Saint Joseph was a just man, a tireless worker, the upright guardian of those entrusted to his care. May he always guard, protect and enlighten families. – Pope John Paul II
Year: 2020
Ite Ad Joseph, the Mighty and Provident
The strong and silent saint from the Gospel, is a fitting one for our troubled times: The husband of the Virgin Mary, and foster father (protector) of the Christ, was proclaimed the patron of this country at its very origins, by none other than Samuel de Champlain, on March 19, 1624, a choice later ratified[…]
Remove all obstacles and stumbling blocks so that you will be able to go straight along the road to eternal life. Through a sincere faith prepare yourselves so that you may be free to receive the Holy Spirit. Through your penance begin to wash your garments; then, summoned to the spouse’s bedchamber, you will be[…]
An Affirmative View of Conscience
The word “conscience” has been used so many times and in so many ways that many of us no longer know what it really means. Let me take a practical example from everyday life. I have two cousins, both of whom divorced and remarried cradle Catholics, who have been advised to—and decided to—use their “conscience”[…]
What Are the Laity to do Without the Mass?
Lord, we are the least of all the nations, now we are despised throughout the world, today, because of our sins. We have at this time no leader, no prophet, no prince, no holocaust, no sacrifice, no oblation, no incense….But may the contrite soul, the humbled spirit be as acceptable to you…such let our sacrifice[…]
Saint Patrick’s Emerald Hope
(Here is a re-posting of some thoughts on Saint Patrick’s Day. Much has happened since then, and this will be a muted celebration, with pubs closed across the world, even in the Emerald Isle, the music gone silent, except, we may hope, in homes and small gatherings. For we must not give in to a[…]
Pius XII – The Final Chapter?
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and power, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places. Ephesians 6:12 On March 2nd, the remaining archives from Pius XII’s pontificate were officially opened to historians who, at long last, will be[…]
Let us go forward in peace, our eyes upon heaven, the only one goal of our labors. (Saint Therese of Lisieux)
Lenten Third Sunday Music: de Lassus and Chants
For this Third Sunday in Lent, given the circumstances of the world, the suggestions of Pater Ignotus include this setting of the seven penitential psalms – 6, 31, 37, 50, 101, 129, 142, 148/150 – by the the late-sixteenth century composer Orlande de Lassus, some of whose hymns are still sung in our attenuated liturgy.[…]
A Reflection on the suspension of Sunday Masses on the Third Sunday in Lent, March 15, 2020
O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts (Ps. 95). The Responsorial Psalm of the Mass on this third Sunday of Lent is Psalm 95, known as the Invitatory Psalm, the psalm that is always first recited in the official prayer of the Church, the Divine Office: Today, listen to[…]