Congratulations to the Benedictines of Mary! May 24, 2013
Posted by tantamergo in awesomeness, Basics, General Catholic, Glory, Grace, religious, Society, Tradition, Virtue.add a comment
Congratulations to the Benedictines of Mary Queen of the Apostles for having the top selling classical record in the country! This is the second time they’ve done so!
“Angels and Saints at Ephesus,” a new album released by the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, has debuted at the top position on the Billboard traditional classical albums chart.
“Advent at Ephesus,” an earlier album, also reached the top position on the chart.
Founded in 1995 and invited to the Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph at Bishop Robert Finn, the community worships using the extraordinary form of the Latin liturgy
The Benedictines have now released several of their chant CDs and they are all top notch. It is very calming to listen to their glorious chants. My wife and I have found it helps settle the kids down when they are getting a bit wild. That, and large doses of valium. They sleep for days!
Just kidding. But the chant is truly sublime, and you should really consider, in your charity, supporting this great, traditional religious order that is growing by leaps and bounds by buying their CD! They also make wonder traditional vestments, like sets of roman chasubles!
Texas legislature passes law permitting Nativty scenes in schools May 24, 2013
Posted by tantamergo in awesomeness, Basics, Dallas Diocese, General Catholic, Liturgical Year, North Deanery, persecution, Sacraments, secularism, Society, Tradition, Virtue.add a comment
This can sort of be viewed as a good thing, although I can remember a time when local schools didn’t have to depend upon state government to “allow” them to recognize a holiday celebrated by virtually all students and their families. We have fallen so very far:
By margins of 145-2 in the state house and 29-0 in the state senate, Texas has passed legislation permitting public schools to display “a menorah or a Christmas image such as a nativity scene or Christmas tree, if the display includes a scene or symbol of more than one religion; or one religion and at least one secular scene or symbol.”
“A display relating to a traditional winter celebration may not include a message that encourages adherence to a particular religious belief,” the legislation stated.
In addition, the law provides that “a school district may educate students about the history of traditional winter celebrations, and allow students and district staff to offer traditional greetings regarding the celebrations, including: (1)’Merry Christmas’; (2)’Happy Hanukkah’; and (3) ‘happy holidays.’”
We actually had Christmas parties at school when I was a kid! I think that pooped out in middle school. I don’t know if that was because of some lawsuit, or what. It did seem displays of Christianity became more verboten as my time in school wore on, and that by senior high school, it was pretty much ignored.
Well, it’s a sign, but I’m certain lawsuits are already being filed.
Thomas a Kempis on interior conversation May 23, 2013
Posted by tantamergo in awesomeness, Basics, catachesis, Dallas Diocese, General Catholic, Glory, Grace, Interior Life, reading, sanctity, The Imitation of Christ, Tradition, Virtue.1 comment so far
From The Imitation of Christ, Book II Chapter I interior conversation:
The kingdom of God is within you (Lk 17:21), saith the Lord. Converty thyself with thy whole heart to the Lord (Joel 2:12), and quit this miserable world, and thy soul shall find rest.
Learn to despise exterior things, and give thyself to the interior, and thou shalt see the Kingdom of God will come to thee.
For the Kingdom of God is peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, which is not given to the wicked (Rom 14:17). 
Christ will come to thee, discovering to thee His consolation, if thou wilt prepare Him a fit dwelling within thee.
All His glory and beauty is in the interior (Ps 44:14), and there He pleaseth Himself.
Frequently doth He visit the internal man, sweet in His communication with him, delightful His consolation, much peace, and a familiarity to be admired.
O faithful soul, prepare thy heart for this thy Spouse, that He may vouchsafe to come to thee, and dwell in thee!
For so He saith: “If any man love me he will keep My Word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and We will make our abode with him” (Jn 14:23).
Make room then for Christ within thee and deny entrance to all others.
When thou hast Christ thou art rich and He is sufficient for thee; He will provide for thee, and will be thy faithful procurator in all things, so that thou needsdt not trust to men.
For men quickly change and presently fail; but Christ remains forever, and stands by us fimrly to the end.
There is no great confidence to be put in a frail mortal man, though he be profitable and beloved (Ps 145:2), nor much grief to be taken if sometimes he be against thee and cross thee.
They that are with thee today may be against thee tomorrow; and on the other hand often changed like the wind.
Place thy whole confidence in God and let Him be thy fear and thy love; He will answer for thee and do for thee what is for the best (Jn 17:7).
Thou hast not here a lasting city and wherever thou art thou art a stranger and a pilgrim (1 Pet 2:11), nor wilt thou ever have rest unless thou be interiorly united to Christ.
Why dost thou stand looking about thee here, since this is not thy resting place?
Thy dwelling must be in Heaven and all things of the earth are only to be looked up on as passing by.
All things pass away and thou along with them (Wis 5:9).
See that thou cleave not to them, lest thou be ensnared and be lost.
Let thy thought be with the Most High, and thy prayer directed to Christ without intermission. [pray without ceasing.......]
If thou knowest not how to meditate on high and heavenly things, rest on the passion of Christ, and willingly dwell in His Sacred wounds.
For if thou flee devoutly to the wounds and precious stigmas of Jesus, thou shalt feel great comfort in tribulation; neither wilt thou much regard being despised by men, but wilt easily bear up against detracting tongues.
Christ was also in this world despised by men, and in His greatest necessity foresaken by His acdqauintance and friends in the midst of reproaches.
Christ would suffer and be despised, and dost thou dare to complain of any one?
Christ had adversaries and backbiters, and wouldst thou have all to be thy friends and benefactors?
Whence shall thy patience be crowned if thou meet with no adversity? [Why can't I keep to this! Why must I be so weak!]
If thou wilt suffer not opposition how wilt thou be a friend of Christ? [ditto]
Suffer with Christ and for Christ if thou desirest to reign with Christ (2 Tim 2:12). [I want to, Lord! Help my unbelief! Jesus, have mercy on me!]
————————–End Quote————————–
I pray you found this little meditation useful.
World Day of Prayer for the suffering Church in China May 23, 2013
Posted by tantamergo in awesomeness, Basics, episcopate, General Catholic, Grace, Holy suffering, Our Lady, persecution, Saints, Tradition, Virtue.1 comment so far
Pray to Our Lady of Sheshan! Tomorrow, May 24 is the World Day of Prayer for the suffering Church in China, the true Church, the underground Church, not the false “Chinese Patriotic Church” which should be formally declared schismatic and heretical! Please also say one Hail Mary daily for the cause of canonzation for Cardinal Kung Pin-Mei. The following from the very worthy of your support Cardinal Kung Foundation:
This day of prayer was established by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007. Thank you, Pope Emeritus! May God bless you!
Please support the underground Church in China!
For those who had questions regarding the Regina Caeli/Angelus changeover May 23, 2013
Posted by tantamergo in Basics, Dallas Diocese, General Catholic, Interior Life, Latin Mass, Liturgical Year, North Deanery, Our Lady, sadness, Tradition, Virtue.add a comment
I posted on Monday about some upcoming events in the life of the Church. One of those was a reminder to change over from praying the Regina Caeli for the Angelus on the Saturday before Trinity Sunday. The Regina Caeli stops after the noon prayer. Some wondered why that was, because most sources today say that you should switch back to the Angelus the day before Pentecost, one week earlier. Well, I have the answer.
The traditional practice is still to pray the Regina Caeli until the day before Trinity Sunday. That is because the Octave of Pentecost still exists in the traditional calendar, and an octave treats the entire 8 days as a continuation of the Holy Day, in this case, Pentecost. But the changes to the calendar made for the Novus Ordo after Vatican II eliminated the Octave of Pentecost. So, there are not an extra 7 days of praying the Regina Caeli in the new calendar. But it remains in the old.
Fr. Z loves to tell the apocraphyl story of Pope Paul VI ostensibly crying when he went to go put on his white vestments for WhitMonday, only to find out that it no longer existed and he was to wear green. I’ve always found that story highly doubtful, since Paul VI very carefully reviewed and participated in the formation of both the new Mass and the new calendar. But it seems to make sure Fr. Z feel better.
Anyways, in sum, the traditional practice is to continue the Regina Caeli until Saturday noon before Trinity Sunday – this Sunday – while the Nervous Urdu practice is to switch back to the Angelus the day before Pentecost. Either is valid, at this point in time.
Build a Catholic Culture – assist at a profession of vows May 23, 2013
Posted by tantamergo in awesomeness, Basics, Dallas Diocese, General Catholic, Glory, Grace, Holy suffering, Interior Life, religious, Sacraments, Tradition, Virtue.add a comment
Sister Maria Benedicta of the Incarnation OCD will be professing her first vows on Saturday, May 25 at 10 am at the Carmelite monastery in Dallas. You can assist at the Mass and say hello to Sister Maria Benedicta afterwards in the parlor. There will be food and drink afterwards. I pray I see you there!
Just so you know, the Mass will likely be Novus Ordo predominately in the vernacular, but with some Latin, maybe. Depends on who offers the Mass.
The Carmelite monastery is at 600 Flowers Ave Dallas 75211.
Not Sr. Maria Benedicta
St. Alphonsus on the wonders of God May 22, 2013
Posted by tantamergo in awesomeness, Basics, catachesis, General Catholic, Glory, Grace, Interior Life, religious, Saints, sanctity, Tradition, Virtue.3 comments
Sometimes it’s good just to step back and ponder on God, to give thanks to Him who has given us everything. Who better to turn to in moments like that, than the great Moral Doctor, St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori! From his Ascetical Works volume II, The Way of Salvation and Perfection:
God is a treasure of all Grace, of all good, of all perfection.
God is infinite, God is eternal, God is immense, God is unchangeable.
God is powerful, God is wise, God is provident, God is just.
God is merciful, God is holy, God is beautiful, God is brightness itself, God is rich, God is all things, and He is therefore worthy of love; and of how much love!
God is infinite; He gives to all, and receives nothing from any one. All that we have comes to us from God; but God has nothing from us: Thou art my God, for Thou hast no need of my goods (Ps 15:2).
God is eternal; He has ever been eternal, and always shall be. We can count the years and the days of our existence; but God knows no beginning, and will never have an end; But Thou art always the self-same, and Thy years shall not fail (Ps 101:28).
God is immense, and is essentially preent in every place. We, when we are in one place, cannot be in any other. But God is in all places, in Heaven, on earth, in the sea, in the depths, without us, and within us. Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit? Or whither shall I go from Thy Face? If I ascend into Heaven, Thou art there; if I descend into hell, Thou art present. (Ps 138:7).
God is unchangeable; and all that He has ordained by His Holy Will from eternity, He Wills now, and will do so forever. For I am the Lord, and I change not (Mal 3:6).
God is powerful; and with respect to God, all the power of creatures is but weakness.
God is wise; and with respect to God, all human wisdom is ignorance. [Boy ain't that the truth!]
God is provident; and with respect to God, all human foresight is ridiculous. [Ditto]
God is just; and with respect to God, all human justice is defective; And in His angels he found wickedness (Job 4:18).
God is merciful; and with respect to God, all human clemency is imperfect.
God is holy; and with respect to God, all human sanctity, though it be heroic, falls short in an infinite degree: None is good but God alone (Lk 18:19)
God is beauty itself; yes, how beautiful is God! and with respect to God, all human beauty is deformity. [Especially nowadays...]
God is brightness itself; and with respect to God, all human brightness, even that of the sun, is darkness.
God is rich; and with respect to God, all human riches are poverty.
God is all things; and with respect to God, the highest, the most sublime, the most admirable of created things, and even if they were all untied in one, are as nothing: All men are as nothing before Thee (Ps 38:6). he is, therefore, worthy of love; and, oh, of how much! Ah, God is worthy of so much love, that all the angels, and all the Saints of Paradise, do nothing but love God, and they will throughout all eternity be occupied only in loving Him; and in this love of God, they are and will always be happy.
Ah, God is so worthy of love, that he is obliged to love Himself with an infinite love; and in this same love, so necessary, but at the saem time so delightful, which God bears to Himself, consists his beatitude! And shall we not love Him?
——————–End Quote———————
Thank you, Lord, for giving us a Saint like Alphonsus, who helps us to know You and see You as You really are! We are so imperfect and so little, so fallen and corrupt, and yet You love us still! Why, Lord? Why do You, who are infinite and eternal, love us, who are pathetic and fleeting? Only You know, but I thank You for Your Love! Have mercy on us poor, weak little sinners! Deo Gratias!
This is true! May 21, 2013
Posted by tantamergo in awesomeness, Basics, Ecumenism, Four Last Things, Interior Life, Liturgy, sanctity, Tradition, Virtue.1 comment so far
Thanks to Orbis Catholicus Secundus:
Some important reminders on upcoming liturgical events May 20, 2013
Posted by tantamergo in awesomeness, Basics, Dallas Diocese, General Catholic, Glory, Grace, Holy suffering, Liturgical Year, North Deanery, sanctity, Tradition, Virtue.comments closed
We are in a glorious part of the Liturgical calendar that marks the ending of Paschaltime with a slew of great feasts and other aspects of Church life. Of course we just had Pentecost yesterday, and coming this Sunday is Trinity Sunday. The following Thursday is the great Feast of Corpus Christi, with the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary the following day, May 31. Then, June 7 is the Feast of the Sacred Heart, which winds up this veritable explosion of Grace-filled days our Lord has seen fit to give our Holy Mother Church.
The point of all the above, is to remind you to go to Mass on those Feast Days! Don’t wait for Sunday!
Another important reminder, this week is the Summer Ember Week. Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday are days of fast and partial abstinence. That means you can have one meal with meat and at most two smaller snacks w/o meat that do not equal another meal. Friday of course is total abstinence. I finally made a reminder for Ember Week early enough to hopefully be useful!
Note that the use of the Regina Caeli, that great, beautiful prayer, ends on Saturday with the noon prayer. After that, it is back to the Angelus. I will miss you, Regina Caeli! You are one of my favorite prayers/chants!
You need to start your Corpus Christi Novena tomorrow. There is text for a commonly used Novena here and below.
I thank You, Jesus, my Divine Redeemer, for coming upon the earth for our sake, and for instituting the adorable Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist in order to remain with us until the end of the world. I thank You for hiding beneath the Eucharistic species Your infinite majesty and beauty, which Your Angels delight to behold, so that I might have courage to approach the throne of Your Mercy. I thank You, most loving Jesus, for having made Your- self my food, and for uniting me to Yourself with so much love in this wonderful Sacrament that I may live in You. I thank You, my Jesus, for giving Yourself to me in this Blessed Sacrament, and so enriching it with the treasures of Your love that You have no greater gift to give me. I thank You not only for becoming my food but also for offering Yourself as a continual sacrifice to Your Eternal Father for my salvation. I thank You, Divine Priest, for offering Yourself as a Sacrifice daily upon our altars in adoration and homage to the Most Blessed Trinity, and for making amends for our poor and miserable adorations. I thank You for renewing in this daily Sacrifice the actual Sacrifice of the Cross offered on Calvary, in which You satisfy Divine justice for us poor sinners. I thank You, dear Jesus, for having become the priceless Victim to merit for me the fullness of heavenly favors. Awaken in me such confidence in You that their fullness may descend ever more fruitfully upon my soul. I thank You for offering Yourself in thanksgiving to God for all His benefits, spiritual and temporal, which He has bestowed upon me. In union with Your offering of Yourself to Your Father in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, I ask for this special favor: (Mention your request). If it be Your holy Will, grant my request. Through You I also hope to receive the grace of perseverance in Your love and faithful service, a holy death, and a happy eternity with You in Heaven. Amen.
O Lord, You have given us this Sacred Banquet, in which Christ is received, the memory of His Passion is renewed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us. You have given them bread from Heaven. Having all sweetness within. Let us pray. God our Father, for Your glory and our salvation You appointed Jesus Christ eternal High Priest. May the people He gained for You by His Blood come to share in the power of His Cross and Resurrection by celebrating His Memorial in this Eucharist, for He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.
O Jesus, since You have left us a remembrance of Your Passion beneath the veils of this Sacrament, grant us, we pray, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Your Body and Blood that we may always enjoy the fruits of Your Redemption, for You live and reign forever. Amen.
St. Jerome on some modern errors May 17, 2013
Posted by tantamergo in awesomeness, Basics, catachesis, Ecumenism, General Catholic, Interior Life, Saints, secularism, self-serving, Tradition, Virtue.comments closed
St. Jerome was one of the most irascible men ever to become a Saint, let alone a Doctor of the Church. He had a terrible temper and quite a mean streak. But, he composed the Latin Vulgate, the biblical text used in the Mass for centuries, and wrote some great exegeses on Christian doctrine. 
In reading some of these ancient Fathers, it always amazes me how today’s errors are nothing new. The same errors always come up, over and over again, because men want to rule themselves, rather than submit to a transcendent God. And, we always seem to stumble over certain of the same ideas – would a loving God really allow souls to fall into hell (the answer: yes), must we really practice virtue, etc., etc? Basically, these issues get back to the original error: certainly God wouldn’t condemn wonderful ME!
Anyways, to St. Jerome, from his text Against Jovinian, AD 393, from The Faith of the Early Fathers, pp. 200-201.
It is our task, according to our different virtues, to prepare for ourselves different rewards…….If we are going to be equal in Heaven it woudl be useless for us to humble ourselves here in order ot have a greater place there……..Why should virgins persevere? Why should widows toil? Why should married women be continent? Let us all sin, and after we repent we shall be the same as the Apostles are! [This line struck me as being particularly apropos for so many protestants, who, mimicking Luther, feel that "faith" is all that is required for salvation, and that practicing virtue and avoiding sin is unnecessary. In fact, Luther counseled to "sin boldly, but have an even bolder faith." What Luther failed to realize, is that even having faith is a work. But his counsel is completely contrary to what the Church - guided by the Fathers, who were informed by the original 
Apostles - has always believed. We MUST practice virtue, spiritual and corporal, in order to be saved. For virtue gives witness to our faith, otherwise, it's just so many words]
If all rational creatures are equal, and by their own free will are, in view of their virtues or of their vices, either raised up to the heights or plunged down to the depths, and after the lengthy passage of infinite ages there will be a restitution of all things and but a single dignity for all the soldiers, how far apart will a virgin be from a whore? What difference between the Mother of the Lord and - it is impious to even say it! – the victims of public licentiousness? Will Gabriel and the devil be the same? The Apostles and the demons the same? The Prophets and pseudo-prophets the same? Martyrs and their persecutors the same? [Here St. Jerome attacks Origen's theory of "universal salvation," or the semi-Origenist position that while there will be a period of punishment, at the end of time, God will "restore all things" and bring everyone to salvation. But these same words can be applied to even greater effect to the universal salvationists of today, when they corrupt the virtuous with the presence of the immoral. I, for one, am thankful that St.'s Jerome and Augustine - among many, many others - crushed this error definitvely 1600 years ago. We need a new Jerome.]
