Pope takes steps to promote Latin

Pope takes steps to promote Latin - Vatican Insider

Benedict XVI is to publish a motu proprio to establish the “Pontificia Academia Latinitatis”. In the Vatican, “e-mail address” has been translated as “inscriptio cursus electronici”

ANDREA TORNIELLIVATICAN CITY

“Foveatur lingua latina”. Pope Benedict XVI is keen to foster people’s knowledge of the language of Cicero, Augustine and Erasmus of Rotterdam not just in the Catholic Church but also in civil society and in schools. Indeed he is about to publish a motu proprio to establish the new “Pontificia Academia Latinitatis”. So far, the Vatican body in charge of keeping the ancient language alive has been the “Latinitas” foundation, which has been under the aegis of the Vatican Secretariat of State but is now destined to disappear: other than publishing “Latinitas” magazine and organising “Certamen Vaticanum” an international Latin poetry and prose competition, over the years, the foundation has also been in charge of translating modern words into Latin.

The imminent establishment of the new pontifical academy which will add to the eleven existing academies – including the most famous ones representing science and life – has been confirmed in a letter sent by the President of the Pontifical Council for Culture, Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, to Fr. Romano Nicolini, an Italian priest who is massively in favour of reintroducing Latin lessons in junior high schools. Ravasi recalled that the Academy’s initiative was “put forward by the Holy Father” and promoted by the Vatican dicastery for culture: its members will include “eminent academics of various nationalities, whose aim it will be to promote the use and knowledge of the Latin language in both ecclesiastical and civil contexts, including schools.” The cardinal concluded the letter by saying that the initiative was a way of responding to “the numerous requests we have been receiving from all across the world.”

Read more here: http://vaticaninsider.lastampa.it/en/homepage/inquiries-and-interviews/detail/articolo/latino-latin-latin-papa-pope-el-papa-17766/

Saint Rose of Lima, Saints Felix & Adauctus

Saints Felix & Adauctus with Jesus & Mary

SAINT ROSE OF LIMA
Virgin

SAINTS FELIX AND ADAUCTUS
Martyrs

DOUBLE / WHITE
The first canonized saint of the Western Hemisphere, Rose of Lima (1586-1617) might also be considered a type of the special vocation of contemplative-in-the-world. Inspired by the example of St. Catherine of Siena, Rose became a Dominican lay tertiary and devoted herself to works of active charity while living a life of extreme austerity. She longed to evangelize the Indians, not at all discouraged by the thought that they would probably kill her. Saint Martin de Porres and Bl. John Masias were among her friends. She died at the age of 31, praying, "Lord, increase my sufferings, and with them increase Your love in my heart."

Mass of a VIRGIN, except 

 

COLLECT

O Almighty God, from whom every good gift comes, it pleased You that blessed rose should blossom as a flower of purity and patience in the Indies under the shower of Your heavenly grace. May we, Your servants, follow the fragrance of her sweetness so that we too may become a pleasing offering to Christ; who lives and rules with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

Commemoration of SAINTS FELIX AND ADAUCTUS
Felix, a Roman priest, was beheaded about A.D. 303. Adauctus, a Christian layman, insisted on sharing the crown of the martyred priest. Since his name was not known, he was simply called by the Latin equivalent of "added on."

O Lord, we humbly implore Your majesty to defend us through the intercession of Your saints, just as You fill us with happiness by the celebration of their feast. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET 
Accept this gift, O Lord, from a people dedicated to You. We offer it in honor of Your saints for the help we have received from them when we were in trouble. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS FELIX AND ADAUCTUS
Look upon the offering of Your people, O Lord, and let the Sacrifice which we devoutly celebrate in honor of Your saints also bring us the consolation of knowing that it helps us toward salvation. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION 
O Lord, You have feasted Your family with the Food of Heaven. May we always be refreshed through the intercession of Your saint whose feast we celebrate this day. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS FELIX AND ADAUCTUS
We have feasted on Your Sacred Gifts, O Lord; may the prayers of Your saints keep us constant in returning thanks to You. Through our Lord . . .

THE HOURS OF OUR LADY #25

We continue with our posting of the Introduction to The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary:

 

(The translation of the Psalms and the brief introductory comments on the Psalms of this Little Office of the Blessed Virgin are taken largely from: The Psalms and Canticles by George O'Neill, S.J. [Bruce Publishing Co. 1937.] The late Father O'Neill's work has long been out of print.)

[Continued]

INTRODUCTION

 

"The authors of the Psalms spoke to God out of their own minds and hearts, and not in all particulars as a modern Christian would be moved to pray. And yet . . . . this was equally true of our Divine Lord in His recitation of the Psalms. For instance, David's words of sorrow for sin could speak for nothing in the conscience of our sinless Redeemer. We, indeed, can borrow these words in all their force. But on the part of Christ only some other intention--perhaps that of intercession for us, offered as if in our name--could give them sincerity as words of prayer. Furthermore, each Psalmist's place in history and position in society, his personal needs, his particular trials and enemies, and his exact experience of divine protection, were not identically those of Christ, as neither are they ours. Our Lord could not verify the Psalmist's situation as His own, and yet He could and did, WHEN HE WORSHIPED IN THE TEMPLE, ADOPT THE PSALMIST'S WORDS TO EXPRESS HIS OWN SENTIMENTS OF PRAISE AND PRAYER."

 

[To be continued]

 

Former SSPX community granted formal status in Catholic Church :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Former SSPX community granted formal status in Catholic Church :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Bishop Hugh Gilbert of Aberdeen.

Aberdeen, Scotland, Aug 24, 2012 / 01:30 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- A traditionalist religious order that used to be part of the breakaway Society of St. Pius X has received formal recognition as a diocesan institute within the Catholic Church.

“On this festive solemnity of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God body and soul into Heaven our spiritual joy and fraternal rejoicing is great indeed,” read the statement issued Aug. 15 by the Congregation of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer. The religious community is based on the tiny island of Papa Stronsay in the Orkney Isles off the north coast of Scotland.

“Our community,” it announced, “has been granted canonical recognition as a Clerical Institute of Diocesan Right by His Lordship the Right Reverend Dom Hugh Gilbert, O.S.B., Bishop of Aberdeen.”

The move brings to a completion a process of reconciliation that began in 2008 when the community joined the Catholic Church following Pope Benedict XVI’s issuing of “Summorum Pontificum.”  The papal decree allowed traditional Latin rites to be more widely used within the Church.

“I am pleased that the process of canonical recognition has been completed and I hope that The Congregation of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer will be able to contribute fully to the life of the Church,” Bishop Gilbert said Aug. 15.

Since becoming bishop in August 2011, Bishop Gilbert has undertaken two official visits to Papa Stronsay to help formalize the order’s position within the Church. On Aug. 22 he returned to conclude matters by celebrating the community’s public profession of vows.

The Congregation of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer purchased Papa Stronsay  --  which means “Priests Island of Stronsay” – back in 1999. In 2007, the order also created a new foundation in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Although the Scottish community owns the island, life can be austere since the remote location does not have services for gas, electricity, phones or water. Instead, the order produces electricity with a diesel generator, pumps water from wells, and heats its buildings and water with kerosene burners.

The journey to the island from the mainland usually requires two ferry trips, followed by another five-minute crossing on the monastery’s boat. 

Saint Louis IX, Saint Patricia

Detail of 'St-Louis IX at the Battle of Taillebourg',
painted by Eugène Delacroix in 1837 (at 'Galerie des Batailles', Versailles). The decisive engagement of this brief, but critical war was fought on 21 or 22 July 1242, near the strategic bridge over the Charente river just south of the château of Taillebourg.

SAINT LOUIS IX
King and Confessor

SAINT PATRICIA

Virgin (665 A.D.)

[Historical]

SIMPLE / WHITE 
King Louis IX of France (1215-70) is acknowledged the ideal Christian monarch. Not only was his private life marked by a spirit of contemplation and asceticism overflowing in Christ-like charity toward all men, from fellow kings to the lowest of his subjects; he also gave his country a rule of unprecedented peace, justice, and material and spiritual prosperity. He fostered the flowering of Gothic architecture, developed the University of Paris. So great was his apostolic zeal that when he joined the Crusades he personally prepared Saracen converts for baptism and sent their children to France for a Catholic education. In a message to the Sultan of Tunis he wrote: "I desire so strongly the salvation of your soul that to secure it I would gladly spend the rest of my life in a Saracen prison. . . ." He died of plague at Tunis during his second campaign to save the Holy Land.

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, except 

COLLECT
O God, You raised the blessed confessor Louis from an earthly throne to the glory of Your kingdom in heaven. May the merits and prayers of this saint bring us to share in the kingdom of Jesus Christ, Your Son, the King of kings; who lives and rules with You . . .

LESSON Wisdom 10:10-14
The Lord conducted the just through the right ways, and shewed him the kingdom of God, and gave him the knowledge of the holy things, made him honourable in his labours, and accomplished his labours. In the deceit of them that overreached him, he stood by him, and made him honourable. He kept him safe from his enemies, and he defended him from seducers, and gave him a strong conflict, that he might overcome, and know that wisdom is mightier than all. He forsook not the just when he was sold, but delivered him from sinners: he went down with him into the pit. And in bands he left him not, till he brought him the sceptre of the kingdom, and power against those that oppressed him: and shewed them to be liars that had accused him, and gave him everlasting glory.

GOSPEL Luke 19:12-26
At that time, Jesus spoke this parable to His disciples, "A certain nobleman went into a far country, to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. And calling his ten servants, he gave them ten pounds and said to them: 'Trade till I come.' But his citizens hated him and they sent an embassage after him, saying: 'We will not have this man to reign over us.' "And it came to pass that he returned, having received the kingdom: and he commanded his servants to be called, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading, And the first came saying: 'Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.' And he said to him: 'Well done, thou good servant, because thou hast been faithful in a little, thou shalt have power over ten cities.' And the second came, saying: 'Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.' And he said to him: 'Be thou also over five cities.' And another came, saying: 'Lord, behold here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin. For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up what thou didst not lay down: and thou reapest that which thou didst not sow.' "He saith to him: 'Out of thy own mouth I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up what I laid not down and reaping that which I did not sow. And why then didst thou not give my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have exacted it with usury?' And he said to them that stood by: 'Take the pound away from him and give it to him that hath ten pounds.' And they said to him: 'Lord, he hath ten pounds.' But I say to you that to every one that hath shall be given, and he shall abound: and from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken from him."

SECRET
O Almighty God, may we be made acceptable to You through the prayers of Your blessed confessor Louis, who spurned the pleasures of this world and sought only to please Christ the King. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
O God, may the Church have as her defender the blessed confessor Louis, on whom You bestowed renown on earth and glory in heaven. Through our Lord . . .

 

Virgin 

{Historical}

 Patron of Naples, Italy

Saint Patricia of Naples, or Patricia of Constantinople (Italian: Santa Patrizia) (d. ca. 665 AD), is an Italian virgin martyr and saint. Tradition states that she was noble; she may have been related to the Roman Emperor. Some sources say that she was a descendant of Constantine the Great.^[1]
Wishing to escape an marriage arranged by Constans II and become a nun, she went to Rome. There she received the veil from Pope Liberius. Upon the death of her father, she returned to Constantinople and, renouncing any claim to the imperial crown, distributed her wealth to the poor. She then planned to go on pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
However, a terrible storm shipwrecked her on the shores of Naples. Finding refuge on the tiny island of Megarides (the site of the present-day Castel dell'Ovo), the site of a small hermitage, Patricia died shortly after from disease.
Like St. Januarius there, a vial believed to be filled with her blood reportedly liquefies thirteen hundred years after her death.

Saint Philip Benizi

SAINT PHILIP BENIZI
Confessor

DOUBLE / WHITE
St. Philip was born in Florence of the noble family of Benizi on the Feast of the Assumption, 1233. Our Lady herself called him to her newly founded Order of Servites. Philip entered as a lay brother, but his abilities were soon discovered and he was ordained to the priesthood. As a priest he filled in succession the highest offices of his order. He won souls to God in various European countries; and in Italy itself, then wasted by civil wars, his preaching restored peace.

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, 

except
COLLECT
O God, You have set before us an outstanding example of humility in the person of Your blessed confessor Philip. Grant us, Your servants, the grace to follow his example and spurn earthly riches in order to strive after the treasures of heaven. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET
Accept this offering which we humbly present in honor of Your Saints, O God, and through it purify our bodies and our souls. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
Almighty God, we pray that the reception of this Bread of Heaven may strengthen us against all adversity through the intercession of Your blessed Confessor Philip. Through our Lord . . . 

Apparition of the Virgin to Saint Hyacinth
by Ludovico Carracci (1594)

SAINT HYACINTH
Confessor

WITHIN THE OCTAVE

DOUBLE / WHITE
The nephew of a Polish bishop, Hyacinth (1185-1257) was received as a Friar Preacher by St. Dominic himself. At the age of 33, Hyacinth was made superior of the mission that Dominic sent to Poland. He and his confrères began the amazing apostolate that was finally to include Poland, Austria, Moravia, Pomerania, Prussia, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Scotland, and Russia. The great Apostle of the North was characterized by an intense devotion to Mary, Queen of the Apostles. He attributed his victories over error to her, "who alone has overcome all heresies throughout the world."

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH

COLLECT

O God, it is a joy for us to celebrate yearly the feast of Your blessed confessor Hyacinth. May we who commemorate his birthday also imitate his example. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET 
We offer You, O Lord, this sacrifice of praise in memory of Your saints. Free us from evil now and in the future through their intercession. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION 
Refreshed with Heavenly Food and Drink we humbly pray You, our God, that we may be strengthened by the prayers of Your saint, in whose memory we have received this Sacrament. through our Lord . . .

10th Sunday After Pentecost, Dedication of Our Lady of the Snows

St. Mary Major

Altar Canopy and Apse
TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

THE DEDICATION OF THE CHURCH
OF OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS

DOUBLE / GREEN 

INTROIT Ps. 54:17, 18, 20, 23 

When I called upon the Lord, He heard my voice and delived me from those who war against me. He humbled them, He who is from eternity and remains forever. Cast your care upon the Lord, and He will support you. 

Ps. 54:2. Hearken, O God, to my prayer and turn not from my pleading; give heed to me, and answer me. 

V. Glory be . . . 

COLLECT

O God, Your almighty power is made most evident in Your mercy and pity. Be even more merciful toward us, that we may aspire after Your promises and come to share Your heavenly rewards. Through our Lord . . . 

Commemoration of THE DEDICATION OF THE CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS

This church is also called St. Mary Major because it is, both in antiquity and dignity, the most eminent among churches in Rome dedicated to God in honor of the Blessed Virgin. A popular legend relates that the Mother of God herself chose the site of this church, indicating it by a miraculous fall of snow on this spot in summer. By the generosity of the devout Spanish sovereigns, the ceiling of the great nave of the church is covered with the first gold brought from the New World. 

Grant Your servants continual health of mind and body, O Lord God, and let the intercession of the blessed ever-Virgin Mary gain for us freedom from our present sorrow so that we may enjoy everlasting happiness. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE I Cor. 12:2-11 

Brethren: You know that when you were heathens, you went to dumb idols, according as you were led. Wherefore, I give you to understand that no man, speaking by the Spirit of God, saith Anathema to Jesus. And no man can say "The Lord Jesus," but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of graces, but the same Spirit. And there are diversities of ministries. but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but the same God, who worketh all in all. And the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man unto profit. To one indeed, by the Spirit, is given the word of wisdom: and to another, the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit: To another, faith in the same spirit: to another, the grace of healing in one Spirit: To another the working of miracles: to another, prophecy: to another, the discerning of spirits: to another, diverse kinds of tongues: to another, interpretation of speeches. But all these things, one and the same Spirit worketh, dividing to every one according as he will. 

GRADUAL Ps. 16:8, 2 

Keep me as the apple of Your eye, O Lord; protect me under the shadow of Your wings. 

V. Let my judgment come from You; let Your eyes behold what is right. 

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 64:2. 

It is fitting to praise You in Sion, O God, and to fulfill our vow to You in Jerusalem. Alleluia! 

GOSPEL Luke 18:9-14 

At that time, Jesus spoke this parable also to some who trusted in themselves as just and despised others. "Two men went up into the temple to pray: the one a Pharisee and the other a publican. The Pharisee standing, prayed thus with himself: 'O God, I give thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this publican. I fast twice in a week: I give tithes of all that I possess.' And the publican, standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes towards heaven; but struck his breast, saying: 'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.' I say to you, this man went down into his house justified rather than the other: because every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled: and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." 

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 24:1-3 

I have lifted up my soul to You, O Lord; I place my trust in You, O my God. Let me not be put to shame, nor let my enemies exult over me. No one who waits for You shall be left in confusion. 

SECRET 

This Sacrifice was instituted by You, O Lord, to give glory to Your name. May we offer it in such a manner that we may find in it healing for our weaknesses. Through our Lord . . . 

Commemoration of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

O Lord, through Your mercy and the intercession of the Blessed Ever-Virgin Mary, let this offering bring us prosperity and peace now and forever. Through our Lord . . . 

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 50:21 

You shall be pleased with sacrifices which are Your due; with oblations and holocausts offered upon Your altar, O Lord. 

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER 

O Lord our God, do not withhold Your gracious assistance from us, for by Your heavenly Sacrament we are ever made new. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the BLESSES VIRGIN MARY 

O Lord, grant that we who have received the Sacrament of our salvation may be protected through the intercession of the Blessed Ever-Virgin Mary, in whose honor we have offered this Sacrifice to Your majesty. Through our Lord . . .

Saint Dominic

St Dominic and the Albigenses:
A 1480 painting by Pedro Berruguete of St Dominic checking for heresy by burning books
(Museo del Prado).

SAINT DOMINIC

Confessor

GREATER DOUBLE / WHITE
During the first years of the 13th century, Dominic de Guzman, a young Spanish priest of noble birth, won the permission of Pope Innocent III to labor among the Albigensian heretics in France. He brought thousands of heretics back to the Faith, and nine of his women converts became the first Dominican nuns of the Second Order. In 1210 Dominic obtained papal sanction for his preaching order of men, thus originating the revolutionary "mixed" vocation, at once monastic and active. With inspired boldness he dispersed his Friars Preachers to centers of civilization in Spain, France, Italy, and Central Europe. He died at Bologna in 1221, leaving to his religious family a strong theological character and the great ideal of leading souls to the freedom of God by instructing them in truth. Tradition records a beautiful spiritual friendship with his contemporary apostle-founder St. Francis of Assisi.

INTROIT Ps. 36:30-31
The mouth of the just man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justly. The law of God is in his heart.
Ps. 36:1. Be not envious of evil doers, nor jealous of those who do wrong.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

O God, You have enlightened Your Church through the teaching and merits of the blessed confessor Dominic. May the Church never be deprived of help on earth, but always advance in spiritual growth through the intercession of Your saint. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE II Tim. 4:1-8

Beloved: I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming and his kingdom: Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine. For there shall be a time when they will not endure sound doctrine but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers having itching ears: And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables. But be thou vigilant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill thy ministry. Be sober. For I am even now ready to be sacrificed: and the time of my dissolution is at hand. I have fought a good fight: I have finished my course: I have kept the faith. As to the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice which the Lord the just judge will render to me in that day: and not only to me, but to them also that love his coming.

GRADUAL Ps. 91:13, 14, 3

The just man shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar of Lebanon in the house of the Lord.
V. That he may show forth Your mercy in the morning and Your truth throughout the night.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Osee 14:6

The just man shall blossom as the lily, and shall flourish forever before the Lord. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 12:35-40

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "Let your loins be girt and lamps burning in your hands. And you yourselves like to men who wait for their lord, when he shall return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the Lord, when he cometh, shall find watching. Amen I say to you that he will gird himself and make them sit down to meat and passing will minister unto them. And if he shall come in the second watch or come in the third watch and find them so, blessed are those servants. But this know ye, that if the householder did know at what hour the thief would come, he would surely watch and would not suffer his house to be broken open. Be you then also ready: for at what hour you think not the Son of man will come."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 88:25

My truth and My mercy shall be with him; and in My name shall his power be exalted.

SECRET

Sanctify the offering we have dedicated to You, O Lord, so that it may restore us to health through the merits of Your blessed confessor Dominic. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Luke 12:42

A faithful and prudent steward, whom the master has set over his household to give them their ration of grain in due time.

POSTCOMMUNION

O Almighty God, may the intercession of Your blessed confessor Dominic sustain us who are weighed down by our sins. Through our Lord . . .

Saint Dominic with Mother and Child (Photo credit: elycefeliz)

THE HOURS OF OUR LADY #24

We continue with our posting of the Introduction to The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary:

 

(The translation of the Psalms and the brief introductory comments on the Psalms of this Little Office of the Blessed Virgin are taken largely from: The Psalms and Canticles by George O'Neill, S.J. [Bruce Publishing Co. 1937.] The late Father O'Neill's work has long been out of print.)

[Continued]

INTRODUCTION

 

"The development of the various themes of the Psalms is very rarely abstract; rather it is usually conjoined to concrete incidents of personal life or of history. Even the most personalized Psalms by sublimation are generalized from the individual to mankind. The Psalmist speaks ever not only in his own name, but in the name of all humanity. And thus whilst their concreteness gives most interesting vivacity and color, the universality of the Psalms, embracing the most basic facts and world-wide principles, sounding the chords of every sentiment of the human heart, makes them as effective in expressing man's aspirations and fears, desires and dreads, in the ultimate cycle of the world's existence as in the days of their composition." 

(Simon, O.S.M., Scripture Manual).

 

[To be continued]