Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Continued Prayers for the Society of St. Pius X & the Holy Father....in Latin


A few days ago, I blogged about praying for the Society.  It was the first time for me to blog about the Society, and lo and behold a statement comes forth.

If the press statements are reliable, it seemed that the superior of the Society recently stated that, at this point, forward movement was not possible without some clarifications from the Holy See.

I don't remember the exact phrasing, but it seems that further conversation is needed with the proposed Preamble and the proposed Personal Prelature.

Well....

...I'm NOT deterred with prayer!

That's all I'm going to say at this point.

Well...

...maybe not.

Won't you join me, dear class, in prayer?! 

Let us pray and entrust this matter to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and to St. Pius X.

As I wrote this a few minutes ago, I wrote the Hail Mary first in English and then in Latin.  Since the Society is fond of Latin, I changed this and have, in honor of these efforts at reconciliation, posted the prayers of the holy Rosary in Latin.

I only know the Salve Regina in Latin.  Perhaps this is a good time for me to learn the prayers in Latin.  We'll see.

This reminds me of that scene from Saving Private Ryan (1998) where the Allies invade Normandy.  One of the soldiers, under fire, prayed the rosary in Latin.

Well, here you go.  We're under fire for sure....and are expected to perform exemplary in battle -- spiritual battle of course.

Lord Jesus, Son of David, hear our prayer!   In Your Most Precious and Holy Name!  Amen.


THE PRAYERS OF THE ROSARY 

Sign of the Cross:

In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen

Apostles' Creed:
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 infernos, 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.

The Lord's Prayer:
PATER NOSTER, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen.

The Hail Mary:
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.

Glory Be:
GLORIA PATRI, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

Oratio Fatimae (The Fatima Prayer)
Domine Iesu, dimitte nobis debita nostra, salva nos ab igne inferiori, perduc in caelum omnes animas, praesertim eas, quae misericordiae tuae maxime indigent.

Hail, Holy Queen:
SALVE REGINA, Mater misericordiae. Vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve. Ad te clamamus exsules filii Hevae. Ad te Suspiramus, gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle. Eia ergo, Advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte. Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exsilium ostende. O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria.
V. Ora pro nobis, Sancta Dei Genitrix.
R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Praying for the Society of St. Pius X & the Society's Response to Pope's Invitation for a Personal Prelature

For the past few weeks, the Society of St. Pius X has been on my mind.  I have no particular agenda other than the unity that Christ willed for his Church.


I have attended the Ordinary Form of the Mass ever since I started practicing my faith many, many years ago.  I accept the Second Vatican Council, including the documents on religious liberty and non-Christian religions.  These are enough reasons for members of the Society to hold me anathema.

But when I first heard of Pope Benedict's outreach to the Society, my thoughts immediately turned to the Queen of Heaven.  We must pray for the situation.  Many Vatican II Catholics are sympathetic to the issues raised by the SSPX.

The time is ripe under this papacy for development in a way that would respect the Society's issues yet reconcile the situation.  It had to happen under Benedict, whom Fr. Z calls the Pope of Christian Unity.  If it doesn't happen now, there may be major set back.  But if there is success, then maybe the Society could bring their reform issues to the table for further discussion.

I mean, look at the Anglican Ordinariate and now the Ordinariate for the USA this Jan. 1, 2012.  Look at the progress made with the Eastern Catholic Churches.  Look at the Personal Prelature of Opus Dei.  These are only some structures in place in the Catholic Church that show how these are gifts from Heaven.

Please take the offer, SSPX!

I know some of my word choices could have been better above, but I rest in the words of Our Lord who prayed for the unity of His disciples so that the world may believe.  From the point of view of this Novus Ordo Catholic, if the Society were to accept a Personal Prelature, then what good would be done to the Church!

I would definitely visit the Society and attend Holy Mass under the Society's auspices should this take place.  I'd like to learn more about the Society.

So, dear class, let us pray.

And let us ask Pope St. Pius X for his intercession in this matter, too.




Holy Mary, pray for us.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Pausing to Say, "Thank you, O Lord."

For this Thanksgiving season, Mr. P. wants to say "Thank you, Lord."

Here are two prayers to make sure you learn.

GRACE BEFORE MEALS: Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts which we are about to receive from Thy bounty through Christ Our Lord.  Amen.

THE HOLY MASS: The best way to say thank you to God is to attend Mass.  Even more, to receive Holy Communion in the state of grace. 

Also, during the month of November, remember, the Church prays for the souls of the dead.  We cannot forget the poor souls in purgatory.  Have Mass offered for them.  Pray the rosary for them.

Here's another prayer to learn:

REQUIEM:  + Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.  May they rest in peace.  Amen.

Okay, so that's actually three -- not two -- prayers to learn: Grace Before Meals, the Requiem, and the Holy Mass, especially the new translation of the Third Roman Missal.

Class dismissed.

"So It Begins"

The Church enters the new year and Advent season.  With it, in the English-speaking world, comes the new translation of the Third Roman Missal.


So it begins.

It will take a while for us to acclimate to the new changes. But acclimate we will.

May this be a period of renewal and greater love for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.


HW: Learn the new translations.

Class dismissed.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

A Great Mexican Jesuit Martyr: Blessed Miguel Pro, S.J. "Viva Cristo Rey!"

One of my fave Jesuit martyrs is Blessed Miguel Pro, a priest of the Society of Jesus (S.J.).

Today, we remember him and how he laid down his life for Christ in Mexico.  Here's a black and white photo of him a few minutes before his execution before a firing squad.  His crime: He was falsely accused of a political assassination attempt.  His last words: Viva Cristo Rey!



Last week, Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao defeated his Mexican boxing rival.  But today, and more importantly for all eternity, we remember this great Mexican martyr who, like St. Paul who died for Jesus, fought as though he were not shadow boxing.

In the spiritual life, martyrdom shows the real character of a real fighter in the ring.  One does not shadow box.  One fights to win!  And to win for love of Jesus Christ who has already won the battle.

In this corner: Fr. Miguel Pro, weighing in with his faith in the Cross and love for the flock.  In that corner: the persecuting government of Mexico in the 1920s, weighing in with all their political power and force at their disposal.

Yes, it seems odd that a country that was overwhelmingly Catholic -- some 90%+ of the population -- was experiencing persecution.

Padre Miguel would go around in disguise, celebrating Mass, hearing Confessions, baptizing and comforting the persecuted flock.

Here's a picture of him in one of his many disguises.  Look out, Zartan!  Look out, Mission: Impossible team!


I love this one where he's disguised as a plumber.


I can just imagine Padre Pro asking one of the officers pursuing him to light his cigarette while in disguise.

I even heard one time he approached a posted security guard who was guarding a house in which some Catholics were expecting him to say Mass.

Imagine this:

Father Miguel walks up to a house that is expecting him, approaches the guard posted at the front door, and engages in conversation with the very people pursuing him.  Remember, he's a wanted man.

Fr. Pro: Senor, have you spotted that priest yet?

Guard: Not yet, Senor.

Fr. Pro: Well, let me know if you see him.

Guard: Si, Senor!

Fr. Pro walks in the house to celebrate Mass in secret.

After Mass, Fr. Pro walks out of the house and talks to the guard.

Fr. Pro: Any sight of that priest?

Guard: Not yet, Senor.

Fr. Pro: Well, be sure to keep an eye out for him.

Guard: Okay, Senor!

Fr. Pro then walks away.

I'm paraphrasing the story.

But you get the point.

Padre Miguel was bold!



Eventually, they caught him.


The government decided to take photos to scare the people.

Alas!

When will governments who try to destroy the Church ever learn?  The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.


This photo posted above is Father Miguel in prayer before his execution.   He forgives his executors.

It is really the first time someone's martyrdom is recorded in 20 centuries of the Church's history.

Viva Cristo Rey!
Holding a rosary in hand, he makes the shape of a Cross with his arms.  He yells out for the last time: Viva Cristo Rey!

Long live Christ the King!



They put a bullet in his head just to make sure he's dead.

But viva Pade Miguel!  He's alive in Christ!




Thank you, mil gracias, for your sacrifice, Padre Miguel!

I think of this passage today, and I dedicate it to this great Jesuit martyr.  It's from one of St. Paul's letter:

"Every athlete exercises discipline in every way.  
They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.
Thus, I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing.
No, I drive my body and train for it, for fear that, after having preached to others, 
I myself should be disqualified" (1 Cor. 9:25-27).

Run so as to win!  And win the imperishable crown he did.

Blessed Miguel Pro, pray for us.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Rumor Circulating of 2nd Filipino Saint: A 17-Year Old Catechist-Martyr

Rumors -- or perhaps fact? -- in the Vatican and Cebu are circulating that a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Pedro Calungsod (1654-1672) is being presented to Pope Benedict XVI.


If true, this means that the 2nd Filipino saint can be canonized soon if approved by the Pope.

What's more amazing is that this 17 year old catechist is a martyr of the Gospel of Christ.  The first Filipino saint also died for his Faith.

It shows that Christian youth are not just recipients of the Gospel, but they are also heralds of the Gospel!  In other words, they don't just go to classes and sit in faith formation courses.....NO! They are also catechists and proclaimers of the Word of God, as this Filipino priest from the Archdiocese of Cebu states in this interview:


 He was martyred in what is today modern-day Guam, along with a Spanish priest whom he was defending.

More to come, I'm sure!


Blessed Pedro Calungsod, pray for us.

Class dismissed.


Monday, November 7, 2011

Jesus, I Trust in You

Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Here's a video rendition of  Jesus appearing to St. Faustina in Poland in 1929.


Sunday, November 6, 2011

Saturday, November 5, 2011

On Speaking Out & Consequentialism

I want to be a "nice" guy.  I really do.  Sincerely.

I don't like controversy.  I'm not a fan of always rockin' the boat.

But every now and then my conscience gives me the ol electric shock or two to speak.

I try to speak as pastoral and gentle and with great love for my neighbor as possible.

I really do.

Sometimes it can come out strong.

But I guess as a classroom teacher and catechist my task is to present the Church's teaching, and then it is up to the soul to make the choice.

At least I've done my job.

Bl. John Paul the Great, Veritatis Splendor (1993)


One error pointed out in Vertitatis Splendor -- I don't know the exact quotation -- is the error of "consequentialism".  This is the ideology that one makes moral choices based on the outcome of the act.  Politically, it can be viewed as "utilitarianism," the ideology of the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

The truth is in the object, not the effect.  In other words, something should be done because it's right, not b/c some good will come of it.  Choices should be made looking at the moral act itself, not the consequences of the act.

I don't wanna pick on them, but people think politicians do this all the time.  Politicians can be consequentialists when then want to win and election instead of speak the truth of the moral law.

But I cannot be a consequentialist.  I cannot worry about the effects of my speaking out.

Yes, I realize that I am a sinner.  But I am impelled to speak.

St. Paul talks about this -- I don't remember the exact quotation -- when he says something about woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel.

In one of the First Readings a couple of months ago, one of the Prophets said -- again, I cannot remember the exact quotation -- that his tongue cannot remain silent.

Elsewhere, the Scriptures talk about -- and I paraphrase -- If you do not speak out and the sinner dies, I will hold you accountable for his sin.  But if you speak out and the sinner dies, I will not hold you accountable.

Thus, I feel impelled to speak.

I do penance for the times when I was silent.  Or when my teaching could have been better.

Yes, the Scriptures say that there is a time to talk and a time to be silent.  (I think this is in Ecclesiastes.)

But God has blessed me with gifts of knowledge and understanding -- I'm trying to grow in wisdom now more -- and I've been told it is a gift to share those.

Two issues, well three actually, are marriage and abortion.  The third was the desecration of Our Lady in Rome.  This third one outraged me more than the previous two.

I don't wanna worry about the consequences of my teaching.  My task is to be faithful.  "My teaching is not my own."

Yes, I pray that it may be done in the Spirit of Christ with pastoral love for the flock of God.  This is true charity.

To teach in charity and truth.  And of course to live in first and foremost as Papa Benny recently said in a papal address on the need for teachers to live the Faith they profess.

So there.

That's been on my mind.

I accept the consequences.

I cannot be a consequentialist.

I want to be a "nice" guy.

I really do.

Who wants to not be liked?

Who wants to always live their life always in exile?

Humanly speaking, of course.

But the thought of eternal life.

That puts things in perspective.

Holy Spirit, forgive me  for not speaking when You want me to speak.

Veni Sancte Spiritus! 

Class dismissed.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Pop Quiz #2: Modern Saints (10 points)

DIRECTIONS: Answer each question in no more than 3 sentences.  (1 point each)

1.) What are the names of the two beatified parents of St. Therese of Liesiuex?

2.) Why was the catechist Bl. Peter To Rot martyred during World War II?

3.) How did Bl. Pedro Calungsod defend the Spanish friar from an angry village chief who thought Baptism brought evil spirits to his village?

4.) Who was St. Augustine Zhao?

5.) Who was Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati?  Name a favorite sport of his.

6.) What was the cause of death for St. Gianna Molla?

7.) What was Bl. Edith Stein's religion before her conversion to the Catholic faith?  What was her secular profession before entering religious life?

8.) Describe the life and priestly ministry of St. Damien of Molokai.  Who is Hawaii's second saint/beati? 

9.) Who was St. Josephine Bakhita?

10.)  With what apostolate was Bl. Teresa of Calcutta involved before founding the Missionaries of Charity?


EXTRA CREDIT: Name anyone who lived in the past 100 years who currently has a cause for canonization open.