trinitate, et Trinitas in unitate veneranda sit. Qui vult ergo salvus esse, ita de Trinitate sentiat. Sed necessarium est ad aeternam salutem, ut incarnationem quoque Domini nostri Iesu Christi fideliter credat. Est ergo fides recta ut credamus et confiteamur, quia Dominus noster Iesus Christus, Dei Filius, Deus et homo eSaint Deus est ex substantia Patris ante saecula genitus: et homo est ex substantia matris in saeculo natus. Perfectus Deus, perfectus homo: ex anima rationali et humana carne subsistens. Aequalis Patri secundum divinitatem: minor Patre secundum humanitatem. Qui licet Deus sit et homo, non duo tamen, sed unus est Christus. Unus autem non conversione divinitatis in carnem, sed assumptione humanitatis in Deum. Unus omnino, non confusione substantiae, sed unitate personae. Nam sicut anima rationalis et caro unus est homo: ita Deus et homo unus est Christus. Qui passus est pro salute nostra: descendit ad inferos: tertia die resurrexit a mortuis. Ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis: inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos. Ad cuius adventum omnes homines resurgere habent cum corporibus suis: et reddituri sunt de factis propriis rationem. Et qui bona egerunt, ibunt in vitam aeternam: qui vero mala, in ignem aeternum. Haec est fides catholica, quam nisi quisque fideliter firmiterque crediderit, salvus esse non poterit. Amen.

:  Whosoever wishes to be saved must, above all, keep the Catholic Faith. For unless a person keeps this Faith whole and entire, he will undoubtedly be lost forever. This is what the Catholic Faith teaches: we worship one God in the Trinity and the Trinity in unity. Neither confounding the Persons, nor dividing the substance. For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son, another of the Holy Spirit. But the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit have one divinity, equal glory, and coeternal majesty. What the Father is, the Son is, and the Holy Spirit is. The Father is uncreated, the Son is uncreated, and the Holy Spirit is uncreated. The Father is boundless, the Son is boundless, and the Holy Spirit is boundless. The Father is eternal, the Son is eternal, and the Holy Spirit is eternal. Nevertheless, there are not three eternal beings, but one eternal being. So there are not three uncreated beings, nor three boundless beings, but one uncreated being and one boundless being. Likewise, the Father is omnipotent, the Son is omnipotent, the Holy Spirit is omnipotent. Yet there are not three omnipotent beings, but one omnipotent being. Thus the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. However, there are not three gods, but one God. The Father is Lord, the Son is Lord, and the Holy Spirit is Lord. However, there as not three lords, but one Lord. For as we are obliged by Christian truth to acknowledge every Person singly to be God and Lord, so too are we forbidden by the Catholic religion to say that there are three Gods or Lords. The Father was not made, nor created, nor generated by anyone. The Son is not made, nor created, but begotten by the Father alone. The Holy Spirit is not made, nor created, nor generated, but proceeds from the Father and the Son. There is, then, one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three sons; one Holy Spirit, not three holy spirits. In this Trinity, there is nothing before or after, nothing greater or less. The entire three Persons are co-eternal and co-equal with one another. So that in all things, as is has been said above, the Unity is to be worshipped in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity. He, therefore, who wishes to be saved, must believe thus about the Trinity. It is also necessary for eternal salvation that he believes steadfastly in the incarnation of our Lord Jesus ChriSaint Thus the right faith is that we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is both God and man. As God, He was begotten of the substance of the Father before time; as man, He was born in time of the substance of His Mother. He is perfect God; and He is perfect man, with a rational soul and human flesh. He is equal to the Father in His divinity, but inferior to the Father in His humanity. Although He is God and man, He is not two, but one ChriSaint And He is one, not because His divinity was changed into flesh, but because His humanity was assumed unto God. He is one, not by a mingling of substances, but by unity of person. As a rational soul and flesh are one man: so God and man are one ChriSaint He died for our salvation, descended into hell, and rose from the dead on the third day. He ascended into Heaven, sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. At His coming, all men are to arise with their own bodies; and they are to give an account of their own deeds. Those who have done good deeds will go into eternal life; those who have done evil will go into the everlasting fire. This is the Catholic Faith. Everyone must believe it, firmly and steadfastly; otherwise he cannot be saved. Amen.

[Robert Drobot]

THE NICENE CREED

Symbolum Nicaenum, or Nicene Creed, has a complex history. It was first promulgated at the Council of Nicea ( A.D. 325 ), though in an abbreviated form from what we have below. Saint Athanasius attributes its composition to the Papal Legate to the Council, Hossius of Cordova. The Creed is also sometimes called the Nicene-Constantinoplan Creed since it appears in the Acts of the Council of Constantinople ( A.D. 381 ), but it is clear that this Council is not the source of that composition for it appears in complete form in the Ancoratus of Epiphanius of Salamis some seven years earlier in A.D. 374. In any case, it was this text that appears in the Acts of the Council of Constantinople that was formally promulgated at Chalcedon in 451 and has come down to us as our present Nicene Creed. It was at the councils of Nicea and Constantinople that the true nature of Jesus was defended against two heresies that had sprung up. The Arians denied Christ's divinity and the Monophysites denied Christ's humanity. The councils, drawing upon the traditions handed down to them from the Apostles, condemned both heresies and declared that Jesus was indeed both true God and true man.

Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, factorem caeli et terrae, visibilium omnium et invisibilium. Et in unum Dominum Iesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum, et ex Patre natum ante omnia saecula. Deum de Deo, Lumen de Luminem, Deum verum de Deo vero, genitum non factum, consubstantialem Patri; per quem omnia facta sunt. Qui propter nos homines et propter nostram salutem descendit de caelis. Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria Virgine, et homo factus eSaint Crucifixus etiam pro nobis sub Pontio Pilato, passus et sepultus est, et resurrexit tertia die, secundum Scripturas, et ascendit in caelum, sedet ad dexteram Patris. Et iterum venturus est cum gloria, iudicare vivos et mortuos, cuius regni non erit finis. Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et vivificantem, qui ex Patre Filioque procedit. Qui cum Patre et Filio simul adoratur et conglorificatur: qui locutus est per prophetas. Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam. Confiteor unum baptisma in remissionem peccatorum. Et expecto resurrectionem mortuorum, et vitam venturi saeculi. Amen.

:  I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, only-begotten and of the Father born before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through Whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven. And was incarnate by the Holy Spirit from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; suffered, and was buried, and rose the third day according to the Scriptures; sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and of His kingdom there shall be no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and life-giver, Who from the Father and the Son proceeds. Who, with the Father and the Son, is simultaneously adored and equally glorified: Who has spoken through the prophets. And one holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

[Robert Drobot]

Professio fidei Tridentinae
The Tridentine Creed

Pope Pius IV promulgated this creed in his Bull, Injunctium Nobis, in A.D. 1565, about year after the close of the Council of Trent. It begins by repeating the Nicene Creed, and then goes on to re-affirm dogmas of the Church that were then being attacked by Protestants. For a long time thereafter it was used in reconciling Protestants who wished to return to the Church. Although seldom used any more, it has never been abrogated and remains one of the four Creeds of the Holy Mother Church.

Ego N. firma fide credo et profiteor omnia et singula, quae continentur in Symbolo, quo Sancta Romana ecclesia utitur, videlicet: Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, factorem caeli et terrae, visibilium omnium et invisibilium. Et in unum Dominum Iesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum, et ex Patre natum ante omnia saecula. Deum de Deo, Lumen de Lumine, Deum verum de Deo vero, genitum non factum, consubstantialem Patri; per quem omnia facta sunt. Qui propter nos homines et propter nostram salutem descendit de caelis. Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria Virgine, et homo factus eSaint Crucifixus etiam pro nobis sub Pontio Pilato, passus et sepultus est, et resurrexit tertia die, secundum Scripturas, et ascendit in caelum, sedet ad dexteram Patris. Et iterum venturus est cum gloria, iudicare vivos et mortuos, cuius regni non erit finis. Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et vivificantem, qui ex Patre Filioque procedit. Qui cum Patre et Filio simul adoratur et conglorificatur: qui locutus est per prophetas. Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam. Confiteor unum baptisma in remissionem peccatorum. Et expecto resurrectionem mortuorum, et vitam venturi saeculi. Amen. Apostolicas et ecclesiasticas traditiones reliquasque eiusdem ecclesiae observationes et consitutiones firmissime admitto et amplector. Item sacram Scripturam iuxta sensum eum, quem tenuit et tenet sancta mater Ecclesia, cuius et iudicare de vero sensu et interpretatione sacrarum Scripturarum, admitto, nec eam umquam nisi iuxta unanimem consensum Patrum accipiam et interpretabor. Profiteor quoque septem esse vere et proprie Sacramenta novae legis, a Iesu Christo Domino nostro instituta, atque ad salutem humani generis, licet non omnia singulis, necessaria: scilicet Baptismum, Confirmationem, Eucharistiam, Poenitentiam, Extremam Unctionem, Ordinem et Matrimonium, illaque gratiam conferre, et ex his Baptismum, Confirmationem et Ordinem sine sacrilegio reiterari non posse. Receptos quoque et approbatos ecclesiae catholicae ritus in supradictorum omnium Sacramentorum solemni administratione recipio et admitto. Omnia et singula, quae de peccato originali et de iustificatione in sacrosancta Tridentina Synodo definita et declarata fuerunt, amplector et recipio. Profiteor pariter, in Missa oferri Deo verum, proprium et propitiatorium sacrificium pro vivis et defunctis, atque in sanctissimo Eucharistiae Sacramento esse vere, realiter et substantialiter Corpus et Sanguinem, una cum anima et divinitate Domini nostri Iesu Christi, fierique conversionem totius substantiae panis in Corpus at totius substantiae vini in Sanguinem, quam conversionem Ecclesia catholica transsubstantiationem appellat. Fateor etiam sub altera tantum specie totum atque integrum Christum verumque Sacramentum sumi. Constanter teneo, purgatorium esse, animasque ibi detentas fidelium suffragiis iuvari. Similiter et Sanctos, una cum Christo regnantes, venerandos atque invocandos esse, eosque orationes Deo pro nobis offerre, atque eorum reliquias esse venerandas. Firmissime assero, imagines Christi ac Deiparae semper Virginis, necnon aliorum Sanctorum habendas et retiendas esse, atque eis debitum honorem et venerationem impertiendum. Indulgentiarum etiam potestatem a Christo in Ecclesia relictam fuisse, illarumque usu christiano populo maxime salutarem esse affirmo. Sanctam catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam romanam omnium ecclesiarum matrem et magistram agnosco, Romanoque Pontifici, beati Petri, Apostolorum principis, successori, ac Iesu Christi Vicario, veram obedientiam spondeo ac iuro. Cetera item omnia a sacris canonibus et oecumenicis Conciliis, ac praecipue a sacrosancta Tridentina Synodo, et ab oecumenico Concilio Vaticano tradita, definita et declarata, praesertim de Romani Pontificis primatu et infallibili magesterio indubitanter recipio ac profiteor; simulaque contraria omnia, atque haereses quascumque ab Ecclesia damnatas et reiectas et anathematizatas ego pariter damno, reicio, et anathematizo. Hanc veram catholicam fidem, extra quam nemo salvus esse potest, quam in praesenti sponte profiteor et veraciter teneo, eamdem integram, et inviolatam usque ad extremum vitae spiritum, constantissime, Deo adiuvante, retinere et confiteri, atque a meis subditis, vel illis, quorum cura ad me in munere meo spectabit, teneri, doceri et praedicari, quantum in me erit, curaturum, ego idem N. spondeo, voveo ac iuro. Sic me Deus adiuvet et haec sancta Dei Evangelia.

:  I, ( name ), with firm faith believe and profess all and everything which is contained in the creed of Faith, which the holy Roman Church uses, namely: "I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God; born of the Father before all ages; God of God, light of light, true God of true God; begotten, not made; being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven. And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary; and was made man. He was crucified also for us, suffered under Pontius Pilate, and was buried. And on the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven. He sits at the right hand of the Father. And He shall come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead; of whose kingdom there shall be no end. And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, Who proceeds from the Father and the Son; Who together with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified; Who spoke by the Prophets. And in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the resurrection of the dead. And the life of the world to come. Amen. "The Apostolic and Ecclesiastical traditions and all other observances and constitutions of that same Church I most firmly admit and embrace. "I likewise accept Holy Scripture according to that sense which our holy Mother Church has held and does hold, whose (office) it is to judge the true meaning and interpretation of Sacred Scriptures; I shall never accept nor interpret it otherwise than in accordance with the unanimous consent of the Fathers. "I also profess that there are truly and properly seven Sacraments of the New Law instituted by Jesus Christ our Lord, and necessary for the salvation of mankind, although not all are necessary for each individual; these sacraments are Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance, Extreme Unction, Order, and Matrimony; and (I profess) that they confer grace, and that of these Baptism, Confirmation, and Order cannot be repeated without sacrilege. I also receive and admit the accepted and approved rites of the Catholic Church in the solemn administration of all the aforesaid Sacraments. "I embrace and accept each and everything that has been defined and declared by the Holy Synod of Trent concerning original sin and justification. "I also profess that in the Mass there is offered to God a true, proper sacrifice of propitiation for the living and the dead, and that in the most holy Sacrament of the Eucharist there is truly, really, and substantially present the Body and Blood together with the soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that there takes place a conversion of the whole substance of bread into the body, and of the whole substance of the wine into the blood; and this conversion the Catholic Church calls Transubstantiation. "I also acknowledge that under one species alone the whole and entire Christ and the true Sacrament are taken. "I steadfastly hold that Purgatory exists, and that the souls there detained are aided by the prayers of the faithful; likewise that the Saints reigning together with Christ should be venerated and invoked, and that they offer prayers to God for us, and that their relics should be venerated. "I firmly assert that the images of Christ and of the Mother of God ever Virgin, and also of the other Saints should be kept and retained, and that due honor and veneration should be paid to them; I also affirm that the power of indulgences has been left in the Church by Christ, and that the use of them is especially salutary for Christian people. "I acknowledge the holy Catholic and apostolic Roman Church as the mother and teacher of all Churches; and to the Roman Pontiff, the successor of blessed Peter, Prince of Apostles and Vicar of Jesus Christ, I promise and swear true obedience. "Also all other things taught, defined, and declared by the sacred Canons and Ecumenical Councils, and especially by the sacred and holy Synod of Trent (and by the Ecumenical Council of the Vatican, particularly concerning the Primacy of the Roman Pontiff and his infallible teaching,*) I without hesitation accept and profess; and at the same time all things contrary thereto, and whatever heresies have been condemned, and rejected, and anathematized by the Church, I likewise condemn, reject, and anathematize. "This true Catholic faith, outside of which no one can be saved, (and) which of my own accord I now profess and truly hold, I (name) do promise, vow, and swear that I will, with the help of God, most faithfully retain and profess the same to the last breath of my life as pure and inviolable, and that I will take care as far as lies in my power that it be held, taught, and preached by my subjects or by those over whom by virtue of my office I have charge, so help me God, and these holy Gospels of God."

[Robert Drobot]

[Robert Drobot]

The Solution "....a countless legion of the most saintly men of every age and of every condition have not only held the Rosary most dear, and have most piously recited it; but have also used it at all times as a most powerful weapon to overcome the devil; to preserve the purity of their lives; and acquire virtue more zealously...." ~ ~ Pope Pius XI, Encyclical Letter, Ingravescentibus Malis, On the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

[Robert Drobot]

The Most Holy Rosary Of The Blessed Virgin Mary "I am the Lady of the Rosary" ~~ Speaking to the three children of Fatima. 'Wonder not that you have obtained so little fruit by your labors, you have spent them on barren soil, not yet watered with the dew of Divine Grace. When GOD willed to renew the face of the earth, He began by sending down on it the fertilizing rain of the Angelic Salutation. Therefore preach my Psalter composed of 150 Angelic Salutations and 15 Our Fathers, and you will obtain an abundant harvest'. 'The rosary shall be a powerful armor against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies. It will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will withdraw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities, and lift them to the desire of eternal things.' ~~ Words of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Saint Dominic Prayer To The Lady Of The Rosary Beloved Lady of the Rosary, I thank you for your great gift of your psalter. As the beads slip through my fingers, may my heart and my lips sing your praise, and my brain contemplate those sacred mysteries of my Holy Faith. May my meditations on your beloved Rosary draw me ever closer, trustingly, to you, and through you to your divine son, my Lord and my God. The Mysteries of Rosary of The Blessed Virgin Mary Joyful Mysteries Often said on Monday and Saturday, the Joyful Mysteries include: The Annunciation, The Visitation, The Birth of Our Lord, The Presentation of Our Lord, and The Finding of Our Lord in the Temple. Glorious Mysteries Often said on Wednesday and Sunday the Glorious Mysteries include: The Resurrection, The Ascension, The Coming of the Holy Spirit, The Assumption of our Blessed Mother into Heaven, and The Coronation of our Blessed Mother. Mysteries of Light Often said on Thursday, the Mysteries of Light as inspired by and proposed in 1957 by Saint George Preca: 1. When Our Lord Jesus Christ, after his baptism in the Jordan, was led into the desert. 2. When Our Lord Jesus Christ showed, by word and miracles, that He is true God. 3. When Our Lord Jesus Christ taught the Beatitudes on the mountain. 4. When Our Lord Jesus Christ was transfigured on the mountain. 5. When Our Lord Jesus Christ had his last Meal with the Apostles. Sorrowful Mysteries Often said on Tuesday and Friday the Sorrowful Mysteries include: The Agony in the Garden, The Scourging at the Pillar, The Crowning with Thorns, The Carrying of the Cross, and The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord. History Of The Rosary Tradition holds that Our Lady gave the Rosary to Saint Dominic Guzman in 1206 as a form of gospel-preaching and popular prayer. For more than seven centuries, the Rosary devotion has been one of the most popular devotional practices in the church. Its combination of vocal and mental prayer have made it a prime tool for contemplation. Jesus is the author and source of grade; Our Lady's Rosary is the key to open the treasury of grace to us. Although prayer beads had been popular before Dominic's time, he and his friars quickly adopted the Rosary as an excellent way to teach the mysteries of Christianity to a largely illiterate European population. In 1470, Blessed Alan of Rupe founded the first Rosary Confraternity, and thereby launched the Dominican Order as the foremost missionaries of the Rosary. Through the efforts of Blessed Alan and the early Dominicans, this prayer form spread rapidly throughout Western Christendom. The meditations on the fifteen mysteries serve as reminders of incidents in the lives of Christ and Mary. These are divided into the joyful, sorrowful, and glorious mysteries. Thirteen of the mysteries come from incidents in the New Testament. One, the assumption of Mary into heave, comes from Sacred Tradition. The fifteens, the Crowning of Mary as Queen of Heaven is thought to be derived from images in the Book of Revelation. These meditations make the Rosary a reflection on the fundamental beliefs of our Faith. Through the years, Our Lady has re-affirmed her approval of this devotion, and her pleasure in the title "Queen of the Rosary." To Blessed Alan, she made fifteen promises to those who devoutly recite her beads. She told him, ".. immense volumes would have to be written if all the miracles of my Holy Rosary were to be recorded." Our Lady's promises are: Those who shall have served me constantly by reciting the Rosary shall receive some special grace. I promise my special protection and great graces to all who devoutly recite my Psalter. The Rosary shall be a most powerful armor against hell; it shall destroy vices, weaken sin, overthrow unbelief. It shall make virtues and good works to flourish again; it shall obtain for souls abundant mercies of God; it shall win the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities, and life them to a desire of things eternal. Oh, how many souls will be sanctified by this means ! The soul which has recourse to me through the Rosary shall not perish. Whoever shall have recited the Rosary devoutly and with meditation on its mysteries, shall never be overcome by misfortunes, shall not experience the anger of God, shall not be lost by a sudden death; but if he be in sin he shall be converted; and if he be in grace, he shall persevere and be made worth of eternal life. Truly devoted servants of my Rosary shall not die without the Sacraments. It is my will that those who recite my Rosary have, in life and in death, light and the plenitude of graces; and in life and death, may participate in the merits of the saints. Every day I deliver from Purgatory souls devoted to my Rosary. True servants of my Rosary shall enjoy great glory in heaven. Whatever you shall ask through the Rosary, you shall obtain. I will assist in every necessity those who propagate my Rosary. I have obtained from my Son that all members of the Confraternity of my Rosary may have in life and in death all the blessed as their associated. All who recite my Rosary are my children and the brethren of my Only Begotten Son Jesus ChriSaint Devotion to my Rosary is a great sign of predestination. Our Lady told Blessed Bartolo Longo to propagate the Rosary, and promised that those who would propagate this devotion would be saved. In 1884, Our Lady of Pompeii appeared at Naples to Fortuna Agrelli, who was desperately ill. She told Fortuna that the title "Lady of the Holy Rosary" was one which was particularly pleasing to her, and cured Fortuna of her illness. At Lourdes, Our Lady told Saint Bernadette to pray many rosaries. When Bernadette saw the beautiful lady, she instinctively took her Rosary in her hands and knelt down. The lady made a sign of approval with her head, and took into her hands a Rosary which hung on her right arm. As Bernadette prayed, Our Lady passed the beads of her Rosary through her fingers, but said nothing except the Gloria at the end of each decade. At Fatima, Mary told the children to pray the Rosary often. Popes throughout history have loved the Rosary. Not a single Pope in the last four hundred years has failed to urge devotion to the Rosary. From Pope Sixtus IV, in 1479, to the present day, all popes have urged the use of this devotion, and enriched its recitation with indulgences. Pius XI dedicated the entire month of October to the Rosary. Pope Saint Pius X said : "Of all the prayers, the Rosary is the most beautiful and the richest in graces; of all, it is the one most pleasing to Mary, the Virgin Most Holy." Pope Leo XIII repeatedly recommended the Rosary as a most powerful means whereby to move God to aid us in meeting the needs of the present age. In 1883, he inserted the invocation, "Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, pray for us ! " into the Liturgy for the Universal Church. John XXIII who was particularly faithful to the daily recital of the whole Rosary has said, " We can never sufficiently recommend the saying of the Rosary, not simply with the lips but with attention of the soul to the divine truths, with a heart filled with love and gratitude." John Paul II tells us to "... love the simple, fruitful prayer of the Rosary." Many of the Saints, and a number of the religious orders have praised the Rosary. Saint Charles said he depended on the Rosary almost entirely for the conversion and sanctification of his diocese. Founders of most religious orders have either commanded or recommended the daily recitation of the Rosary. The Benedictines speedily adapted this devotion in their ancient cloisters. The Carmelites were happy to receive the Rosary as well as their rule from the Dominicans. The Franciscans made their rosaries out of wood, and preached this devotion as well as poverty. The Servites wore their rosaries as a badge of that servitude which is the only true liberty. Inspired by the example of their founder, the Jesuits invariably propagated the devotion. Saint Francis Xavier used the touch of his chaplet as a means of healing the sick. Saint Vincent de Paul instructed the members of his order to depend more on the Rosary than upon their preaching. Our ancestors had recourse to the Rosary as an every- ready refuge in misfortune, and as a pledge and a proof of their Christian faith and devotion. Saint Dominic used the Rosary as a weapon in his battle against the Albigensian heresy in France. In the last century, the Christian successes over the Turks at Temesvar and at Corfu coincided with the conclusion of public devotions of the Rosary. During the penal days in Ireland, the Rosary bound the Irish Catholics together as the church militant. When it was a felony to teach the Catholic Catechism, and death for a priest to say Mass, the Irish mothers used their rosaries to tell their little ones the story of Jesus and Mary, and thus kept the Faith green in the hearts of their children. Saint John Vianney, the Cure d'Ars, declared emphatically that in the nineteenth century it was the Rosary which restored religion in France. Likewise, in the dark days of persecution in Mexico, in our own century, the sturdy Mexican Catholics clung faithfully to their rosaries. The martyr Miguel Pro was allowed his last request before being shot by a firing squad --- he knelt and prayed his Rosary. A special society, the Society of the Living Rosary, was founded by the Venerable Marie Pauline Jaricot in the city of Lyons, France, in 1826. She formed bands of fifteen members who each said one decade of the Rosary daily. Thus, the entire Rosary is said collectively by the members of each circle daily. Father Timothy Ricci, O.P., instituted the Perpetual Rosary, or Mary's Guard of Honor, in 1635. The aim of this devotion is to unite the members in such a way that some devoted watchers will ever be found in prayer and praise at Our Lady's shrine, telling their beads for the conversion of sinners, the relief of the dying, and the succor of the dead. In Belgium, the Dominican nuns of the Third Order established a monastery for the express purpose of maintaining the Perpetual Rosary, so that there it became not merely the devotion of a society, but the distinctive work of a community. A number of shrines of the order are to be found in the United States. Here, the Rosary is said day and night by members of the community. Rosary processions are held, and pilgrims sing again and again the praises of the Heavenly Queen of all Roman Rite Catholics. Our Lady has 117 blessed titles. Above all, She selected this title at Fatima: "I am the Lady of the Rosary." Saint Francis de Sales said the greatest method of praying is: Pray the Rosary. Saint Thomas Aquinas preached 40 straight days in Rome Italy on just the Hail Mary. Saint John Vianney, patron of priests, was seldom seen without a rosary in his hand. "The rosary is the scourge of the devil" -- Pope Adrian VI "The rosary is a treasure of graces" -- Pope Paul V Padre Pio the stigmatic priest said: "The Rosary is the weapon". Several popes wrote encyclicals on the rosary. John XXIII spoke 38 times about our Lady and the Rosary. He prayed 15 decades daily. Saint Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort wrote: "The rosary is the most powerful weapon to touch the Heart of Jesus, Our Redeemer, who so loves His Mother." Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary that never was it known that anyone who fled to Your protection, implored Your help, or sought Your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, we fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, our Mother. To You we come; before You we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in Your mercy, hear and answer us. Amen.

[Robert Drobot]

Commemorating † The Feast of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, BpCD, Doctor of The Church † Saint Cyril suffered three exiles from his See of Jerusalem Cyril was born in Jerusalem in 315. From his youth he dedicated himself to the study of the Holy Scriptures and acquired a great knowledge of Church doctrine by reading the Fathers who came before him. When Saint Maximus died, Cyril succeeded him in the See of Jerusalem in 349. At the beginning of his episcopacy, he became famous for a dispute with Acacius, Archbishop of Caesarea, an ardent follower of Arianism who abhorred Cyril and his orthodoxy. Because of the plots of Acacius, he was exiled twice from Jerusalem. But after Julian the Apostate was raised to the throne of the Empire, a general amnesty was granted for Prelates who had been exiled; therefore, he entered the city and re-assumed his see. From there, he witnessed the miraculous obstacles sent by God that made it impossible to rebuild the Temple of Jerusalem. Julian, who took the side of the Jews against the Catholics, tried to rebuild the Temple two times. The first time the recently laid foundation was destroyed by an earthquake; the second time the groundwork was destroyed by flames of fire that burst forth from the ground. During these attempts of reconstruction, Saint Cyril calmly affirmed that the prophecy of Christ would remain true, and that not one stone of the Temple would be left standing upon another. He was exiled for a third time when Emperor Valens, a follower of Arianism, decreed the expulsion of all Prelates recalled by Julian. Under Theodosius, he returned from this exile to find his flock torn by heresies and schisms. He made great efforts to achieve doctrinal unity and peace. During A.D. 381 he took part in the Council of Constantinople and signed the condemnation of semi-Arianism. He died A.D. 386. His great work, The Catecheses, or Catechetical Lectures, is turned toward the preparation of catechumens and neophytes. Comments of Professor Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira : Parallel to Bishops who were founders of nations, like Saint Patrick, there were also Bishops whom we can call pillars of the Church. They existed primarily in the East, and Saint Cyril of Jerusalem was one of them. When the Church left the Catacombs, many of her members were contaminated by a spirit of tepidness and spiritual decadence that propitiated the infiltration of paganism into Catholic milieus. It was a subtle penetration that stimulated them to accept diverse heresies. It was an attempt of the Devil to make them shake off the easy yoke of Our Lord placed by Constantine over the entire Empire. In the West heresies popped up, one more harmful than the other, until the fall of the Roman Empire. In the East those heresies would continue. Such heresies, however, gave rise to numerous heroic and saintly Bishops who fought like lions against them. These heroes often ended by being defeated, but they filled the Church with splendor. They wrote works; they took positions that later would be admired and serve as a base to build the magnificent edifice of the Middle Ages. Considering the example of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem and so many other Saints, we understand what the fight for the Church should be. One must fight expending all his strength and resources. At times, he will die in the battle without fully realizing the effect of his effort, for often only the immediate defeat is apparent. But afterwards, that effort is remembered and treasured by others as a precious legacy, and it gives great fruits. The Fathers and the Doctors of the Church – Saint Cyril is one of them – played an enormous role in setting the foundations for Scholasticism and establishing the Catholic State in the Middle Ages. They were received with ingratitude by their contemporaries, but they formed the basis for the great triumph of Catholic Civilization. From such examples, we can understand that we should fight for the cause of the Church by assuming a similar state of spirit that can appear paradoxical : First, we must fight with the certainty that we are defeating the Revolution, which will fall under the blows we are giving it. We feel an appeal of Divine Providence calling us to do this and a promise that Our Lady wants to use us to accomplish this work. Second, we must have such a great dedication to this fight that, even if we were to die without having defeated the Revolution and seeing the Reign of Mary, we would close our eyes in peace knowing that our effort will have an effect. Third, even if this effort were not to have any effect in the future and would never be known to future generations, even if it would be lost in anonymity, we should be at peace because we will know that in the Book of Life, our fight was written for the Day of Judgment. It will be recognized that at the moment in History when Our Lady was prisoner there were some few who came to fight for her. In a world where truth was no longer welcome, there were some who proclaimed it. In this epoch of darkness, there were some who glorified God. Therefore, our fight - which is motivated by these three certainties - is always a work that gives fruit. And if it is an incessant, indomitable fight in which we use every legitimate means, it will be an invincible one. Let us pray to the great Saint Cyril of Jerusalem to obtain for us the spirit of Faith he showed and left as an example so that we might destroy the Revolution in our days. Α ☧ Ω

[Robert Drobot]

CALENDAR of the SAINTS Anno Dómini 18 March 2012 Ceiling Paintings of Balilihan Roman Catholic church "....and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. ~ ~ Apocalypse Α ☧ Ω Bishop Saint Alexander of Jerusalem, Martyr Studied in Alexandria, Egypt. Fellow student with Origen. Bishop of Cappadocia. Imprisoned from A.D 204 to 211 for his faith during the persecutions of Severus. Pilgrim to Jerusalem upon his release. Coadjutor Bishop of Jerusalem with Saint Narcissus in 212. Censured for encouraging Origen to teach in churches while still a laymen. Developed a large theological library. Imprisoned again during the persecutions of Decius. When given a chance to save himself by denouncing Roman Catholicism, he made a public pronouncement of his faith. He was thrown to wild animals, but they refused to attack him. Re-imprisoned, Saint Alexader died a martyr in chains from general maltreatment A.D. 251 at Ceasarea. Α ☧ Ω Saint Anselm of Lucca the Younger Nephew of Pope Alexander II. Bishop of Lucca, Italy in 1073. Due to a dispute over imperial investiture, Anselm initially refused to accept the regalia of his office from Emperor Henry IV, but later gave in and accepted. He retired to lived as a Benedictine monk in a Cluniac monastery of Polirone. Recalled by Pope Gregory VII. Anselm’s canons were slack in observance of the austere life, were placed under papal interdict and excommunicated, revolted, were supported by the emperor, and drove Anselm from his see in 1079. Anselm retired to Canossa, Italy, as spiritual director of Countess Matilda of Tuscany, and then reformed the monasteries in her lands. Supported Pope Gregory VII‘s efforts to end lay investiture. Apostolic legate to Lombardy under Pope Victor III, again settling problems caused by the lay investiture conflict. Worked against the anti-pope Guibert of Ravenna. His prayers obtained the rout of the enemies of Pope Gregory VII. Α ☧ Ω Blessed Celestine of the Mother of God Founded the Congregation of the Daughters of the Poor of Saint Joseph Calasanzio ( Calasanzian Sisters ). Α ☧ Ω Blessed Christian O’Conarchy, Martyr Spritual student and archdeacon of Saint Malachy O’More at Armagh, Ireland. Received the Cistercian habit at Clairvaux, France in 1139 from Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Abbot of the first Cistercian monastery in Ireland in 1142. Bishop of Lismore, Ireland in 1150. Papal legate for Ireland. In old age he retired to live as a prayerful monk at Odorney Abbey. Bishop Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Doctor of The Church Raised a Christian in Jerusalem. Well educated, especially in religion. Priest, ordained by Saint Maximus. A great teacher of catechumens, Saint Cyril’s instructions are still source documents for the Church‘s teachings. Bishop of Jerusalem A.D. 348. Exiled three times by the Arians, usually on a false charge like selling church furniture. Participated in the Council of Seleucia A.D. 359, and the Council of Constantinople A.D. 381. Doctor of the Church. Α ☧ Ω Saint Edward the Martyr, Martyr Son of King Edgar the Peaceful, and Æthelflæd. On Edgar’s death A.D. 975, there was a disputed succession between Edward and his younger half-brother, Æthelred, Edgar’s son by Ælfthryth, but Edward was chosen King of England at age 13; he reigned less than three years; stabbed to death A.D. 18 March 978 at Corfe Castle, Dorsetshire, England, at the behest of his step-mother Elfrida so her son could take the throne. Buried at Wareham, England; relics translated to Shaftesbury Abbey A.D. 13 February 981, and resided there for over 500 years. Saint Edward's relics were hidden in 1539 when the abbey was seized by the state. His relics were re-discovered A.D. 1931 during an archeological dig on the site. Saint Edward's relics were re-interred in the Brookwood Cemetery, Saint Edward the Martyr Orthodox Church, Woking, England under the care of monks in the Greek Orthodox tradition. Α ☧ Ω Saint Egbert of Ripon Monk at Ripon, England A.D. 720. Α ☧ Ω Saint Felix of Gerona, Martyr Deacon. Martyred A.D. 307 in Gerona, Catalonia, Spain. Α ☧ Ω Bishop Saint Frigidian of Lucca Son of King Ultach of Ulster, Ireland. Educated in Irish monasteries. Priest. After a pilgrimage to Rome, Italy he settled as a hermit on Mount Pisano. Bishop of Lucca A.D. 566, though he often left the city to spend days in prayer and solitude. Formed the clergy of his see into a community of canons regular. Rebuilt the cathedral in Lucca after it was burned by the Lombards. The River Serchio frequently flooded the town of Lucca. Legend says that when the citizens called on Frigidian for aid, he asked for a rake or hoe, prayed over it, ordered the river to follow him, then dug new, safe course for the river by dragging the tool through the dirt. Α ☧ Ω Saint Marta le Bouteiller Α ☧ Ω Bishop Saint Narcissus of Gerona, Martyr Martyred A.D. 307 at Gerona, Catalonia, Spain. Α ☧ Ω Saint Salvator of Horta Shepherd. Shoemaker. Franciscan lay brother at Barcelona, Spain. Cook, beggar and porter at the friary in the Horta-Guinardó area of Barcelona. Miracle worker and healer. His cell became a destination for sick pilgrims; said to have cured as many as 2,000 in a single day. Α ☧ Ω Saint Trophimus and Saint Eucarpius of Nicomedia, Martyr Two martyrs during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian.They were two pagan soldiers in the Roman army stationed in Nicomedia (modern Turkey) who were ordered to pursue Christians. While hunting Christians, they became converts and as a result, they were burned alive at Nicomedia. Α ☧ Ω

[Robert Drobot]

The devotion was traditionally recited in Roman Catholic churches, convents, and monasteries three times daily: 6:00 am, noon, and 6:00 pm ( many churches still follow the devotion, and some practice it at home ).

Angelus

V. Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae; R. Et concepit de Spiritu Sancto Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen. V. Ecce Ancilla Domini, R. Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum. Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen. V. Et Verbum caro factum est, R. Et habitávit in nobis. Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen. V. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genetrix, R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi. Gratiam tuam, quaesumus, Domine, méntibus, nostris infúnde; ut qui, Angelo nuntiánte, Christi Filii Tui Incarnationem cognóvimus, per passiónem eius et crucem, ad resurrectiónis gloriam perducámur. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary; R. And she conceived of the Holy Ghost Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen. V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord, R. Be it done unto me according to Thy word. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen. V. And the Word was made flesh, R. And dwelt among us. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen. V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of ChriSaint Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son has been made known by the message of an Angel, may, by His passion and cross, be brought to the glory of His resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

[Robert Drobot]

THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE "Confession heals, confession justifies, confession grants pardon of sin. All hope consists in confession. In confession there is mercy. Believe it firmly, do not hesitate, never despair of the mercy of God." ~ Saint Isidore of Seville As soon as Jesus Christ rose from the dead and earned salvation for us, he brought his apostles a new gift. After speaking peace to them, he said, "As the Father has sent me, even so I send you" ( Blessed Apostle Saint John 20:21 ). Just as Jesus Christ was sent by the Father to reconcile the world to God, Jesus sent the apostles to continue his mission. Jesus then breathed on the apostles. This is a verse that is often passed over, but it has extraordinary significance because it is only the second time in all of Scripture where God breathes on anyone. The other instance was at the moment of creation, when God breathed his own life into the nostrils of Adam. This should tell us that something of great importance is taking place. Upon doing this, Jesus said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained" ( Blessed Apostle Saint John 20:22-23 ). Notice that Jesus is not simply commissioning the apostles to preach about God's forgiveness. He is not saying, "Go tell everyone that when God forgives men's sins, they're forgiven." In using the second person plural you, Jesus is telling his apostles that by the power of the Holy Spirit he has given them the power to forgive and retain the sins of men. Having the power to forgive and to retain sins implies that the apostle knows what a person's sins are, which in turn implies oral confession. Otherwise, how is the apostle to know what to retain or forgive? Consider the following early Christian writings from the first five centuries: "Confess your sins in church, and do not go up to your prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life. . . . On the Lord's Day gather together, break bread, and give thanks, after confessing your transgressions so that your sacrifice may be pure" ( Didache 4:14, 14:1 [ A.D. 70 ] ). "[ Regarding confession, some ] flee from this work as being an exposure of themselves, or they put it off from day to day. I presume they are more mindful of modesty than of salvation, like those who contract a disease in the more shameful parts of the body and shun making themselves known to the physicians; and thus they perish along with their own bashfulness"(Tertullian, Repentance 10:1 [ A.D. 203 ] ). "[ The bishop conducting the ordination of the new bishop shall pray: ] God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . pour forth now that power which comes from you, from your royal spirit, which you gave to your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, and which he bestowed upon his holy apostles . . . and grant this your servant, whom you have chosen for the episcopate, [the power] to feed your holy flock and to serve without blame as your high priest . . . and by the Spirit of the high-priesthood to have the authority to forgive sins, in accord with your command" ( Hippolytus, Apostolic Tradition 3 [ A.D. 215 ] ). "Priests have received a power which God has given neither to angels nor to archangels. It was said to them: 'Whatsoever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever you shall loose, shall be loosed.' Temporal rulers have indeed the power of binding; but they can only bind the body. Priests, in contrast, can bind with a bond which pertains to the soul itself and transcends the very heavens. Did [God] not give them all the powers of heaven? 'Whose sins you shall forgive,' he says, 'they are forgiven them; whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.' What greater power is there than this? The Father has given all judgment to the Son. And now I see the Son placing all this power in the hands of men" ( Saint John Chrysostom, The Priesthood 3:5 [ A.D. 387 ] ). EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE Prayers before Confession Act of Contrition O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of Hell, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, do penance and to amend my life. Amen. A Review of the Ten Commandments Preliminary Besides telling the nature of your sins, you must also recollect, as far as possible, the number of times you have committed them, telling also ( and only ) those circumstances which at times may either make a venial sin mortal or a mortal sin notably worse. 1. Have I ever failed to confess a serious sin or disguised it? 2. Have I been guilty of irreverence for this sacrament by failing to examine my conscience carefully? 3. Have I failed to perform the penance given me by the confessor or disobeyed any of his directions? 4. Have I neglected the Easter duty of receiving Holy Communion or failed to confess my sins within a year? 5. Have I any habits of serious sin to confess first (impurity, drunkenness, etc.)? 6. Have I improved on cutting down these habitual sins or is one confession after another sound like the same? If so, what can I resolve to improve? First Commandment : I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt not have strange gods before Me 1. Am I ignorant of my catechism ( Act of Contrition, Apostle's Creed, Ten Commandments, Seven Sacraments, the Our Father )? 2. Have I willfully doubted or denied any of the teachings of the Church ( heresy )? 3. Have I taken active part in any non-Catholic worship? 4. Am I a member of any anti-Catholic or any secret society? 5. Have I knowingly read any anti-Catholic literature or watched an anti-Catholic film or program or listened to anti-Catholic rhetoric? 6. Have I practiced any superstitions (horoscopes, fortune tellers, etc.)? 7. Have I failed to defend my Faith when it was attacked or have I remained silent for fear of being rebuked? Second Commandment : Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain 1. Have I used God's name in vain by way of profanity? 2. Have I condoned others who use profanity by my silent approval? 3. Have I murmured or complained against God (blasphemy)? 4. Have I maligned priests or others consecrated to God without just reason? 5. Have I sworn by God's name (oath) either falsely or rashly? 6. Have I broken any vow to God either public or private? 7. Have I rationalized myself around a vow by cutting corners? Third Commandment : Keep holy the Lord's Day 1. Have I missed Mass on Sundays or holydays through my own fault? 2. Have I been late for Mass through my own negligence? 3. Do I realize it is a venial sin to miss any part of the Mass? 4. Do I realize being really late for Mass is a mortal sin and my only alternative is to wait and go to another Mass? 5. Have I been inattentive at Mass or otherwise failed in reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament? 6. Have I done unnecessary servile work (physical labor) or shopping on Sunday? 7. Have I eaten flesh meat on Friday (especially on Good Friday) or on Ash Wednesday or the assigned vigil fast days? 8. Have I obeyed the laws of the Church on fast and abstinence? Fourth Commandment : Honor thy Father and Mother 1. Have I been disrespectful to my parents or neglected them? 2. Have I failed in obedience or reverence to others in authority? 3. Have I mistreated my wife or children? 4. Have I been disobedient or disrespectful to my husband? 5. Regarding my children: -Have I neglected their material needs? -Have I failed to care for their early Baptism or their proper religious instruction? -Have I allowed them to neglect their religious duties? -Have I tolerated their keeping questionable company or steady dating without chaperones? -Have I otherwise failed to discipline them? -Have I given them bad example in any way? -Have I let boys and girls sleep together or with their parents? -Have I interfered with their freedom to marry or follow a religious vocation? Fifth Commandment : Thou shalt not kill 1. Have I placed any one's life in danger? 2. Have I threatened any one's life in anger? 3. Have I condoned or promoted abortion? 4. Have I condoned or tolerated others who promote abortion? 5. Have I taken pleasure in anyone's misfortune? 6. Have I jeopardized others by my driving recklessly? 7. Have I used contraceptives thus preventing life? 8. Have I been sympathetic to those contemplating suicide? Sixth & Ninth Commandments : Thou shalt not commit adultery and Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife 1. Have I committed adultery or fornication? 2. Have I jeopardized my marriage by flirting or untoward glances and advances toward the opposite sex? 3. Have I denied my spouse his or her marriage rights? 4. Have I practiced birth control? 5. Have I abused my marriage rights in any other way? 6. Have I touched or embraced another impurely? 7. Have I sinned with others of the same sex? 8. Have I committed masturbation or otherwise sinned impurely with myself? 9. Have I harbored lustful desires for anyone? 10. Have I indulged in other impure thoughts? 11. Have I failed to dress modestly? 12. Have I done anything to provoke or occasion impure thoughts in others? 13. Have I read indecent literature or looked at indecent pictures or websites? 14. Have I watched suggestive films or television programs? 15. Have I permitted my children or others under my charge to do these things? 16. Have I used indecent language or told indecent stories? 17. Have I willingly listened to such stories? 18. Have I boasted of my sins? 19. Have I condoned promiscuity by my silent consent of the actions of others? 20. Have I sinned against chastity in any other way? 21. Do I realize my body is the temple of the Holy Ghost and must be treated as such? 22. Do I realize that there are more souls in hell for the sins of the flesh than any other sin? How seriously do I take that and what can I do to become more chaste? Seventh & Tenth Commandments : Thou shalt not steal and Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods 1. Have I stolen anything? 2. Have I damaged anyone's property through my own fault? 3. Have I cheated or defrauded others? 4. Have I refused or neglected to pay any just debts? 5. Have I neglected my duties or been slothful in my work? 6. Have I refused or neglected to help anyone in urgent necessity? 7. Have I failed to make restitution? 8. Have I harmed the good name or reputation of others in any way? Eighth Commandment : Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor 1. Have I lied about anyone ( calumny )? 2. Have I rash judged anyone of a serious sin? 3. Have I engaged in gossip (detraction) or spread scandal? 4. Have I lent an ear to scandal about my neighbor? 5. Have I been jealous or envious of anyone? 6. Have I taken pleasure in anyone's misfortune? 7. Have I quarreled with any one and caused scandal? 8. Have I cursed anyone or otherwise wished evil on him? 9. Is there anyone to whom I refuse to speak or be reconciled? OTHER SINS : 1. Have I knowingly caused others to sin? 2. Have I cooperated in the sins of others? 3. Have I sinned by gluttony? 4. Have I become intoxicated? 5. Have I misused liquor or narcotics? 6. Have I been motivated by avarice? 7. Have I indulged in boasting or vain glory? 8. Have I received Holy Communion or another sacrament in the state of mortal sin? 9. Is there any other sin I need to confess? Take time to thoroughly go over the list before you travel to church to go to confession. Once at church or in line for confession, recall the sins you have examined, and sincerely say the following prayer: Prayer to the Holy Ghost Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. For inspiration, read how Christ forgives from the Cross ( Blessed Apostle Saint Luke 23:33-34), the story of Blessed Apostle Saint Mary Magdalen and the Parable of The Two Debtors ( Blessed Apostle Saint Luke 7:36-50), and the Parable of the Prodigal Son ( Blessed Apostle Saint Luke 15:11-32 ). See also Saint Ephraem's "Homily on the Sinful Woman."

[Robert Drobot]

center>

RULES FOR FASTING Everyone over 21 and 59 years of age is bound to observe the law of faSaint The days of fast are all the days in Lent, all days of partial abstinence except Sundays. On days of fast only one full meal is allowed. Two other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength may be taken according to each one's need, but together they should not equal another full meal. Meat may be taken at the principal meal on a day of fast except on days of complete abstinence. Eating between meals is not permitted but liquids, including milk and fruit juices are allowed. When health or ability to work would be seriously affected, the law does not oblige. In doubt concerning fast or abstinence, consult your parish priest or confessor. RULES FOR ABSTINENCE Everyone over 7 years of age is bound to observe the law of abstinence. Complete abstinence is to be observed on Fridays, Ash Wednesday, Holy Saturday and the Vigils of the Immaculate Conception (December 7) and Christmas (December 24). On days of complete abstinence, meat and soup or gravy made from meat may not be used at all. Partial abstinence is to be observed on Ember Wednesdays and Saturdays and the vigil of Pentecost (Saturday before). On days of partial abstinence, (which are all the days of Lent) which are not complete abstinence days or Sundays, meat and soup or gravy made from meat may be taken only once a day at the principal meal.

[Robert Drobot]

To be a Roman Rite Catholic you must believe the body of Jesus Christ is present in each consecrated wafer ( Holy Eucharist ); that the sacrifice of Calvary is repeated at every Mass; and that he gives Himself to us in the form of Holy Communion to sustain His creation ( you ) as His tabernacle. Eucharistic Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle or through exposition : Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration is a wonderful devotion that adores Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament. Through a deeper love and closer relationship with Jesus, you acquire the strength, healing and peace to make it through your pilgrimage of life and to achieve your ultimate goal - Heaven and the Beatific Vision. In many ways, Our Lord, is calling us to worship and receive Him in the EuchariSaint He speaks this desire in many ways: through the Pope and the Magisterium of the Church, in the Bible ( Blessed Apostle Saint John 6 ), through his Blessed Mother in approved Marian apparitions, through the testimonies of Saints and Martyrs, through Eucharistic miracles, through Church approved messages given by Jesus by Divine Revelation, through our souls who long for Jesus in Communion, and through our suffering world which is in much need of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Unfortunately many of us disbelieve or have grown indifferent towards Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Holy Mother most merciful, we implore the infinite mercy of thy Son even more, for now doth the world and the Church so reek of doubt and error. Everywhere thy Son is blasphemed and smited in the Holy Eucharist; But what is still worse is the apostasy of both clerics and laity who no longer hold dear the whole and summit of our Faith; His Sacrifice and Sacrament of Body and Blood. In our un-dying love of the Bread of Life, the Everlasting Manna, the Holiest of Holies; we render unto thy Son adoration, thanksgiving, and atonement in reparation for these heinous acts of blasphemy. Would that we could shed our own blood to make them cease. Again, Holy Mother, thou who art the enemy of the serpent, send forth thy legions to protect thy Son in the Blessed Sacrament, and command thy legions to act upon the mind and will of those who would blaspheme our Lord's Body and Blood. COMMUNION IN THE HAND BY ONE NOT CONSECRATED REMAINS A PROHIBITED AND CONDEMNED ABOMINATION WITHIN THE HOLY AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH "Communion in the hand" is a Protestant innovation foisted upon the Roman Rite Catholic world in the name of false ecumenism. The Novus Ordo practice of communion in the hand is rooted in the rejection of the Catholic doctrine on the Holy Eucharist and the denial of the Catholic priesthood. The Church has condemned communion in the hand from the early centuries : Pope Saint Sixtus ( 115-125 ). Prohibited the faithful from even touching the Sacred Vessels: "Statutum est ut sacra vasa non ab aliis quam a sacratis Dominoque dicatis contrectentur hominibus..." [It has been decreed that the Sacred Vessels are not to be handled by others than by those consecrated and dedicated to the Lord.] Pope Saint Eutychian ( 275-283 ). Forbade the faithful from taking the Sacred Host in their hand. Saint Basil The Great, Doctor of The Church ( 330-379 ). "The right to receive Holy Communion in the hand is permitted only in time of persecution." Saint Basil considered Communion in the hand so irregular that he did not hesitate to consider it a grave fault. COUNCIL OF SARAGOSSA ( 380 ). It was decided to punish with EXCOMMUNICATION anyone who dared to continue the practice of Holy Communion in the hand. The Synod of Toledo confirmed this decree. Pope Saint Leo The Great ( 440-461 ). Energetically defended and required faithful obedience to the practice of administering Holy Communion on the tongue of the faithful. SYNOD OF ROUEN (650). Condemned Communion in the hand to halt widespread abuses that occurred from this practice, and as a safeguard against sacrilege. SIXTH ECUMENICAL COUNCIL, AT CONSTANTINOPLE (680-681). Forbade the faithful to take the Sacred Host in their hand, threatening the transgressors with excommunication. Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274). "Out of reverence towards this sacrament [ the Holy Eucharist ], nothing touches it, but what is consecrated; hence the corporal and the chalice are consecrated, and likewise the priest's hands, for touching this sacrament." ( Summa Theologica, Pars III, Q. 82, Art. 3, Rep. Obj. 8 ). COUNCIL OF TRENT (1545-1565). "The fact that only the priest gives Holy Communion with his consecrated hands is an Apostolic Tradition." Pope Paul VI ( 1963-1978 ). "This method [on the tongue] must be retained." (Apostolic Epistle "Memoriale Domini" ). Pope John Paul II. "To touch the sacred species and to distribute them with their own hands is a privilege of the ordained. ( Dominicae Cenae, sec. 11) "It is not permitted that the faithful should themselves pick up the consecrated bread and the sacred chalice, still less that they should hand them from one to another." ( Inaestimabile Donum, April 17, 1980, sec. 9). The Sacrifice of the Eucharist as the central act of worship of the Roman Rite Catholic Church. The "Mass" is a late form of mission (sending), from which the faithful are sent to put into practice what they have learned and use the graces they have received in the Eucharistic liturgy. The Mass cannot be understood apart from Calvary, of which it is a re-presentation, memorial, and effective application of the merits gained by ChriSaint "Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is my body.' And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." ( Blessed Apostle Saint Matthew 26:26-28 ).

[Robert Drobot]

Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus

Traditional True Holy Mass Propers

† Dominica Quarta in Quadragesima ~ Fourth Sunday in Lent ( Laetare Sunday ) †

Anno Dómini 18 March 2012

† Statio ad S. Crucem in Jerusalem ~ Station at the Church of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem †

Commemorating
† The Feast of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, BpCD, Doctor of The Church †

Color: Violaceus aut rosaceus ~ Violet or Rose Vestments I Classis ~ First Class Observance

Laetare, Jerúsalem: et convéntum fácite, omnes qui dilígitis eam....
( Rejoice, O Jerusalem, and come together all you that love her.... )

"....quia ventúri essent ut ráperent eum, et fácerent eum regem, fugit íterum in montem ipse solus...."
( "....when He knew that they would come to take Him by force and make Him king, [He] fled again into the mountain Himself alone....." )

"All whatsoever you do in word or work, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
giving thanks to God the Father through Jesus Christ our Lord"--- Blessed Apostle Saint Paul

"Let it not be as a murderer or a thief, a malefactor or a coveter of other men's goods that any of you suffer; but if it is for the name of Christian, let him be not ashamed, but glorify God in that name." --- Blessed Apostle Saint Peter ( First Epistle 4:15-16 )

Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ~~ Philippians 2:5-11

".... be filled with the knowledge of the will of God...."

Thread Sources

A very special 'Thank you' to AmericanCatholic.org; ASU.edu; fisheaters.com; Catholic Online; Friends of Fatima; catholic.org; and saints.sqpn.com, for edited commentaries and resources related to the presentation of today's Proper. Additional sources: Saint Andrew Daily Missal and the 1945 Marian Missal

Introitus ~ Introit
Isais LXVI:X-XI ~ 66:10-11

Laetare, Jerúsalem: et convéntum fácite, omnes qui dilígitis eam: gaudéte cum lætítia, qui in tristítia fuístis: ut exsultétis, et satiémini ab ubéribus consolatiónis vestræ. Psalm 121:1 Lætátus sum in his, quæ dicta sunt mihi: in domum Dómini íbimus. V. Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula sæculórum. Amen. Repeat : Laetare, Jerúsalem: et convéntum fácite, omnes qui dilígitis eam.....

Rejoice, O Jerusalem, and come together all you that love her; rejoice with joy, you that have been in sorrow: that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of your consolation. Psalm 121:1 I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: We shall go into the house of the Lord. V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Repeat : Rejoice, O Jerusalem, and come together all you that love her....

ORATIO ~ COLLECT

Concéde, quæsumus, omnípotens Deus: ut qui ex mérito nostræ actiónis afflígimur, tuæ grátiæ consolatióne respirémus, per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum, Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus. Collect For The Intercession Of The Blessed Virgin Mary Deus, qui diligéntibus te bona invisibília præparásti: infúnde córdibus nostris tui amóris efféctum; ut te in ómnibus, et super ómnia diligéntes, promissiónes tuas, quæ omne desidérium súperent, consequámur, per eúmdem Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus. Collect For The Intercession Of The Saints A cunctis nos quæsumus Dómine mentis et cópores defénde perículis: et intercedénet beáat et gloriósa semper Vírgine Dei Genitrice María, cum beáto Joseph, beátis Apóstolis tuis Petro et Paulo, et ómnibus Sanctis, salútem nobis tríbue benígnus et pacem; ut destrúctis adversitátibus et erróribus univérsis, Ecclésia tua secúra tibi sérviat libertáte. Per Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum. Collect For The Living and the Dead Omnipotens sempiterna Deus, qui vivorum dominaris simuesse praenoscis: te supplices exoramus; ut, pro quibus effundere preces decrevimus, quosque vel praesens saeculum adhuc in carne retinet, vel futurum jam exutos corpore suscepit, intercedentibus omnibus Sanctis tuis, pietatis tuae clementia omnium delictorum suorum veniam consequantur, per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum, Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus, Per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen. Collect for God's Holy Church Ecclésiæ tuæ, quæ-sumus, Dómine, preces placátus admítte: ut, destrúctis adversitátibus et erróribus univérsis, secura tibi sérviat libertáte. Per Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum. Collect Against the persecutors of Holy Mother Church Ecclesiae tuae, quaesumus, Domine, preces placátus admítte : ut, destrúctis adversitátibus et erróribus univérsis, secura tibi sérviat libertate, per Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum

G rant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds justly deserve to be punished, by the comfort of Thy grace may mercifully be relieved, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God. Collect For The Intercession Of The Blessed Virgin Mary O Almighty and Everlasting God, who hast granted to Thy servants, in confessing the true Faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of Majesty to adore the Unity, we beseech Thee, that by steadfastness in the same Faith, we may ever be defended against all adversity, through the same Jesus Christ. Collect For The Intercession Of The Saints D efend us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, from all dangers of mind and body: and through the intercession of the blessed and glorious Mary, ever Virgin, mother of God, of Saint Joseph, of Thy holy apostles, Saints Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, in Thy loving-kindness grant us safety and peace; that, all adversities and errors being overcome, Thy Church may serve Thee in security and freedom. Collect For The Living and the Dead O Almighty and Eternal God, Who hast dominion over both the living and the dead, and hast mercy on all Whom Thou knowest shall be Thine by faith and good works: we humbly beseech Thee that all for whom we have resolved to make supplication whether the present world still holds them in the flesh, or the world to come has already received them out of the body, may, through the intercession of all Thy saints, obtain of Thy goodness and clemency pardon for all their sins, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Collect For God's Holy Church Graciously hear, O Lord, the prayers of Thy Church that, having overcome all adversity and every error, she may serve Thee in security and freedom. Collect Against the persecutors of Holy Mother Church We beseech Thee, O Lord, mercifully to receive the prayers of Thy Church : that, all adversity and error being destroyed, she may serve Thee in security and freedom, through Jesus Christ our Lord

EPISTOLA ~ EPISTLE ¤ Gálatas IV:XXII-XXXI ~ Galatians 4:22-31

Léctio Epístolæ beati Pauli Apóstoli ad Gálatas. Fratres : Scriptum est: Quóniam Abraham duos fílios hábuit: unum de ancílla, et unum de líbera. Sed qui de ancílla, secúndum carnem natus est: qui autem de líbera, per repromissiónem: quæ sunt per allegoríam dicta. Hæc enim sunt duo testaménta. Unum quidem in monte Sina, in servitútem génerans: quæ est Agar: Sina enim mons est in Arábia, qui conjúnctus est ei, quæ nunc est Jerúsalem, et servit cum fíliis suis. Illa autem, quæ sursum est Jerúsalem, líbera est, quæ est mater nostra. Scriptum est enim: Lætáre, stérilis, quæ non paris: erúmpe, et clama, quæ non párturis: quia multi fílii desértæ, magis quam ejus, quæ habet virum. Nos autem, fratres, secúndum Isaac promissiónis fílii sumus. Sed quómodo tunc is, qui secúndum carnem natus fúerat, persequebátur eum, qui secúndum spíritum: ita et nunc. Sed quid dicit Scriptúra? Ejice ancíllam et fílium ejus: non enim hæres erit fílius ancíllæ cum fílio líberæ. Itaque, fratres, non sumus ancíllæ fílii, sed líberæ: qua libertáte Christus nos liberávit.

A reading from the Epistle of the blessed Apostle Paul to the Galatians. Brethren: it is written that Abraham had two sons; the one by a bond-woman, and the other by a free-woman. But he who was of the bond-woman was born according to the flesh; but he of the free-woman was by promise. Which things are said by an allegory. For these are the two testaments; the one from Mount Sina, engendering unto bondage, which is Agar: for Sina is a mountain in Arabia, which hath affinity to that Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children: but that Jerusalem which is above is free, which is our mother. For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not; for many are the children of the desolate, more than of her that hath a husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born according to the flesh persecuted him that was after the spirit, so also it is now. But what saith the Scriptures? : Cast out the bond-woman and her son; for the son of the bond-woman shall not be heir with the son of the free-woman. So then, brethren, we are not the children of the bond-woman, but of the free; by the freedom wherewith Christ hath made us free.

GRADUALE ~ GRADUAL : ¤ Psalm CXXI:I, VII ~ 121:1, 7

L ætátus sum in his, quæ dicta sunt mihi: in domum Dómini íbimus. Fiat pax in virtúte tua: et abundántia in túrribus tuis.

I I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: We shall go into the house of the Lord. Let peace be in Thy strength, and abundance in Thy towers.

TRACT : ¤ Psalm CXXIV:I-II ~ 124:1-2

Q ui confídunt in Dómino, sicut mons Sion: non commovébitur in ætérnum, qui hábitat in Jerúsalem. Montes in circúitu ejus: et Dóminus in circúitu pópuli sui, ex hoc nunc et usque in sæculum.

They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Sion: he shall not be moved forever that dwelleth in Jerusalem. Mountains are round about it: so the Lord is round about his people, from henceforth now and for ever.

Christ in the Wilderness
by Ivan Kramskoy,
Copyright © George Mitrevski

EVANGELIUM ~ GOSPEL - Blessed Apostle Saint Joannem VI:I-XV ~ John 6:1-15

† Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum Joannem † I In illo tempore: Abiit Jesus trans mare Galilææ, quod est Tiberíadis: et sequebátur eum multitúdo magna, quia vidébant signa, quæ faciébat super his, qui infirmabántur. Súbiit ergo in montem Jesus: et ibi sedébat cum discípulis suis. Erat autem próximum Pascha dies festus Judæórum. Cum sublevásset ergo óculos Jesus, et vidísset quia multitúdo máxima venit ad eum, dixit ad Philíppum: "Unde emémus panes, ut mandúcent hi?" Hoc autem dicébat tentans eum: ipse enim sciébat quid esset factúrus. Respóndit ei Philíppus: Ducentórum denariórum panes non suffíciunt eis, ut unusquísque módicum quid accípiat. Dicit ei unus ex discípulis ejus, Andréas frater Simónis Petri: Est puer unus hic, qui habet quinque panes hordeáceos, et duos pisces: sed hæc quid sunt inter tantos? Dixit ergo Jesus: "Fácite hómines discúmbere." Erat autem fœnum multum in loco. Discubuérunt ergo viri, número quasi quinque míllia. Accépit ergo Jesus panes: et cum grátias egísset, distríbuit discumbéntibus: simíliter et ex píscibus quantum volébant. Ut autem impléti sunt, dixit discípulis suis: "Collígite quæ superavérunt fragménta, ne péreant." Collegérunt ergo, et implevérunt duódecim cóphinos fragmentórum ex quinque pánibus hordeáceis, quæ superfuérunt his, qui manducáverant. Illi ergo hómines cum vidíssent quod Jesus fécerat signum, dicébant: Quia hic est vere Prophéta, qui ventúrus est in mundum. Jesus ergo cum cognovísset, quia ventúri essent ut ráperent eum, et fácerent eum regem, fugit íterum in montem ipse solus.

† The Gospel recorded by Blessed Apostle Saint John † A t that time Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee which is that of Tiberias; and a great multitude followed Him, because they saw the miracles which He did on them that were diseased. Jesus therefore went up into a mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. Now the pasch, the festival day of the Jews, was near at hand. When Jesus therefore had lifted up His eyes, and seen that a very great multitude cometh to Him, He said to Philip, "Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?" And this He said to try him; for He Himself knew what He would do. Philip answered Him, Two hundred penny-worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one may take a little. One of His disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, saith to Him, There is a boy here that hath five barley loaves and two fishes; but what are these among so many? Then Jesus said: "Make the men sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. The men therefore sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when He had given thanks, He distributed to them that were set down. In like manner also of the fishes, as much as they would. And when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the fragments that remain, lest they be lost." They gathered up therefore, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above to them that had eaten. Now those men, when they had seen what a miracle Jesus had done, said, This is of a truth the prophet that is to come into the world. Jesus therefore, when He knew that they would come to take Him by force and make Him king, fled again into the mountain Himself alone.

Homily For The Fourth Sunday of Lent
26 March 2006 Anno Domini

by Father Louis J. Campbell
"Qui legit, intelligat"
"He who readeth, let him understand"

The Children of Promise ~ Galatians 4:28

Joy is knowing and loving Christ whereby we serve Him as the children of the promise. Yes, we will be persecuted just as Paul has said that the bond-woman has been cast out by the merits of Jesus Christ, making us, as the Epistle assures today, free children to know Him, love Him and serve Him so that we will be full of joy on this earth and in the next, regardless of the persecution afflicting us in these times. That is why we have the continual Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to sustain us.

Blessed be the Holy Name of Jesus, now and for all eternity. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.

† "Rejoice, O Jerusalem!" So begins the Introit of today's Holy Mass. We rejoice today because we are half way through the penitential season of Lent, and that much nearer to our goal, which is Easter Sunday, the Feast of the Resurrection. But we have a further goal, an eternal Easter, for which this life is a preparation. God has made it easy for us. The goal is clear, the directions are sure. Yet there are those who do not, or will not, understand.

"Why did God make you?" asked the old catechism. Answer: "God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him forever in the next."

And how do I get to know God? Some trust in their books and their Ph.D.'s. Some search the heavens and listen for the voice of a superior intelligence from outer space. Their pride prevents them from accepting God at His Word. Others bathe in the waters of the Jordan or the Ganges, or go on pilgrimage to Mecca, or watch for the sunrise at Stonehenge. Many are the false religions of this world, "paths" that lead only to perdition. There is really only one way to know God personally, and that is the way God Himself revealed. For God has introduced Himself to us in the Person of His Son: "This is My beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased." We must respond: "Lord, I believe!"

In knowing Jesus Christ we know the Father. This is so simple a truth that many people miss the simplicity of it, and turn away looking for something more complicated. "Enter by the narrow gate," says Jesus, "For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there are who enter that way. How narrow the gate and close the way that leads to life! And few there are who find it." ( Blessed Apostle Saint Matthew 7:13,14 ).

Flatly contradicting the words of Jesus Christ, and two thousand years of the unanimous teaching of popes, bishops, theologians and saints, the New Vatican now teaches that there are "many paths" to the "common Homeland" (for example, the Papal message, May 20, 2002, for Mission Sunday, October 20, 2002). Take the "broad way," it doesn't matter, since everyone is going to end up in the same place - Heaven. Just recently Benedict XVI followed suit by taking up the error of proclaiming that Jew, Moslem and Christian all worship the same God. But don't take their word for it! The many who take the broad way will end up in Hell. Find the "narrow gate" that leads to eternal life!

And what is this narrow gate? "Amen, amen I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All whoever have come are thieves and robbers; but the sheep have not heard them. I am the door. If anyone enter by Me he shall be safe, and shall go in and out, and shall find pastures. The thief comes only to steal, and slay, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it more abundantly." ( Blessed Apostle Saint John 10: 7-10 ). Jesus Christ Himself is the gate to eternal life.

Even the Apostles were slow to understand. Thomas said to Him: "Lord, we do not know where thou art going, and how can we know the way?" ( Blessed Apostle Saint John 14:5 ). And Jesus replied: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me. If you had known Me you would also have known My Father." ( Blessed Apostle Saint John 14:6,7 ). Even then, Philip said to Him: "Lord, show us the Father and it is enough for us" ( Blessed Apostle Saint John 14:8 ). It must have taken the patience of a God-Man to reply: "Have I been so long a time with you and you have not known Me? Philip, he who sees Me also sees the Father." ( Blessed Apostle Saint John 14:9 ).

It takes a simple faith, the faith of a child, to accept God at His Word. Jesus explained to His Apostles: "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for of such is the kingdom of God. Amen I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God as a little child will not enter into it." ( Blessed Apostle Saint Luke 18:16,17 ).

God created me to love Him. But knowledge comes first, because you cannot love a God Whom you do not know. If you do not know Jesus Christ person-to-Person, you cannot love God. But as you get to know Him better, you learn to love Him more. That's why it's so important to grow in you personal knowledge of Jesus Christ. "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. And everyone who loves Him Who begot, loves also the One begotten of Him. In this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and do His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. Because all that is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith. Who is there that overcomes the world if not he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God" (1 John 5:1-5).

It may be hard to relate to Jesus Christ as a Person, since He lived on this earth so long ago, but He lives NOW. This knowledge and consequent love for Jesus Christ will have a great impact on your spiritual life. If you struggle with sin and temptation, learn to know and love the Lord more. If you find yourself weak in faith, sluggish in prayer, and lax in your religious duties, you must grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ. If you are troubled, anxious and fearful because of the state of the Church and the world, while wars and natural disasters threaten, you really ought to know Christ, and love Him more, because perfect love casts out fear. If you are angry at the pope, the bishop, the priest, the president, your husband, your wife, your parents, your kids, turn your thoughts to the Lord and get to know Him more. Spend time with Him every day. Your life will change!

God created me to serve Him. I am serving God best when I am at His Holy Altar, offering together with the priest, through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, the one, perfect and acceptable Sacrifice to God the Father, in which Jesus Christ is both Priest and Victim. I continue to serve God when I go out strengthened by the sacraments, to fulfill the duties of my state in life in obedience to the Lord's commands, and united in prayer with all the faithful throughout the world. Those who know God, who love Him and serve Him, are never alone.

God made me to be happy with Him forever. Those who know, love and serve the Lord in this world are destined for Heaven. "Let not your heart be troubled," says Jesus, "You believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house there are many mansions. Were it not so I should have told you, because I go to prepare a place for you." ( Blessed Apostle Saint John 14:1-2 ).

Let our prayer be that of the psalmist as we yearn for the courts of Heaven, where we will see Jesus Christ face to face, and love Him, and be loved by Him, for all eternity:

"How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God… I had rather a day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I had rather lie at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For a sun and a shield is the Lord God; grace and glory He bestows; the Lord withholds no good thing from those who walk in sincerity. O Lord of hosts, happy the men who trust in You!" ( Psalm 83:1-3;11-13 ). †

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

OFFERTORIUM ~ OFFERTORY ¤ Psalm CXXXIV:III, VI ~ 134:3, 6

Laudáte Dóminum, quia benígnus est: psállite nómini ejus, quóniam suávis est: ómnia quæcúmque vóluit, fecit in cælo et in terra.

Praise ye the Lord, for He is good: sing ye to His name, for He is sweet: whatsoever He pleased He hath done in Heaven and in earth.

SECRETA ~ SECRET

Sacrifíciis præséntibus, Dómine, quæsumus, inténde placátus: ut et devotióni nostræ profíciant et salúti, per Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum, Filium Tuum, Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus per Dóminum. Secret For The Blessed Virgin Mary In méntibus nóstris, quæsumus, Dómine, veræ fídei sacraménta confírma: ut, qui concéptum de Vírgine Deum verum et hóminem confitémur; per ejus salutíferæ resurrectiónis poténtiam, ad ætérnam mereámur perveníre lætítiam. Per eúmdem Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, Per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen. Secret for the Octave of the Feast of the Holy Innocents Sanctorum Tuorum, Domine, nobis pia non desit oratio: quae et munera nostra conciliet, et Tuam nobis indulgentiam semper obtineat. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum, Filium Tuum, Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus, Per omnia saecula saeculorum.. Secret For The Intercession Of The Saints Exaudi nos, Deus salutaris noster : ut per hujus sacramenti virtutem, a cunctis nos mentis et corporis hostibus tuearis; gratiam tribunes in praesenti, et gloriam in futuro. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum, Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus, Per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen. Secret For The Living and the Dead Deus, Cui soli cogniuts est numerus electorum in superna felicitate locandus: tribue quaesumus; ut, intercedentibus omnibus Sanctis Tuis, universorum, quos in oratione commendatos suscepimus , et omnium fidelium nomina, beatae praedestinationis liber adscripta retineat. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum, Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus, Per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen. Secret for God's Holy Church Prótege nos, Dómine, tuis mystériis serviéntes: ut divínis rebus inhæréntes, et córpore tibi famulémur et mente. Per Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, Per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.

M ay this victim, we beseech Thee, O Lord, cleanse away our sins, sanctifying Thy servants in both soul and body for the celebration of this sacrifice, through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God Forever and ever. Secret For The Blessed Virgin Mary May this victim, we beseech Thee, O Lord, cleanse away our sins, sanctifying Thy servants in both soul and body for the celebration of this sacrifice, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, One God, forever and ever. Amen. Secret For The Holy Innocents Let not the loving prayer of Thy Saints fail us, O Lord: may it render our offerings pleasing to Thee, and ever obtain for us Thy pardon, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, One God, forever and ever. Amen. Secret For The Intercession Of The Saints Graciously hear us, O God our Savior, and by the virtue of this sacrament protect us from all enemies of soul and body, bestowing on us both grace in this life and glory hereafter. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Secret For The Living and the Dead O Almighty and Eternal God, O God, Who alone knowest the number of the elect to be admitted to the happiness of Heaven, grant, we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of all Thy saints, the names of all who have been recommended to our prayers and of all the faithful, may be inscribed in the book of blessed predestination. Protect us, O Lord, who assist at Thy mysteries; that, fixed upon things divine we may serve Thee in both body and mind, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost; One God; forever and ever, Amen. Secret For God's Holy Church Protect us, O Lord, who assist at Thy mysteries, that, cleaving to things divine, we may serve Thee both in body and in mind.

Preface for Lent

Vere dignum et justum est, aequum et salutare, nos tibi semper, et ubique gratias agere: Domine sancte, Pater Omnipotens, aeterne Deus. Qui corporali jejunio vitia comprimis, mentem elevas, virtutem largiris et praemia : per Christum Dominum nostrum. Per quem majestatem tuam laudant Angeli, adorant Dominationes, tremunt Potestates. Coeli, caelorumque Virtutes, ac beata Seraphim, socia exsultatione concelebrant. Cum quibus et nostras voces, ut admitti jubeas deprecamur, supplici confessione dicentes : SANCTUS, SANCTUS, SANCTUS...

It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God: Who by this bodily fast, dost curb our vices, dost lift up our minds and bestow on us strength and rewards; through Christ our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominations worship it, the Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with these we entreat Thee that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted while we say with lowly praise : HOLY, HOLY, HOLY...

COMMUNIO ~ COMMUNION ¤ Psalm CXXI:III-IV ~ 121:3-4

Jerúsalem, quæ ædificátur ut cívitas, cujus participátio ejus in idípsum; illuc enim ascendérunt tribus, tribus Dómini, ad confiténdum nómini tuo, Dómine.

Jerusalem, which is built as a city, which is compact together: for thither did the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, to praise Thy name, O Lord.

POSTCOMMUNIO ~ POSTCOMMUNION

Da nobis, quæsumus, miséricors Deus: ut sancta tua, quibus incessánter explémur, sincéris tractémus obséquiis, et fidéli semper mente sumámus, per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum. Qui vivis et regnas in cum Deo Patri in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus, unum Deum. Postcommunion For The Blessed Virgin Mary Quos tantis, Dómine, largíris, uti mystériis; quæsumus ut efféctibus nos eórum veráciter aptáre dignéris. Per eúmdem Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spíritus Sancti, Deus. Per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen. Postcommunion For The Intercession Of The Saints Mundet et múniat nos quáesumus Dómine dívini sacraménti munus oblátum: et intercedénte beáta Vírgine Dei Genitríce María, cum beáto Joseph, beátis Apóstolis tuis Petro et Paulo, et ómnibus Sanctis; a cunctis nos reddat et pervérsitátibus expiátos, et advérsitátibus expedítos. Per eúmdem Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fiiium tuum: Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spíritus Sancti, Deus. Per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen. Postcommunion For The Living and the Dead Purificent nos, quaesumus, Omnipotens et misericors Deus, sacramenta quae sumpsimus : et, intercedentibus omnibus Sanctis tuis, praesta; ut hoc tuum sacramentum non sit nois reatus ad poenam, sed intercession salutaris ad veniam : sit ablution scelerum, sit fortitude fragilium sit contra omnia mundi pericula firmamentum ; sit vivorum atque mortuorum fidelium remissio omnium delictorum. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum, Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus, Per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen. Postcommunion for God's Holy Church Quæsumus, Dómine Deus noster, ut quos divína tribuis participatióne gaudére, humánis non sinas subjacére perículis. Per Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fiiium tuum: Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spíritus Sancti, Deus, Per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.

Merciful God, who ceasest not to lavish upon us the riches of Thy sacraments; grant that we may ever draw near to Thine Altar with deepest reverence and with faith unwavering, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God. For ever and ever. Amen Postcommunion For The Blessed Virgin Mary Merciful God, who ceasest not to lavish upon us the riches of Thy sacraments; grant that we may ever draw near to Thine Altar with deepest reverence and with faith unwavering, through the Lord. Postcommunion For The Intercession Of The Saints Graciously hear us, O God our Savior, and, by virtue of this Sacrament, defend us from all enemies of soul and body, bestowing upon us Thy grace here and Thy glory hereafter. Postcommunion For The Living and the Dead May the sacraments which we have received purify us, we beseech Thee, O almighty and merciful Lord; and through the intercession of all Thy saints, grant that this Thy sacrament may not be unto us a condemnation, but a salutary intercession for pardon; may it be the washing away of sin, the strength of the weak, a protection against all dangers of the world, and a remission of all the sins of the faithful, whether living or dead, through the Lord. Postcommunion for God's Holy Church Protect us, O Lord, who assist at Thy mysteries, that, cleaving to things divine, we may serve Thee both in body and in mind.

PRAYER OVER THE MANY

Inclinantes se, Domine, majestati Tuaee, propitiatus intende; ut, Qui divino munere sunt refecti, caelestibus semper nutriantur auxiliis, per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum.

Look down, O Lord, in Thy mercy, upon those who bow before Thy majesty; that they who are refreshed by Thy divine gift may ever be sustained by heavenly aid, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

THE BLESSING

V. Sit Nomen Domini benedictum. R. Ex hoc nunc, et usque in saeculum. V. U Adjutorium nostrum in Nomine Domini. R. Qui fecit colum et terram. V. Benedicat vos, Omnipotens Deus: V. Pater, et Filius, et Spiritus Sanctus, descendat super vos, et maneat semper. R. Amen.

V. Blessed be the Name of the Lord. R. Now and for ever more. V. U Our help is in the Name of the Lord. R. Who made Heaven and earth. V. May Almighty God bless thee: V. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, descend upon thee, and always remain with thee. R. Amen.

† - Holy Queen of Heaven and Earth, pray for us. - †

[Robert Drobot]

Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us. God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us. Blood of Christ, only-begotten Son of the Eternal Father, Save us. Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God, Save us. Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament, Save us. Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in the Agony, Save us. Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging, Save us. Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with Thorns, Save us. Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross, Save us. Blood of Christ, Price of our salvation, Save us. Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness, Save us. Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls, Save us. Blood of Christ, river of mercy, Save us. Blood of Christ, Victor over demons, Save us. Blood of Christ, Courage of martyrs, Save us. Blood of Christ, Strength of confessors, Save us. Blood of Christ, bringing forth virgins, Save us. Blood of Christ, Help of those in peril, Save us. Blood of Christ, Relief of the burdened, Save us. Blood of Christ, Solace in sorrow, Save us. Blood of Christ, Hope of the penitent, Save us. Blood of Christ, Consolation of the dying, Save us. Blood of Christ, Peace and Tenderness of hearts, Save us. Blood of Christ, Pledge of Eternal Life, Save us. Blood of Christ, freeing souls from Purgatory, Save us. Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor, Save us. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us. Thou hast redeemed us, O Lord, in Thy Blood, And made of us a kingdom for our God. Let Us Pray: Almighty and Eternal God, Thou hast appointed Thine only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world, and willed to be appeased by His Blood. Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may worthily adore This Sacrifice for our salvation, and through Its Power be safeguarded from the evils of this present life, so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in Heaven. Through the will of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen. Source: Treasury of Novenas, Father Lawrence G. Lovesick

[Robert Drobot]

~ Petitions ~ Our Lady of La Salette, pray for us. Precious Innocents conceived in His image and likeness, horrifically denied their right to the life He intended, please forgive us. Terri Schindler-Schiavo, please forgive us. Saint Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church and Protector of the Faithful, pray for us. Our Lady of Perpetual Help, comforter to the many who seek your healing grace, pray for us. Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us. Sister Maria Lucia of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart, pray for us Blessed Francisco, pray for us. Blessed Jacinta, pray for us. Saint John the Beloved, pray for us. Saint John the Baptist, pray for us. Saint Gabriel the Archangel, pray for us. Saint Michael the Archangel, protect the faithful from the snares of the disciples of Lucifer in disguise, and bring ruin to those who intimidate, oppress, imprison, torture, and murder His faithful servants throughout the world. Saint Raphael the Archangel, pray for us. Saint John the Beloved, pray for us. Saints Peter and Paul, pray for us. Saint Padre Pio, pray for us. Saint Therese ( Lisieux ) of the Child Jesus, pray for us. Saint Bartholomew of Rossano, pray for us. Saint Jerome, pray for us. Saint Hedwig, pray for us. Saint Teresa of Avila, pray for us. Pope Saint Callistus, pray for us. Saint Edward the Confessor, pray for us. Saint John Mary Vianney, pray for us. Saint Vincent de Paul, pray for us. Saint Therese Lisieux, pray for us. Saint Martin of Tours, pray for us. Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, pray for us. Saint Athanasius, pray for us. Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, pray for us. Saint Dominic, pray for us. Saint Basil, pray for us. Saint Augustine, pray for us. Saint Thomas Aquinas, pray for us. Saint Vincent Ferrer, pray for us. Saint Sebastian, pray for us. Saint Tarcisius, pray for us. Saint Agnes, pray for us. Saint Agatha, pray for us. Saint Bridget of Sweden, pray for us. Saint Catherine of Sweden, pray for us. Saint Philomena, pray for us. Saint John Bosco, pray for us. Saint Teresa of Avila, pray for us. Saint Bernadette Soubirous, pray for us. Pope Saint Pius V, pray for us. Pope Saint Gregory the Great, pray for us. Pope Saint Leo the Great, pray for us. Pope Saint Pius X, pray for us. Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, pray for us. Blessed Pauline Jaricot, pray for us. Blessed Miguel Augustin Pro, pray for us. Saint Athanasius, fierce fighter of the Arians, pray for us. Saint Clare, the great apostle of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, pray for us. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

[Robert Drobot]

PRAYER FOR HOLY PRIESTS O my Jesus, I thank Thee, that Thou art truly, actually, and substantially, human and divine, present here in the mystery of the Sacrament of the Altar. Thou hast said, "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you." See, Lord, I come and knock. I ask Thee: Send us holy priests! O my Jesus, Thou hast said: "Whatever you ask the Father in MY Name, it shall be granted you." See, Lord, in Thy Name I ask Thy Father the grace: Send us holy priests! O my Jesus, Thou hast said: "Heaven and earth shall pass away but My Word shall not pass away." See, Lord, in trust of the infallibility of Thy Word, I ask Thee: Send us holy priests! Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee! Please bless Thy priests! Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, it is not possible for Thee to have no sympathy for us wretches. Have mercy on us sinners, and grant us through the threefold full of grace, beautiful, and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Thy Mother and ours, the grace to which we pray to Thee. Amen. O Mary, Queen of the clergy, pray for us: obtain for us many holy priests. It grieves us that the omniscience of God hath viewed a diabolic mix of naivete and malice tainting the holy priesthood of thy Son, with the errors of Russia flowing as a wave into the well of life, Holy Mother Church. Still worse, many more of thy priestly sons suffer desperately for the Faith, at the hands of men seduced by eirenism and modernism; and that same episcopacy has lost vast portions of humanity, by their sins of commission and omission, to a sea of sin, materialism, secularism and unbelief; with us no longer acting as the light of the world in the Mystical Body of Christ, but as servants to the Prince of this world. His effect is subtle and almost imperceptible at times, Mary most holy, as even the faithful fail to battle him, cooperate by indifference or complacency, or mournfully succumb to his wicked seductions. We weep tears of compunction, fear and pain for these wayward souls, as they fall deeper into the abyss; but we also weep for ourselves as we too often fail to uphold the Gospel. Again, we beseech thee, to send forth thy legions to protect us from Satan's veil of death, and lead the Church out of darkness into the light of Faith. O Lord, grant unto Thy Church saintly priests and fervent religious. Send forth, O Lord, laborers into Thy harveSaint O Lord, grant us priests! O Lord, grant us holy priests! O Lord, grant us many holy priests! O Lord, grant us many holy religious vocations! Pope Saint Pius X, pray for us.

[Robert Drobot]

Prayer for His Universal Church Pray for those who have been wandering and wondering in the conciliar desert for now and fifty years. Pray for the conversion of the Novus Ordo hierarchy from the highest to the lowest echelons of the clergy, who, in the same manner as the Arian bishops, have apostatized from the True Church which Jesus Christ established on the Rock of Peter. Pray that they will wake from their devastating slumber, cast off their lukewarmness, and demand the unadulterated dogmatic Faith without the mask of novelties, the blindness of ecumenism, and the sin of modernism. Know the pureness of true Catholicism, embodied with and taught by true shepherds who will mandate the only possible Catholic worship - the true and continual sacrifice: the Traditional Latin Mass, set in stone for all time by Pope Saint Pius V. O God, our refuge and our strength, smite those failing to lead Thy Holy Church, by and through the intercession of Saint Michael the Archangel; the Immaculate Virgin Mother Mary; Beloved Saint Joseph; Thy blessed apostles Peter and Paul; and all the saints. Hear our fervent prayers for more holy priests consecrated according to Thy will; Provide Your Church leadership with the courage to convert all heretics, pagans, false idolaters and false god worshipers, and especially non-Catholics who refuse to accept the One True Church founded by Your Son and our Redeemer, Christ Jesus; We pray for a sacred reformation of our Holy Mother Church - guided by the Apostolic Constitution drawn by His servant, Pope Pius XII, Sacramentum Ordinis. We pray for these intercessions through the mercy and grace of Your Son, our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. Amen.

[Robert Drobot]

Blessed Anna-Maria Taigi Blessed Anna-Marie Taigi prophesied a miraculous intervention in electing a true and lawful pope. "God will send two punishments: one will be in the form of wars, revolutions and other evils; it shall originate on earth. The other will be sent from Heaven. There shall come over the whole earth an intense darkness lasting three days and three nights. Nothing can be seen, and the air will be laden with pestilence which will claim mainly, but not only, the enemies of religion. It will be impossible to use any man-made lighting during this darkness, except *blessed candles. He, who out of curiosity, opens his window to look out, or leaves his home, will fall dead on the spot. During these three days, people should remain in their homes, pray the Rosary and beg God for mercy...All the enemies of the Church, whether known or unknown, will perish over the whole earth during that universal darkness, with the exception of a few whom God will soon convert. The air shall be infected by demons who will appear under all sorts of hideous forms." "After the three days of darkness, Saints Peter and Paul, having come down from Heaven, will preach throughout the world and designate a new Pope. A great light will flash from their bodies and will settle upon the cardinal, the future Pontiff. Then Christianity will spread throughout the world. Whole nations will join the Church shortly before the reign of Anti-ChriSaint These conversions will be amazing. Those who shall survive shall have to conduct themselves well. There shall be innumerable conversions of heretics, who will return to the bosom of the Church; all will note the edifying conduct of their lives, as well as that of all other Catholics. Russia, England, and China will come to the Church." ~~ Blessed Anna Maria Taigi Blessed Anna Maria Taigi's incorrupt mortal remains lie in the Chapel of the Madonna in the Basilica of San Crisogono in Rome, Italy. ( *Be sure to get your 100% Beeswax candles *blessed by a True Priest ).

[Robert Drobot]

MMXII C + 20 + M +12 + B It is the custom for Traditional Catholics to mark above their entrance doors in chalk the symbol C+20+M+12+B. Hopefully the chalk is blessed on the feast by the priest when he also blessed the gold, frankincense and myrh. The formula includes the Roman Numerals of the year MMXII ( 2012 ); below it on the next line is the above symbol: C+20+M+12+B. The order begins C for Caspar; then a cross (+) which is followed by the first two numerals of the millennium 20, followed by another cross (+); then M for Melchior; then another cross (+), followed by the last two numerals of the year, then another cross (+), and finally B for Balthasar. It is a way for the faithful to recognize in their homes the Epiphany and the Kingship of Jesus Christ. The four crosses represent both the four centuries of waiting for the Messias, but more specifically the four gospels in which His truths and Kingship are proclaimed. This marking the thresholds of our homes is a beautiful custom that has been lost in today's culture when things of God are shelved for things of man.