The Traditional Latin Mass in Michiana

Collect of the Day: St. John Bosco

2012-01-31T00:01:00.000-05:00

St. John Bosco by Pietro Canonica, St. Peter Basilica, Rome, 1936

St. John Bosco
Confessor

God gave to him wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart as the sand that is on the sea shore.
(From the introit of the day's Mass, iii Kings, 4. 29)

Collect of the Day

Deus, qui sanctum Joánnem Confessórem tuum adolescéntium patrem et magístrum excitásti, ac per eum, auxiliatríce Vírgine María, novas in Ecclésia tua famílias floréscere voluísti: concéde, quæsumus; ut eódem caritátis igne succénsi, ánimas quærere, tibíque soli servíre valeámus. Per Dóminum...

O God, Who didst raise up saint John Thy Confessor to the father and teacher of youth, and by him, with the help of the Virgin Mary, didst promote new families in Thy Church: grant, we beseech Thee, that inflamed by the same fire of love, we may win souls and serve Thee alone. Through...

Epistle - Philippians, 4. 4-9 / Gospel - St. Matthew, 18. 1-5

From
The Roman Breviary

John Bosco, born in the poor town of Castelnuovo d'Asti, and having lost his father at the age of two, was raised by his mother in a most saintly manner, and from his earliest years gave evidence of an extraordinary future. Docile and pious, he had a remarkable influence over those of his own age, whose fights he soon began to settle, and whose indecent words and improper jokes he stopped. Then he busied himself with drawing them to him by good stories, by including prayers in their games, by repeating in an attractive way the complete sermons he had heard in church, and with persuading them to receive the sacraments of Penance and of the Holy Eucharist without delay and frequently. His unassuming manner, his affability, and his innocence drew everyone to him. Although pressed with difficulties at home, and forced to work hard in his youth, he ardently desired with trust in God to become a priest.

His wish was fulfilled, and he went first to Chieri, and then to Turin, where under the direction of Blessed Joseph Cafasso, he made rapid progress in the science of the Saints and in the learning of moral theology. There moved by divine grace and personal liking he began to take an interest in the youths, whom he taught the rudiments of the Christian religion. Their number increased day by day, and notwithstanding great and persistent difficulties, under divine inspiration he made a foundation for them in that section of the city called the Valdocco, on which he began to spend all his energy. Shortly after, with the help of the Blessed Virgin, who in a vision to him when a boy had revealed his future, John founded the Society of the Salesians, whose principal purpose was to be the saving of youthful souls for Christ. In like manner he founded a new family of nuns, who were called the daughters of St. Mary Auxiliatrix, and who would do for poor girls what the Salesians were doing for boys. To these he finally attached the Third Order of Salesian Cooperators, who by their piety and zeal were to assist in the educational work of the Salesians. And so in a short time he made great contributions both to the Church and to the State.

Filled with zeal for souls, he spared himself no labour and no expense to build recreational centres for the young, orphanages, schools for working children, schools and homes for the training of the young, and churches far and wide throughout the world. At the same time he did not stop spreading the Faith throughout the Subalpine country by word and by example, and throughout the whole of Italy, by writing and editing good books and by distributing the same, and in the foreign missions to which he sent numerous preachers. A simple and upright man, bent on every good work, he shone with all manner of virtue, which was fostered by his intense and ardent charity. With his mind always on God, and showered with heavenly gifts, this holy man of God was not disturbed by threats, nor tired by work, nor overwhelmed by care, nor upset by adversity. He recommended three works of piety to his followers : to receive as frequently as possible the sacraments of Penance and of Holy Eucharist, to cultivate a devotion to St. Mary Auxiliatrix, and to be the most loyal children of the Sovereign Pontiff. It should also be mentioned that John Bosco in very difficult circumstances went to the Pope more than once to console him in the evils coming from laws at that time passed against the Church. With a life of such accomplishments he died on the 31st day of January, 1888. Illustrious for his many miracles, the Supreme Pontiff, Pius XI, beatified him in 1929. Five years later, in the nineteenth centenary of the anniversary of our redemption, he was canonized among a vast gathering come to the Eternal City from every part of the world.

Collect of the Day: St. Martina

2012-01-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

St. Martina

Virgin, Martyr

I spoke of Thy testimonies before kings, and I was not ashamed: I meditated also on Thy commandments, which I loved.
(From the introit of the day's Mass, Ps. 118. 46-47)

Collect of the Day

Deus, qui inter cétera poténtiæ tuæ mirácula étiam in sexu frágili victóriam martyrii contulísti: concéde propítius; ut, qui beátæ Martínæ Vírginis et Mártyris tuæ natalítia cólimus, per ejus ad te exémpla gradiámur. Per Dóminum...

O God, who among the other marvels of Thy power, hast granted even to the weaker sex the victory of martyrdom: mercifully grant: that we who celebrate the heavenly brithday of blessed Martina, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may by her example draw nearer to Thee. Through...

Lesson - Ecclesiasticus, 51. 1-8, 12 / Gospel - St. Matthew, 25. 1-13

From
The Liturgical Year
by Dom Guéranger, O.S.B.

A fourth Roman Virgin, wearing on her brow a martyr's crown, comes today to share the honours of Agnes, Emerentiana, and Prisca, and offer her palm to the Lamb. Her name is Martina, which the pagans were wont to give to their daughters in honour of their god of war. Her sacred relics repose at the foot of the Capitoline hill, in the ancient temple of Mars, which has now become the beautiful Church of Saint Martina. The holy ambition to render herself worthy of him whom she had chosen as her divine Spouse, gave her courage to suffer torments and death for his sake; so that of her, as of the rest of the martyrs, we may say those words of the Liturgy, she washed her robes in the Blood of the Lamb. Our Emmanuel is the Mighty God, the Lord that is mighty in war, not, like the Mars of the pagans, needing the sword to win his battles. He vanquishes his enemies by meekness, patience, and innocence, as in the martyrdom of today's Saint, whose victory was grander than was ever won by Rome's boasted warriors.

This illustrious Virgin, who is one of the Patrons of the City of Rome, is honoured by having her praises sung by one of the Popes. It was Urban the Eighth who wrote the Hymns which are recited on her feast, and which we subjoin to the Lessons which recount the glorious combats of our Saint.

The Virgin and Child in Glory with Saints by Giovanni Battista Carlone, 1655

From
The Roman Breviary

Martina was a maiden of a most illustrious Roman family, daughter of a Consul. She lost her parents while still very young, and, being inflamed with Christian zeal, she distributed her wealth, whereof she had abundance, with great profusion among the poor. Under the Emperor Alexander, she was commanded to sacrifice to the imaginary gods, and refused with much boldness to commit this great wickedness. Upon this she was again and again scourged, and mangled with iron prongs and hooks, and pieces of broken pottery. Her limbs were cut piece by piece with sharp swords, and boiling tallow poured upon the living trunk. Lastly she was sent to be eaten publicly by the wild beasts in the amphitheatre, but by the will of God they would not touch her, and she was then thrown upon a burning pile, but still remained alive.

Some of her tormentors were so moved by the spectacle, that they repented, and, by the grace of God confessing the faith of Christ, through which she remained constant, were themselves tortured and beheaded. Martina herself lay praying, with a brightness on her face, while a matter like milk oozed from her body along with the blood, emitting a soft, sweet smell. She was as it were unconscious of an earthquake and most violent thunderstorm which arose and was raging, and while the lightning struck temples, and melted statues, she seemed in spirit rather to be seated above on a queenly throne, praising God in heaven among the Blessed.

The judge being infuriated at what had taken place, and chiefly at her unbending firmness, ordered the head of the martyr to be cut off. At the moment this was done, a peal which shook the city was heard, like a voice calling her home, and so great was the consternation, that it was made the means of conversion to many idolaters. The holy body of Martina wherein she had suffered in the Pontificate of Urban I, was discovered in the time of Urban VIII, in the very old Church called after her, situated at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, near the Mamertine Prison, along with the bodies of the holy martyrs Concordius, Epiphanius, and others. The Church was then altered and restored and handsomely decorated, and then the body was replaced in it, amid public rejoicings, with a solemn ceremony and procession.

The Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Gathering and Protecting all Mankind by Frans Floris, 1562

Traditional Christmas Midnight Mass in South Bend

2011-12-24T19:00:00.000-05:00

Fr. Eric Flood, F.S.S.P., District Superior of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, will offer the Traditional Christmas Midnight Mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church (address in the sidebar). Traditional Carols will begin at 11:15 pm.

It is with great gratitude that we welcome Fr. Flood to St. Patrick's this year, which will allow us to continue our efforts to provide a Traditional Midnight Mass in the Michiania area every year.

Correction! Traditional Carols will begin at 11:15 pm (as opposed to 11:30 as previously posted).

Please note: There will NOT be the usual Mass at 7:45 am on Christmas morning.

Immaculate Conception in South Bend

2011-12-08T15:00:00.000-05:00

Reminder

There will be a Traditional Latin Mass in South Bend at St. Patrick Catholic Church (address in the sidebar) for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th.
Mass will begin at 7:00 pm.

Fr. Berg's Visit to South Bend

2011-12-05T19:00:00.000-05:00

Fr. Berg, Superior General of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, visited St. Patrick's over the weekend and offered Mass for us on Sunday Morning. Fr. Berg was very gracious and kind, and took the time to meet and speak with many of the parishioners and members of the St. Mother Théodore Guérin Traditional Latin Mass Community here in South Bend.

We all expressed how thankful we were for the establishment of the an FSSP apostolate here in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, which affords us the Traditional Latin Mass on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation throughout the year. We also told Fr. Berg how much we appreciated and loved Fr. Gabet, our chaplain.

Fr. Berg was pleased to announce that the Fraternity will assign an additional FSSP priest this summer, God willing, to the newly established personal parish in Fort Wayne. The assignment of an additional priest will also benefit the members of the community here in South Bend by allowing us to have more Masses than just Sundays and Holy Days. He also mentioned that the goal was to provide the diocese with a third FSSP priest as soon as possible so that there can be a permanent priest stationed in South Bend. He asked us to pray for and work to provide the Church with vocations so that the Fraternity could continue to grow and expand its mission.

We have so much to be thankful for, and so much to pray for, too. Please pray that the St. Mother Théodore Guérin Traditional Latin Mass Community in South Bend will continue to grow in both grace and numbers!

Thank You and a Reminder: Father Berg's Visit to St. Patrick's

2011-12-02T18:29:00.003-05:00

I would like to thank all those who have been praying a rosary novena that we might be blessed by the assignment of an additional F.S.S.P. priest to help Fr. Gabet.

I would also like to thank everyone who got out the word that Fr. Berg, the Superior of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, will be visiting our parish this weekend and offering the Mass at St. Patrick's Sunday morning (usual time and address in the sidebar).

Fr. Berg will be attending the St. Patrick Mostaccioli Dinner on Saturday, so if you are attending or volunteering, be sure to say hello. Some of us who volunteered to help the clean up crew (7:30 pm, in the parish hall) will also set up for the pot-luck breakfast after Mass on Sunday. If you can, please stop by after Mass to introduce yourself, and get a spot of coffee and a bite to eat.

Superior of the FSSP to visit St. Patrick's in South Bend

2011-12-02T18:00:00.000-05:00

The Superior of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, Fr. John Marcus Berg, F.S.S.P, will visit St. Patrick Catholic Church on Sunday, December 4th.

He will offer the Traditional Latin Mass, missa cantata, at St. Patricks at the usual time of 7:45am (address in the sidebar). He will also be available to meet and greet after Mass at the pot-luck breakfast in St. Patrick's Hall. (We could use a couple volunteers to help prepare something special for Father).

Fr. Berg is in the process of evaluating the needs of the new personal parish erected in the Diocese in Fort Wayne-South Bend (Sacred Heart Parish), and also the needs of the St. Mother Theodore Guérin Latin Mass Community in general. His considerations, of course, include how best to staff the new parish and how this staffing will benefit those attached to the Traditional Latin Mass in South Bend as well as Fort Wayne.

Please make sure you don't miss an opportunity to demonstrate how vibrant and faithful our community is in South Bend, and please tell any occasional attendees you might know about this special occasion on December 4th. It would be nice to fill the church for Fr. Berg, and in doing so, help along Fr. Gabet's request for an additional priest to help serve the Traditional Latin Mass communities in the diocese.

Also, this would be a great time to start another novena for this intention. Please join me in offering a rosary novena starting on Friday, November 25, that we might be blessed with an additional FSSP priest. Thanks!

All Saints Costume Party at St. Patrick's

2011-11-05T23:25:00.000-04:00

The annual All Saints Costume Party will be after Mass this Sunday, November 6th, in St. Patrick's Hall.

Kids (of all ages) are invited to change into their saintly costumes after Mass, and, of course, there will be fun and games as well. Everyone is invited to the pot-luck breakfast as usual. Please bring a dish or drink.

All Saints Day

2011-10-31T06:57:00.005-04:00

Just a reminder that there will be a Traditional Latin Mass for the Feast of All Saints (a holy day of obligation) at St. Patrick Catholic Church in South Bend at 7:00pm, Tuesday, November 1st. (Please see address in the sidebar.)

Also, Mr. Norman Hester will be received into the Catholic Church in a ceremony (according to the traditional rites) at 6:00pm on All Saints day at St. Patrick Catholic Church. All are welcome to assist during this joyous occasion. Please keep Mr. Hester in your prayers.

Lastly, our annual All Saints celebration will be on the Sunday following All Saints this year, Novemeber 6th. More on this later.

Thanks to St. Anthony of Padua for a prayer answered

2011-10-30T22:27:00.002-04:00

In thanksgiving for an intention offered to St. Anthony of Padua, whose prayer was heard and answered by God in a most merciful way. Thanks be to God, and thanks to St. Anthony, whose prayers ensured the finding of something lost that is so precious.

St. Anthony, God has helped me abundantly through your prayer and has strengthened me in my need. I thank God and I thank you. Accept this prayer and my serious resolve which I now renew, to live always in the love of Jesus and of my neighbor. Continue to shield me by your protection and pray to God for the final grace of one day entering the kingdom of heaven to sing with you the everlasting mercies of God. Amen.

Peter Chabot's wedding in Monterrey, Mexico

2011-10-29T15:29:00.004-04:00

Congratulations, Peter and Edilia.

Novena to St. Jude

2011-10-18T18:16:00.002-04:00

Please join us in praying a novena to St. Jude for the establishment of a daily Traditional Latin Mass in the South Bend area.

The novena begins on Wednesday, October 19th and ends on October 27th, the eve of the feast day of Sts. Simon and Jude. We will be sure to publish a classified add in the local paper after the completion of the novena. If you would like to contribute for this purpose, please send me an email. Thanks!

The Novena Prayer:

To Saint Jude, Holy Saint Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke thy special patronage in time of need. To thee I have recourse from the depths of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition, in return I promise to make thy name known and cause thee to be invoked. Saint Jude pray for us and all who invoke thy aid. Amen.

Recite an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be three times. Keep your promise to St. Jude and make his name known.

Thank you for your kind generosity in joining your prayers for this intention!

The Today's Catholic article about the personal parish in Fort Wayne

2011-10-09T19:16:00.006-04:00

Here is a link to the Today's Catholic article concerning the establishment of a personal parish for the Traditional Latin Mass in Fort Wayne. The article contains pertinent comments from Father Gabet like the following that directly addresses the community here in South Bend:

“Finally, this also gives great hope to our South Bend members that we will eventually get another priest to help the apostolate grow,” Father Gabet said, “and that they, too, may one day become a personal parish in a church in the South Bend area."

Great strides are being made for traditional Catholics in the diocese and in South Bend thanks to Bishop Rhoades, Fr. Gabet, the FSSP and, of course, the prayers from members of our community. Fr. Gabet mentioned in today's announcements at Mass that good things come to us in God's good time and only by prayer and hard work (which is just another form of prayer). God's grace demands our cooperation. Please keep praying your rosaries and making acts of reparation for this intention. In addition, keep looking for ways to promote the community and the Traditional Latin Mass. We can do so much by our charity, piety and courage if we all make the effort to be integral and active participants in our parish and diocese.

FSSP Personal Parish Established in Fort Wayne

2011-10-02T13:01:00.007-04:00

Father Gabet announced at Mass this morning that Bishop Kevin Rhoades in a letter to the parishioners of Sacred Heart and St. Henry Churches in Fort Wayne that Sacred Heart parish is to become a personal (non-territorial) parish for those attached to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite in Fort Wayne, Indiana, under the administration of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter. The territory of St. Henry parish has been expanded to include the territory of Sacred Heart parish since it will no longer be a territorial parish.

Fr. George Gabet, FSSP, chaplain of the St. Mother Theodore Guérin Traditional Latin Mass Community of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend will become the first pastor of this new personal parish in November of this year.

This is, no doubt, the fruit of so many prayers on the part of traditional Catholics from both sides of the diocese. Special thanks goes to those in South Bend who have prayed this last few weeks for the successful conclusion of the consultations with the bishop for the establishment of this personal parish in Fort Wayne. It is an important and necessary step in securing a daily Traditional Latin Mass here in South Bend, and also strengthens the presence of the FSSP in the diocese, making the ministry of this apostolate all that much more effective.

Please continue to pray that the Fraternity quickly assigns another priest to act as Fr. Gabet's associate. Also, please continue to pray that Fr. Neil Roy will soon be in residence at St. Patrick/St. Hedwig.

God continues to bless this community. God is great and worthy of all praise.

The Assumption of the BVM in South Bend

2011-08-15T15:00:00.000-04:00

There will be a Traditional Latin Mass for the feast day of the

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Monday, August 15th
at 7:30 PM

At St. Patrick Catholic Church, South Bend
(St. Mother Theodore Guérin Traditional Latin Mass Community)
Address can be found in the sidebar

The Holy Rosary will be recited 20 minutes prior to Mass

Time Change for TLM in Kalamazoo

2011-07-05T09:21:00.001-04:00

St. Mary Church in Kalamazoo, MI has moved the 12:00 noon Latin Mass to 11:00 am for the summer months.

On Sept. 11, 2011, it will return to its regularly scheduled time of 12:00 noon. Thank you!

Congratulations to our Confirmandi from St. Patrick's

2011-06-14T21:28:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to Emma, Lindsay and Tony from the St. Mother Theodore Guerin Traditional Latin Mass Community at St. Patrick Catholic Church upon their recent Confirmation! Deo Gratias!

The sacrament of Confirmation was conferred upon members of the St. Mother Theodore Guerin Traditional Latin Mass Community from both Sacred Heart, Fort Wayne and St. Patrick Parish, South Bend. Bishop John M. D'Arcy conferred the sacrament according the liturgical books of 1962 after having offered the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fort Wayne. We are deeply grateful to Bishop D'Arcy for having honored our community, and for his support over the years for the Traditional Latin Mass in both Fort Wayne and South Bend.

We are also grateful to our young people who have put so much time and effort into getting prepared, both mentally and spiritually, for this sacrament. There are now three more warriors for Christ in our community, which continues to grow everyday in both grace and numbers.

Veni, Sancte Spíritus

Et emítte cœlítus

Lucis tuæ rádium.

Please keep in your prayers our Confirmandi

2011-06-11T23:00:00.000-04:00

Please keep in your prayers the three young people from St. Patrick Catholic Church who will be confirmed, along with others from Fort Wayne, this Sunday by Bishop John M. D'Arcy, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.

The Confirmation will take place after the 11:30 am Traditional Latin Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Fort Wayne, Pentecost Sunday, 6/12/11. Bishop John D'Arcy will offer the Mass (Pontifical Low Mass), and the Confirmations according to the liturgical books of 1962 will immediately follow.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church
4643 Gaywood Dr.
Fort Wayne, IN 46806

Ascension Thursday in South Bend

2011-06-02T18:00:00.001-04:00

There will be a Traditional Latin Mass for Ascension Thursday

June 2nd
7:30 pm
at
St. Patrick Catholic Church, South Bend
(please see sidebar for address)

Please note that the obligation of the Ascension has been moved to the Sunday following, but the traditional Latin Mass calendar does not make an allowance for this "pastoral" measure. Therefore, at St. Patrick's the Mass on the Sunday following Ascension Thursday will be for the Mass for the Sunday After the Ascension of Our Lord according to the 1962 calendar.

Charges Dropped Against the ND88

2011-05-07T07:45:00.001-04:00

I have learned this morning that the charges against the "ND88", those arrested on the campus of Notre Dame during protests against the University honoring President Obama during the 2009 commencement, have been dropped at the request of the University. A news release can be read here.

Fr. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C, president of Notre Dame University, was complicit in awarding honors to a notorious pro-abortion politician in contradiction to the clear teachings of the American bishops, and in contradiction to the express wishes of the local ordinary, Bishop John D'Arcy. Concerning the charges being dropped against the ND88, Fr. Jenkins had this say:

I am sincerely pleased that the charges against those who were arrested on our campus in May 2009 have been dismissed.

From the start, everyone involved in this difficult matter has been in complete accord on the sanctity of human life, and we all remain committed to continuing our work to support life from conception to natural death.

I am grateful to St. Joseph County Prosecutor Michael Dvorak and St. Joseph County Superior Court Judge Michael Scopelitis and their staffs for their patience and professionalism in handling this matter.

While I am happy that the charges have been dropped at the request of the University, I am profoundly disappointed that Fr. Jenkins has yet to issue an apology or be disciplined in any fashion by his superiors for a blatant and public act of disobedience when he conferred an honorary degree on President Obama, whose public record on support of legalized abortion and support for organizations that provide abortions is so well known. Fr. Jenkins actions in this regard, and his refusal to apologize, and the refusal of his superiors to discipline him, only shows the outrageous hypocrisy that must be endured by traditional Catholics who are often accused of disobedience and intransigence for only wishing to practice the Catholic faith as it had been practiced for thousands of years prior to the post-Vatican II changes.

First Friday Adoration in South Bend

2011-05-05T07:38:00.002-04:00

Thanks to those who have volunteered to make sure all the times that the TLM Community is responsible for are covered.

However, all are welcome to come and spend an hour or more with Our Blessed Lord in the Blessed Sacrament of the Hour. Please remember that adoration begins Thursday night at 6pm, and to use the south door of St. Patrick Church.

Mike Hamann Featured at Catholic Phoenix

2011-05-03T20:28:00.003-04:00

Catholic Phoenix has ran a piece about South Bend mayoral candidate Mike Hamann that can be read here.

Mitch Daniels Will Not Veto Law to Defund PP

2011-05-01T14:00:00.005-04:00

Governor Mitch Daniels hasn't had the total confidence of the Pro-Life camp due to his rhetoric of appeasement with pro-abortion organizations, such as Planned Parenthood and the National Organization of Women. He has spoken in the past of a "truce" on the abortion issue, which amounts to a pro-abortion platform in the absence of any policy stance to limit or criminalize the abortion industry. For this reason, Daniels' announcement that he will sign into law the Indiana bill that will cut off all government funding of Planned Parenthood has come as a pleasant surprise for Hoosier Pro-Lifers.

Planned Parenthood of Indiana had hoped Daniels' past rhetoric to call a "truce" over the abortion issue in order to focus on the economy and government spending was an indicator that he would veto this bill which will make Indiana the first state to completely de-fund Planned Parenthood. Daniels, however, stated that his decision was incumbent on the fact that the bill has the overwhelming support of the majority of Hoosiers.

True to form, Planned Parenthood will file an injunction in court to block the law from taking affect. Abortion advocates have developed a habit of using the courts to thwart the will of law makers and the majority. Representatives of the state's number one abortion provider complained that the law will stop thousands of women from receiving health care and birth control.

However, Planned Parenthood representatives do not explain how birth control contributes to "public health", or that there are other, more accessible resources for women provided by non-profit organizations such as Women's Health Center that do not advocate abortion. Nor did Planned Parenthood explain why it could not shuffle funds away from providing abortions to fund these other public health initiatives, or why it could not use a portion of its millions in annual profits to make up any short fall in government grants.

Indiana Planned Parenthood president, Betty Cockrum, did not mention taking a pay cut in order to make up a portion of the short fall.

All of Planned Parenthood's "health" initiatives are designed to herd women toward abortion. Planned Parenthood is well aware that women who use artificial forms of contraception are far more likely to get pregnant and have abortions than women who do not use these forms of invasive birth control. Planned Parenthood uses their other "health" services to suggest women get abortions in cases of unplanned pregnancies because the organization makes huge profits from providing abortions.

Whether or not this indicates a turn around in Governor Mitch Daniels' policy toward social issues is yet to be seen. Catholics in the state need to continue pressing the governor's office regarding issues such as abortion, homosexual "marriage", public school sex education, and tax monies used to fund invasive forms of artificial contraception.

Oops

2011-04-26T22:03:00.002-04:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know... I messed up.

I wanted to stretch the blog to fit the whole screen, which meant I had to tinker around with the html. Well, I copy and pasted, pasted again (without saving the original html... I know, rookie mistake), made some other changes, and...

BAM! I wreckovated the blog!

No, this isn't the 70s all over again. Don't worry. It was not an intentional whitewash.

I'm working on restoring the lost sidebar. As you can see, it was lost along with all the links that it contained. To be honest, I don't really remember what was over there, so if anyone has any suggestions or would like see something come back, please let me know.

St. Patrick's High Altar on Easter Morning

2011-04-25T11:14:00.003-04:00

The glory of the Risen Christ shown brightly at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. The Traditional Latin Mass was made glorious by it's joyful solemnity and the absolutely beautiful chant and hymns of our choir. It was a memorable Mass, a fitting tribute to our Triumphant King!

Getting ready for Easter Sunday at St. Patrick's

2011-04-24T00:17:00.000-04:00

Mrs. Chabot leads the choir during rehearsal for Easter morning.

The happiness of Easter was already spreading!

The high altar prepared for Easter. Many thanks to those who donated for flowers this year!

I thank God everyday for this wonderful community!

Jesus lives! Let us, therefore, dear brethren, celebrate this Easter festival with glad, jubilant hearts; let us, at the empty grave of the Redeemer, the Prince of Peace, extend to one another the hand of pardon. He calls to us indeed: Peace be unto you! Let us break the bonds of sin, let us live in God, let us stand fast in the faith! Then, yes then, we shall one day arise gloriously; we shall be transformed, and we shall possess the kingdom which has been prepared for us form the beginning. God grant it! Amen.
--From an Easter Sermon by St. John Vianney

Good Friday at St. Patricks

2011-04-23T11:34:00.004-04:00

With mournful solemnity, the liturgical actions of Good Friday were celebrated at St. Patrick Catholic Church, South Bend, IN, according to the liturgical books of 1962.

Fr. George Gabet, FSSP was the principle celebrant, assisted by Fr. Neil Roy, and the choir and faithful members of the St. Mother Theodore Géurin Traditional Latin Mass Community of South Bend.

Procession and Opening Rites

The Passion

Fr. George Gabet, FSSP

Fr. Neil Roy

The Great Intercessions

Preparation of the High Altar

The Great Intercessions are accompanied with solemn reverence.

A black cope is worn by the principle celebrant, highlighting the mournfulness of the day that commemorates the Passion and Death of our Savior.

The Adoration of the Cross

The Wood of Cross is processed from sacristy veiled.

The Cross is revealed in three stages.

Behold the Wood of the Cross. Come, let us adore!

The Mass of the Presanctified

The principle celebrant vests in violet chasuble in preparation for the Mass of the Presanctified.

With solemnity the Blessed Sacrament, consecrated the night before at the Mass of the Last Supper, is processed from the sacristy.

The Pater Noster (Our Father) is chanted in its entirety by the ministers at the altar and by the whole congregation.

The Confiteor (I confess...) is recited by the ministers at the altar, and in the hearts of the all the faithful.

Behold the Lamb of God, Behold Him who taketh away the sins of the world!

The cleansing of the vessels after Holy Communion.

The Prayers at the End

In silence the ministers of the altar process out after the final prayers, ending the liturgical actions of the day in the same spirit of sorrow that they begun.

Special thanks to Fr. Neil Roy for assisting with the liturgical actions.

And, also, a heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Darlene Chabot and the choir of the St. Mother Theodore Guérin Traditional Latin Mass Community for the lovely chant.

Good Friday and Easter Sunday TLM in South Bend

2011-04-21T13:30:00.000-04:00

St. Mother Theodore Guérin Traditional Latin Mass Community at St. Patrick Catholic Church in South Bend, Indiana. Please see sidebar for address.

Good Friday Liturgy of the Passion and Great Intercessions, Adoration of the Cross and the Presanctified: 5:00pm

Easter Sunday: 8:00am (as opposed to the usual 7:45am)

First Friday Adoration

2011-03-30T21:44:00.004-04:00

Just a reminder:

This Thursday evening/Friday morning is nocturnal adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Patrick Catholic Church in preparation for First Friday. The Traditional Latin Mass community is responsible for the hours from 6pm to 10pm on Thursday evening.

Please remember to use the side entrance on the south side of the church.

God bless!

Words of Wisdom Concerning Priests

2011-03-26T08:39:00.002-04:00

I would like to share with you something from the blog, Athanasius Contra Mundum:

What can we do about this? The first thing is not to criticize priests. ...the priest is another Christ... If someone comes to tell you something about a priest, don't believe it. Even if its about a priest who says the New Rite. I'm no friend of the Novus Ordo, but a priest is a priest. They have the priesthood of Jesus Christ. The next thing you can do is to pray for priests. We don't pray enough for priests, and then when we get priests we don't particularly care for, we have to realize that we have not done enough prayer and sacrifice for our priests. We get the leaders we deserve, and that doesn't only apply to Obama.

I think this applies to our community and all Traditional Latin Mass communities. This doesn't mean to stick our heads in the sand. However, we do need to learn humility in regards to our priests, whether we get along with them or not, whether they offer the Immortal Mass or not, whether they do or do not seem to be doing enough for us.

Ash Wednesday

2011-03-08T22:08:00.000-05:00

There will be a Traditional Latin Mass offered on Ash Wednesday at St. Patrick Catholic Church (address in the sidebar) at 7:30 pm, March 9th. Please note that Mass will be at 7:30, and not the usual 7 pm.

Thursday of Sexagesima Week

2011-03-02T21:38:00.001-05:00

From
The Liturgical Year
by Dom Guéranger, O.S.B

Thursday of Sexagesima Week

God promised Noah that He would never more punish the earth with a deluge. But, in His justice, He has many times visited the sins of men with a scourge which, in more sense than one, bears a resemblance to a deluge: the invasion of enemies. We meet with these invasions in every age; and each time we see the hand of God. We can trace the crimes that each of them was sent to punish, and in each we find a manifest proof of the infinite justice wherewith God governs the world.

It is not requisite that we should here mention the long list of these revolutions, whihc we might almost say make up the history of mankind, for in its every page we read of conquests, esxtinction of races, destruction of nations, and violent amalgamations, which effaced the traditions and character of the several peoples that were thus forced into union. We will confine our considerations to the two great invasions, which the just anger of God has permitted to come upon the world since the commencement of the Christian era.

The Roman Empire had made itself as preeminent in crime as it was in power. It conquered the world, and then corrupted it. Idolatry and immorality were the civilization it gave to the nations which had come under its sway. Christianity could save individuals in the great empire, but the empire itself could not be made Christian. God let loose upon it the deluge of barbarians. The stream of the wild invasion rose to the very dome of the Capitol; the empire was engulfed. The ruthless ministers of divine justice were conscious of their being chosen for this mission of vengeance, and they gave themselves the name of "God's scourge."

When, alter on, the Christian nations of the east had lost the faith which they themselves had transmitted to the western world; when they had disfigured the sacred symbol of faith by their blasphemous heresies; the anger of God sent upon them, from Arabia, the deluge of Mohametanism. It swept away the Christian Churches, that had existed from the very times of the Apostles. Jerusalem, the favoured Jerusalem, on which Jesus had lavished His tenderest love, even she became a victim to the infidel hordes. Antioch and Alexandria, with their patriarchates, were plunged into the vilest slavery; and at length Constantinople, that had so obstinately provoked the divine indignation, was made the very capital of the Turkish empire.

And we, the western nations, if we return not the Lord our God, shall we be spared? Shall the flood-gates of heaven's vengeance, the torrent of fresh Vandals, ever be menacing to burst upon us, yet never come? Where is the country of our own Europe [or America, for that matter], that has not corrupted its way, as in the days of Noah? that has not made conventions against the Lord and against His Christ? that has not clamoured out that old cry of revolt: Let us break their bonds asunder, let us case away their yoke from us? Well may we fear lest the time is at hand, when, despite our haughty confidence in our means of defense, Christ our Lord, to whom all nations have been given by the Father, shall rule us with a rod of iron, and break us in pieces like a potter's vessel. Let us propitiate the anger of our offended God, and follow the inspired counsel of the royal prophet: Serve yet the Lord with fear; embrace the discipline of His Law; lest, at any time, the Lord be angry, and ye perish from the just way.

Wednesday of Sexagesima Week

2011-03-01T21:31:00.000-05:00

From
The Liturgical Year
by Dom Guéranger, O.S.B

Wednesday of Sexagesima Week

O God of infinite justice! we have sinned; we have abused the life Thou has given us: and when we read, in Thy Scriptures, how Thine anger chastised the sinners of former days, we are forced to acknowledge, that w have deserved to be treated in like manner. We have the happiness to be Christians and children of Thy Church; the light of faith, and the power of Thy grace, have brought us once more into Thy friendship; but how can we forget that we were once Thy enemies? And are we so deeply rooted in virtue, that we can promise ourselves perseverance in it to the end? Peirce, O Lord! pierce my flesh with Thy fear. Man's heart is hard, and unless it fear Thy sovereign Majesty, it may again offend Thee.

We are penetrated with fear, when we remember that Thou didst bury the world and destroy mankind by the waters of the deluge; for we learn by this, how Thy patience and long-suffering may be changed into inexorable anger. Thou art just, O Lord! and who shall presume to take scandal, or to murmur, when Thy wrath is enkindled against sinners?

We have defied Thy justice, we have braved Thine anger; for, though Thou hast told us that Thou wilt never more destroy sinners by a deluge of water, yet we know that Thou hast created, in Thy hatred for sin, a fire, which shall eternally prey on them that depart this life without being first reconciled with Thy offended Majesty.

O wonderful dignity of our human nature! We cannot be indifferent towards that infinite Bein that created us: we must be His friends or His enemies! It could not have been otherwise. He gave us understanding and free-will: we know what is good and what is evil, and we must choose the one or the other: we cannot remain neutral. If we choose good, God turns towards us and loves us; if evil, we separate from Him, who is our sovereign Good. But, whereas He bears most tender mercy towards this frail creature whom He created out of pure love, and because He wills that all men should be saved, He waits with patience for the sinner to return to Him, and, in countless ways, draws his heart to repentance.

But woe to him that obeys not the divine call, when that call is the last! Then justice takes the place of mercy, and revelation tells us how fearful a thing it is to fall into the hands of the living God. Let us, then, flee from the wrath to come, by making our peace with the God we have offended. If we be already restored to grace, let us walk in His fear, until love shall have grown strong enough in our hearts to make us run the way of the commandments.

Tuesday of Sexagesima Week

2011-02-28T21:33:00.000-05:00

From
The Liturgical Year
by Dom Guéranger, O.S.B

Tuesday of Sexagesima Week

When we reflect upon the terrible events which happened in the first age of the world, we are lost in astonishment at the wickedness of man, and at the effrontery wherewith he sins against his God. How was it that the dread words of God, which were spoken against our first parents in Eden, could be so soon forgotten? How could the children of Adam see their father suffering and doing such endless penance, without humbling themselves and imitating this model of repentance? How was it that the promise of a Mediator, who was to reopen the gate of heaven for them, could be believed, and yet not awaken in their souls the desire of making themselves worthy to be His ancestors, and partakers of that grand regeneration, which He was to bring to mankind? And yet, the years which followed the death of Adam were years of crime and scandal; nay, he himself lived to see one of his own children become the murderer of a brother. But why be thus surprised at the wickedness of these our first brethren? The earth is now six thousand years old in the continued reception of divine blessings and chastisements; and are men less dull of heart, less ungrateful, less rebellious towards their Maker?

For the generality of men--we mean, of those how deign to believe in the fall and chastisement of our first parents, and in the destruction of the world by the deluge--what are these great truths? Mere historical facts, which have never once inspired them with a fear of God's justice. More favoured than these early generations of the human race, they know that the Messias has been sent, that God has come down upon the earth, that He has been made Man, that He has broken Satan's rule, that the way to heaven has been made easy by the graces embodied by the Redeemer in the Sacraments: and yet, sin reigns and triumphs in the midst of Christianity. Undoubtedly, the just are more numerous than they were in the days of Noah; but then, what riches of grace has our Redeemer poured out on our degenerate race by the ministry of His bride the Church! Yes, there are faithful Christians to be found upon the earth, and the nubmer of the elect is every day being added to; but the multitude are living at enmity with God, and their actions are in contradiction to their faith.

When, therefore, the holy Church reminds us of those times, wherein all flesh had corrupted its way, she is urging us to think about our own conversion. Her motive in relating to us the history of the sins committed at the beginning of the world, is to induce us to examine our own consciences. Why, too, does she read to us those pages of sacred Writ, which so vividly describe the flood-gates of heaven opening and deluging the guilty earth, if not that she would warn us against mocking that great God, who thus chastised the sins of His rebellious creatures?

Last week we were called upon to consider the sad consequences of Adam's sin, a sin which we ourselves did not commit, but the effects of which lie so heavy upon us. This week we must reflect upon the sins we ourselves have committed. Though God has loaded us with favours, guided us by His light, redeemed us with His Blood, and strengthened us against all our enemies by His grace, yet have we corrupted our way, and caused our God to repent of having created us. Let us confess our wickedness, and humbly acknowledge that we owe it to the mercies of the Lord, that we have not been consumed.

Monday of Sexagesima Week

2011-02-27T21:51:00.000-05:00

From
The Liturgical Year
by Dom Guéranger, O.S.B

Monday of Sexagesima Week

All flesh had corrupted its way upon the earth. The terrible lesson, then, which men had received, by being driven out of paradise in the person of our first parents, had been without effect. Neither the certainty of death, when they would have to stand before the divine Judge, nor the humiliations which attend man's first coming into this world, nor the pains and fatigues and trails which beset the whole path of life, had subdued men's hearts, or brought them into submission to that sovereign Master whose hand lay thus heavy upon them. They had the divine promise that a Saviour should be given to them, and that this Redeemer (who was to be the Son of her that was to crush the serpent's head), would not only bring them salvation, but would moreover reinstate them in all the happiness and honours they had lost.

But even this was not enough to make them rise above the base passions of corrupt nature. The example of Adam's nine hundred years' penance, and the admonitions he could so feelingly give whow had received such proofs of God's love and anger, began to lose their influence upon his children; and when he at last descended into the grave, his posterity grew more and more heedless of what they owed to their Creator. The long life, which had been granted to man in this the first age of the world, was made but afresh means of offending Him who gave it. When, finally, the sons of Seth took to themselves wives of the family of Cain, the human race reached the height of wickedness, rebelled against the Lord, and made their own passions their god.

Yet, all this while, they had had granted to them the power of resisting the evil propensities of their hearts. God had offered them His grace, whereby they were enabled to conquer pride and concupiscence. The merits of the Redeemer to come were even then present to divine justice, and the Lamb, slain, as St. John tells us, from the beginning of the world, applied the merits of His Blood to this as to every generation which existed before the great Sacrifice was really immolated. Each individual of the human family might have been just, as Noah was, and, like him, have found favour with the Most High; but the thought of their heart was bent upon evil, and not upon good, and the earth became peopled with enemies of God.

Then it was that it repented God that He had made man, as the sacred Scripture forcibly expresses it. He decreed that man's life on earth should be shortened in order that the thought of death might be ever before us. He, moreover, resolved to destroy, by a universal deluge, the whole of this perverse generation, saving only one family. The world would thus be renewed, and man would learn from this awful chastisement to serve and love this his sovereign Lord and God.

Homeschoolers and Public School Athletics in Indiana

2011-02-18T06:19:00.004-05:00

I would like to draw your attention to a new bill that that is being proposed in the Indiana General Assembly that will allow homsechool children in Indiana to participate in public school athletics.

You can read the article in the South Bend Tribune here.

Home-schooled Hoosiers would be able to play on public schools' sports teams under a bill offered by a local lawmaker.

Rep. Tim Wesco, R-Osceola, has introduced House Bill 1399 in the Indiana General Assembly to allow home-schoolers to join their local high school teams with verification that they are meeting certain academic requirements...

For more information please contact the office of Rep. Tim Wesco at this link. I have requested more information from Rep. Wesco's office, and will post any information if it is provided.

Mass NOT Cancelled in South Bend

2011-01-08T19:19:00.005-05:00

Fr. Neil Roy will offer the Traditional Latin Mass at the usual time (7:45 am) at St. Patrick Catholic Church in South Bend, tomorrow, 1/9 despite the bad weather. (After all, Fr. Roy is a Canadian!)

Fr. Gabet, however, urges everyone to use their discretion, especially for those who have young children. It would be better to stay safely at home, pray the Propers, offer a rosary, etc. than to endanger one's family on the roads. One is dispensed from the Sunday obligation due to extraordinary circumstances such as severe and dangerous weather. Please keep in mind that a weather emergency has been declared for the city of South Bend.

Thank you for Christmas Novena intention

2011-01-02T21:23:00.001-05:00

I would like to thank everyone who joined us in praying this year's Christmas novena during Advent for the intention of the establishment of a daily Traditional Latin Mass in the South Bend area.

I ask that you continue to pray for the spiritual welfare of the St. Mother Theodore Guérin Traditional Latin Mass Community, as well as for the continued growth of the various Traditional Latin Mass communities in the Michiana area. As our communities continue to grow and to influence our local Church, we are sure to experience hardships and setbacks, so these prayers are needed very much.

Now I would like to ask you to once again follow up prayer with action. Please write to your bishop and ask him to do whatever can be done to make a daily Traditional Latin Mass a reality in Michiana. Thanks so much!

To contact Bishop Kevin Rhoades:
Bishop Kevin Rhoades

915 South Clinton
P.O. Box 390
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46801

Christmastide Traditional Latin Mass Schedule for South Bend

2010-12-29T20:38:00.003-05:00

All Masses are at St. Patrick Catholic Church in South Bend. Please see sidebar for address.

The Octave Day of the Nativity, Saturday, January 1st
Mass at 10:30 am (Missa Cantata)
Fr. George Gabet, FSSP

Sunday after the Octave of Christmas, Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, January 2nd
Mass at the usual time, 7:45 am (Missa Cantata)
Fr. George Gabet, FSSP
Followed by the usual potluck breakfast and coffee

Epiphany of Our Lord, Thursday, January 6th
Mass at 7:00 pm
Fr. Neil J. Roy
Mass is followed by Benediction and all night adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in observance of First Friday.

For the rest of this Christmastide, please keep Joe Palmero in your prayers. Thanks!

Christmas Midnight Mass in South Bend, and TLM in Michigan City, Christmas Day

2010-12-18T18:07:00.009-05:00

First Mass At Midnight
According to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite
at
St. Patrick Catholic Church
South Bend
(address in the sidebar)

Carols will commence at 11:15pm

Third Mass for Christmas During the Day
According to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite
at
St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church
Michigan City
(address in the side bar)
12:00 Noon

Thank you, Father Kemna

2010-12-14T22:39:00.004-05:00

A special thank you to Father David Joseph Kemna, a newly ordained priest for the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, for helping out at Fort Wayne and South Bend while Fr. Gabet was away.

We really enjoyed Fr. Kemna's sermons and his company over these last few weeks, and he will certainly be in our prayers as he goes off to his permanent assignment in Idaho.

Immaculate Conception in South Bend

2010-12-05T15:26:00.003-05:00

There will be a Traditional Latin Mass for the feast day of the Immaculate Conception on Wednesday, December 8th at St. Patrick Catholic Church in South Bend.

Mass will be at 7:00pm. Please see the address in the sidebar for St. Patrick Catholic Church in South Bend.

Reminder: Adoration on 12/2

2010-11-30T18:54:00.003-05:00

Don't forget!

Adoration at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Thursday night, 12/2.

The Traditional Latin Mass Community is responsible for the hours between 6pm and 10pm. Please use the south entrance.

(This would be a great time for your offer up your Christmas novena for the establishment of a daily Traditional Latin Mass in South Bend!)

Christmas Novena for the Establishment of a daily TLM

2010-11-30T07:03:00.002-05:00

Please join my family this year in offering your Christmas novena for the Establishment of a daily Traditional Latin Mass in the South Bend area.

From St. Andrew's Day (today) to December 24th, recite fifteen times:

Hail, and blessed be the hour and moment at which the Son of God was born of a most pure Virgin at a stable at midnight in Bethlehem in the piercing cold. At that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, to hear my prayers and grant my desires.

For the establishment of a daily Traditional Latin Mass in South Bend.

Through Jesus Christ and His most Blessed Mother.

Thank you, and may God bless your Advent Season!

Day Light Savings Time

2010-11-06T22:39:00.001-04:00

Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour... but if you do forget, please take that extra time to offer a rosary for the continued growth of Traditional Latin Mass communities in Southwestern Michigan and Northwestern Indiana.

God bless!

Election 2010: Joe Donnelly's Lying Rhetoric About Being Pro-Life

2010-11-02T22:51:00.002-04:00

UPDATE

Fox news has just called this race for Joe Donnelly. This is unfortunate. Please pray for Donnelly's conversion, that he might start to legislate the way he claims to believe.

This is also a clear indication that a bigoted position toward immigration is a death wish for anti-abortion Republicans and "Tea Partiers". The loss of the Hispanic vote killed the Pro-Life movement in the 2nd district. There's simply no way to win the 2nd district without the Hispanic vote.

_______________________________

State Rep. Jackie Walorski is running on a "repeal the bill" and fiscal responsibility platform, but the real question for area pro-life Catholics is her stance on abortion and family issues, and how this stacks up against Rep. Joe Donnelly's track record in congress.

I think the facts speak for themselves in this regard.

Walorski has been a very outspoken pro-life advocate, and is not afraid to take on powerful pro-death/pro-abortion institutions such as Planned Parenthood. In 2009 Walorski lead the ultimately unsuccessful bid to de-fund Planned Parenthood in the State of Indiana. Her attempt was upended by Democrats in the State legislature, the same Democrats who endorsed Joe Donnelly. Walorski has been endorsed by Gov. Mike Huckabee, one of the most committed pro-life and pro-family politicians in US politics. She is also strongly endorsed by the pro-life Susan B. Anthony List Candidate Fund.

Rep. Joe Donnelly's record, in light of his flip on the Health Care law recently passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama, speaks volumes regarding his supposed pro-life promises to his constituents.

According to HoosierAccess.com:

The night before Jackie left for DC, there were 200 people outside of Donnelly’s local office pleading that he vote no. Did he listen? No. While Joe has peddled his excuses for his yes vote, the truth is that he is just one of Pelosi’s pawns. When he ran for office he billed himself as a pro-life Democrat. The abortion issue is an important one around heavily Catholic South Bend and his vote for this bill proves that he was lying about his commitment to protect lives of the unborn. He is apparently unwilling or unable to hear his constituents from DC. He is a traitor to the constituents he is supposed to be looking out for and does not deserve to keep his seat in November.

It's time for Pro-Life Catholics in the 2nd district to tell Joe Donnelly we no longer believe his lying rhetoric about being Pro-Life.

All Saints Day in South Bend

2010-10-31T14:11:00.018-04:00

It's always a pleasure when Fr. Neil Roy visits St. Patrick's and offers the Immortal Mass for the St. Mother Theodore Guérin Traditional Latin Mass Community. However, Fr. Roy really made the All Saints Day Celebration an extremely special day for the kids and parents of the Community. His knowledge of the saints was, to say the least, spectacular. The kids couldn't stump him, not even once, and there were some pretty obscure saints.

Much thanks for Fr. Roy for making our All Saints Day celebration a particularly fun and joyous one this year!

We love you, Fr. Roy!

Our Little Saints

Great Food and Great Company

Cake Walk.
Fun for Kids and Grown-ups alike.

Have a joyous and blessed All Saints Day!

Don't forget that Fr. Gabet will offer the Traditional Latin Mass for the St. Mother Theodore Guérin Latin Mass Community on Monday night at 7:00pm at St. Patrick Catholic Church in South Bend.

Mass for All Saints, November 1st in South Bend

2010-10-27T18:59:00.004-04:00

Reminder

There will be a sung Traditional Latin Mass for All Saints Day on November 1st, at 7:00pm at St. Patrick Catholic Church in South Bend. Please see the side bar for address.

God bless!

High Altar Illuminated

2010-10-17T13:39:00.004-04:00

Mr. Dominic Corpe took this gorgeous picture of the high altar at St. Patrick Catholic Church, South Bend. Twice a year the high altar is illuminated from the light that streams through the rose widow on the eastern facade.

All Saints Day Celebration Slated in South Bend

2010-10-16T10:06:00.000-04:00

The Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Traditional Latin Mass Community of South Bend invites all to join us for our third annual All Saints Day Pageant and celebration on Sunday, October 31st after the regularly scheduled 7:45 am Mass in St. Patrick's Hall. Everyone in the St. Patrick and St. Hedwig parish communities are invited to join us for Mass, an All Saints pageant for the children, a cake walk, and a pot-luck breakfast.

Children who would like to don the attire of their favorite saints, will have time after Mass to change into their costumes. This is a great opportunity to learn about their favorite saints. There will also be fun activities and a chance to mingle, eat, and, of course, drink coffee. If you would like to participate in the cake walk please bring a treat for each person participating. We ask that everyone please bring a dish or drink for the pot luck.

What a great way to emphasize the meaning of this season; to celebrate the Saints on All Hallows Eve by assisting at the Mass they knew and loved, and coming together to celebrate their intercession for us.

Don't forget that there will be a Traditional Latin Mass (Missa cantata) at 7:00 pm on November 1st for the feast of All Saints, a holy day of obligation.

Election 2010: Ellsworth vs. Coats

2010-10-14T21:36:00.002-04:00

US Senatorial Race: Brad Ellsworth (Dem.) vs. Dan Coats (Rep.)

Dan Coats

Religious views: Presbyterian. Coats does not mention faith or Christianity as a governing principal in forming policy decisions. There is no indication that Dan Coat recognizes the truth that all authority ultimately originates in the Sovereignty of Jesus Christ. He makes no mention of just legislation having to conform to both natural and divine law. He might as well be an atheist.

Abortion: Promotes himself as Pro-Life. From the Dan Coats website:

Dan Coats has a strong record of protecting the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception. Dan has opposed federal funding of abortion, was one of the original supporters of the Partial Birth Abortion Act and was an original co-sponsor of legislation to prohibit minors from crossing state lines in order to avoid laws requiring the involvement of parents in abortion decisions. As the father of three and grandfather of seven, this is an issue close to Dan’s mind and heart. His commitment to life has earned Dan the endorsements of National Right to Life, Indiana Right to Life and the Susan B. Anthony List.

Coats does have proven track record in attempting to limit abortion legislatively. It is unclear from his track record or current statements whether he would support sex education programs that include artificial contraception.

Gay "marriage": Dan Coats has mentioned his support for constitutional amendments that define marriage as being a union between one man and one woman. However, the issue is not mentioned on his website.

Immigration: Supports deporting all "illegal" immigrants (i.e. undocumented immigrants), making no distinction between undocumented immigrants who may have lived in the United States for long periods of time. He apparently would be in favor of deporting men and women who have lived in the US for ten or twenty years with children and other family. He is for instituting English competency for consideration of immigrant requests. (Never mind that most native born, public school educated, white people would have a hard time displaying English competency.) He advocates putting a cap on documented immigration. He does propose one positive thing in regard to immigration: not including undocumented immigrants on census records used for reapportionment.

Economy/Government/Health Care: Dan Coats is a dyed in the wool neo-conservative, promoting tax cuts and tax incentives, and spending cuts. He seems particularly opposed to the "welfare state", but offers no concrete policy directives as an alternative to existing welfare programs. He slings rhetoric around concerning smaller government, and is opposed the new health care law based on the price tag argument and the big government argument. He is convincing in his arguments against the new health care law, but his views on the economy and government fall far short of the Catholic ideal of subsidiarity. In fact, his vision of the federal government lacks imagination, settling for the same old neo-con centralized government model that differs from the Democrat "big government" model in name only.

Brad Ellsworth

Religious views: Roman Catholic. Apart from explaining his Pro-Life position, the Ellsworth website doesn't mention his Catholic faith. It is not clear if Catholic social teaching will inform his policy decisions in other areas. There is no indication that Brad Ellsworth recognizes the truth that all authority ultimately originates in the Sovereignty of Jesus Christ. He makes no mention of just legislation having to conform to both natural and divine law.

There is, of course, the political and moral schziophrania question that has to be address whenever we come across a Catholic Democrat. Like so many Catholics who are also Democrats there is silence over issues in the Democratic platform that are diametrically opposed to non-negotiable Catholic doctrines, such as, in this case, "gay" marriage, promotion of artificial contraception to teenagers, inappropriate sex education in schools, federal financial support for Planned Parenthood, etc., etc. It is not entirely evident, nor does experience reveal, that Democrats like Brad Ellsworth will legislate as a Catholic, as opposed to a Democrat towing the Party line.

Abortion: Promotes himself as Pro-Life. From the Ellsworth website:

Brad’s faith taught him that life is sacred and should be protected at every stage. He is pro-life, and has consistently fought to uphold the ban on federal funding for elective abortions. In addition, Brad supports legislation that moves us toward the common goal of reducing the number of abortions through preventing unintended pregnancies and providing resources to pregnant women.

Ellsworth has an unproven record regarding legislatively limiting abortion. He has not been endorsed by any Pro-Life groups. It is unclear what measures he would support to prevent unintended pregnancies. Once again there is every indication that he would vote alongside his fellow Democrats to promote sex education programs that would include handing out artificial contraception to teenagers.

Brad Ellsworth has made no secret of his support for the current health care reform package signed into law by President Obama. He has made no secret of his support for the current administration. These two facts makes his Pro-Life sentiments hard to believe. The omission of specific provisions in the health care law that would stop federal funding of abortions makes it difficult to believe anyone supporting this legislation can sincerely call themselves "Pro-Life". His vote for the current health care law renders his objection to federal funding for abortions insincere at best. Likewise, support of the most pro-abortion president in the history of the United States, a president who has the full support of Planned Parenthood and NARAL, hardly befits a person who calls himself "Pro-Life".

Gay "marriage": The Ellsworth website makes no mention of the issue. It can be assumed, therefore, that Ellsworth will legislate with his Party, which is generally in favor of gay "marriage" and civil unions.

Immigration: Incredibly this issue isn't mentioned on the Brad Ellsworth website, and I can't find any information on Ellsworth's position. The absence of a position statement on this issue is particularly troublesome.

Economy/Government/Health Care: As already mentioned, Brad Ellsworth is an enthusiastic supporter of the Obama administration and the administration's policies over the last two years. It must be assumed, therefore, that he supports massive federal bailouts, even though he claims to support pay-as-you-go policies on his website. It is hard to believe that someone can both support the Obama administration's policies and at the same time claim to promote fiscal responsibility. The two contradict each other! His support for the Obama administration also indicates support for the health care package recently signed into law, and a general tendency to tax and spend. These policies so far have failed to create jobs or strengthen the economy. This model of government and economy is diametrically opposed to the Catholic ideal of subsidiarity, and is corrosive to economic prosperity and a just society.

Conclusion

In the matter of non-negotiable social issues such as abortion and the sanctity of marriage, the conscientious choice appears to be Dan Coats.

Coats has a proven track record in legislating to limit the practice of abortion, he is endorsed by Pro-Life groups, and seems to favor preserving marriage as a bond between one man and one woman. It would certainly be nice to see a more philosophic approach, especially in regards to the place of natural and divine law in the process of just government. His greatest weakness is in regards to immigration, taking the stance that he thinks will garner the "Tea Party" voters. This is unfortunate, as he, along with most other Republicans, continues to alienate the Hispanic vote for no good reason. At a time when Democrats are failing to pronounce a viable coarse for immigration reform, Republicans are squandering an opportunity in order to pander to a shrinking voting block.

While Brad Ellsworth promotes himself as Pro-Life, and he may truly disdain abortion, there simply is no assurance that he will legislate in such a way to make abortions harder to procure. This is especially evident given his support for the Obama administration and his vote for the new health care law. His Party's platform indicates that he will contribute more to the culture of death by legislating in favor of policies that promote artificial contraception and attack the sanctity of marriage. His support for the Obama administration and its initiatives also signals an overall tendency toward socialization of the economy, higher taxes, and continued irresponsible government spending. Such immoral stewardship can do nothing but harm the economy, stifle prosperity, and enslave whole peoples to the welfare state.

While Dan Coats in many ways reflects the shortcomings of the Republican Party, his position on the important matters puts him ahead of Brad Ellsworth.

Adoration of Our Blessed Lord

2010-08-28T22:24:00.006-04:00

Please remember that this Thursday evening (September 2nd) begins the First Friday nocturnal adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Patrick Catholic Church. The St. Mother Theodore Guerin Latin Mass Community in South Bend is responsible for the hours from 6:00pm to 10:00pm, Thursday night. (Please use the south entrance.)

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is an awesome source of grace and consolation, a quiet time for reflection, meditation and contemplation at the feet of our Savior in the company of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the saints and the choirs of angels.

In the Eucharist, the Son of God comes to meet us and desires to become one with us; eucharistic adoration is simply the natural consequence of the eucharistic celebration, which is itself the Church's supreme act of adoration. Receiving the Eucharist means adoring him whom we receive. Only in this way do we become one with him, and are given, as it were, a foretaste of the beauty of the heavenly liturgy. The act of adoration outside Mass prolongs and intensifies all that takes place during the liturgical celebration itself.

- Pope Benedict XVI, Sacramentum caritatis, no. 66

Update on TLM brochures

2010-08-21T19:09:00.002-04:00

As you might recall, not that long ago a brochure was designed for distribution at Divine Mercy Catholic Book Store in Roseland, just north of South Bend. (Please consider shopping at Divine Mercy Book Store, as they have been so kind to the Latin Mass Community over the years!)

The first batch are already on display at Divine Mercy, and we are currently working on designing a new one that can be printed locally at a reduced cost. A local graphics designer agreed to design the new brochure, free of cost, and hopefully we will have the new design to the printer very soon.

Many people have generously donated for the printing of the new brochures. If you would like to donate or purchase some for your own use, please let me know. We will be able to print up 200 brochures for about $86. Of course, the more we order the better the price.

Reminder: Novena for First Saturday TLM

2010-07-28T15:35:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow begins the next rosary novena for the establishment of a Traditional Latin Mass on First Saturdays, and once again I'm asking for your help. Please join us in praying this rosary novena.

Prayer to be said before the rosary:

Queen of the Holy Rosary you have deigned to come to Fatima to reveal to the three shepherd children the treasures of grace hidden in the Rosary. Inspire my heart with a sincere love of this devotion, in order that by meditating on the Mysteries of our Redemption which are recalled in it, I may be enriched with its fruits and obtain peace for the world, the conversion of sinners and of Russia, and the favor which I ask you in this Rosary: for the establishment of a Traditional Latin Mass on the first Saturdays here in the Michiana area. I ask this for the greater glory of God, for your own honor, and for the good of all souls, especially of my own. Amen.

Thank you very much for adding your prayers to this novena!

No pot-luck brunch on Sunday, July 25th

2010-07-18T12:50:00.002-04:00

Please note that there will be no pot-luck brunch after the 7:45 Traditional Latin Mass on Sunday, July 25th at St. Patrick's.

The usual pot-luck will resume the following Sunday, August 1st.

If you're new to the Traditional Latin Mass at St. Patricks...

2010-07-11T22:09:00.004-04:00

*There's coffee and a pot-luck after Mass on (almost) all Sundays (announcements to the contrary will be posted here). All are welcome!

*A member of the community "rescues" hand missals on Ebay, so there may be inexpensive hand missals available. Ask for Paula.

*Please consider joining the choir. You could join for sung Masses or sing full time. We are especially in need of a male tenor.

*If you are going to attend regularly, please consider registering with the parish as a member of the Traditional Latin Mass Community. (As members of St. Patrick's parish you will be eligible for school tuition assistance if you have children in a Catholic school.)

*If you have any questions about the Mass or the community, please send an email to t-l-m@sbcglobal.net or call Fr. Gabet at (260) 744-2519.

*Please help spread the word about the beauty, mystery and reverence of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite by telling your family and friends about the Traditional Latin Mass Community at St. Patrick's!

Welcome and God bless!

Reminder: Novena for First Saturday TLM

2010-06-24T18:30:00.002-04:00

Reminder: Today begins the next rosary novena for the establishment of a Traditional Latin Mass on First Saturdays.

Prayer to be said before the rosary:

Queen of the Holy Rosary you have deigned to come to Fatima to reveal to the three shepherd children the treasures of grace hidden in the Rosary. Inspire my heart with a sincere love of this devotion, in order that by meditating on the Mysteries of our Redemption which are recalled in it, I may be enriched with its fruits and obtain peace for the world, the conversion of sinners and of Russia, and the favor which I ask you in this Rosary: for the establishment of a Traditional Latin Mass on the first Saturdays here in the Michiana area. I ask this for the greater glory of God, for your own honor, and for the good of all souls, especially of my own. Amen.

Thank you very much for adding your prayers to this novena!

Donations needed to fund TLM Brochure

2010-06-14T21:54:00.010-04:00

Getting the word out about the Traditional Latin Mass in South Bend is important. I still remember having lived in South Bend for two years never knowing there was a Traditional Latin Mass in the area.

With Fr. Gabet's approval this brochure was designed for distribution at a local Catholic book store, and maybe at other public establishments in town.

This brochure can also be used as an ice breaker when introducing and inviting family and friends to the Traditional Latin Mass at St. Patrick's.

We would like to get these printed up and start distribution, but this will take some funding. At this time 25 brochures cost $34.95. We are able to save money by ordering at larger quantities. In your kindness please consider making a donation for ordering and printing the brochures. You can use the donation button in the side bar (all donations over the next few months will be used to print brochures), or contact David Werling at t-l-m@sbcglobal.net. Please contact David if you would like to purchase a set of brochures for your own distribution.

Thank you for your generosity.

Fr. John Shannon's First Blessings at St. Patricks

2010-06-13T16:02:00.005-04:00

Newly ordained Fr. John Shannon, FSSP, native of Fort Wayne, and a vocation from the Traditional Latin Mass community of the diocese, was kind enough to visit St. Patrick's in South Bend, offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and confer first priestly blessings for the St. Mother Theordore Guérin Traditional Latin Mass Community in South Bend.

Fr. Shannon's ordination in Lincoln, Nebraska, earlier this month.

Fr. Shannon is just one of many vocations from the the Traditional Latin Mass Community in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. With God's grace there will be many more to come.

Please Welcome Fr. John Shannon to St. Patrick's

2010-06-12T22:23:00.002-04:00

Fr. John Shannon, newly ordained priest of the Fraternity of St. Peter, will offer the Traditional Latin Mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church tomorrow, usual time. Fr. Shannon will offer his first priestly blessings after Mass for the community in South Bend.

Fr. Shannon is one of the many vocations coming from the Traditional Latin Mass Community in the Diocese of Ft. Wayne-South Bend. Deo Gratias!

First Communion at St. Patrick Catholic Church

2010-06-07T20:18:00.007-04:00

Congratulations to our First Communicants at St. Patrick Catholic Church, South Bend, Indiana. Special thanks to Miss Michele Corpe for helping Fr. Gabet prepare the children for their First Communion.

First Saturday

2010-06-05T07:55:00.000-04:00

Today is First Saturday. I would like to thank everyone who joined us in praying a rosary novena for the establishment of Traditional Latin Masses on the First Saturdays here in the Michiana area. I'm convinced that by prayer and by begging the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, God will answer this intention.

Please be aware that the next novena for this intention will start on June 24th.

Once again, thank you so much for your prayers!

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now, and at the hour of our death! Amen.

Mass for Corpus Christi on the Second Sunday after Pentecost in South Bend

2010-06-02T14:59:00.007-04:00

Just a reminder to the Traditional Latin Mass community in South Bend that Fr. Gabet will offer the Mass for the Feast of Corpus Christi this Sunday, 6 June.

Since Pope Leo XIII there has been an indult for the United States allowing an external celebration of Corpus Christi on the following Sunday. The ordo of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter reflects this, stipulating that there can be an external celebration of Corpus Christi on the Second Sunday after Pentecost.

Note: An external celebration means the Mass is celebrated outside the context of the day's office (i.e. the Roman Breviary). The Feast has not been "moved". Thursday, 3 June, is still the Feast of Corpus Christi.

First Communion at St. Patrick in South Bend

2010-05-29T08:39:00.004-04:00

Please join the St. Mother Theodore Guerin Traditional Latin Mass Community at St. Patrick Catholic Church in South Bend for First Communions.

St. Patrick Catholic Church
(Address in the side bar)
Sunday, June 6, 2010
7:45 am
The Mass for the Feast of Corpus Christi will be offered according to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite

Those who assist at this Mass gain a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions.

Pentecost Sunday in South Bend

2010-05-27T19:07:00.003-04:00

Thanks to Fr. Joseph Orlowski, FSSP, for filling in this past Sunday for Fr. Gabet. Fr. Orlowski graciously offered a missa cantata at St. Patrick's for Pentecost Sunday.

Monthly Novena for the Establishment of First Saturday TLMs

2010-05-22T07:55:00.002-04:00

Our Blessed Lord, no doubt on account of the urging of the Virgin Mary to whom has been entrusted the propagation of the Traditional Latin Mass in the Michiana area, has showered many blessings and graces on those attached to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. The establishment of the St. Mother Theodore Guerin Traditional Latin Mass Community, an apostolate of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend has ensured that the Traditional Latin Mass will always be available, God willing, in South Bend on Sundays and holy days of obligation. Deo Gratias!

However, we are also acutely aware that much more still needs to be done to ensure that those attached to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite in the Michiana area are incorporated into the full life of the Church and their local parishes. The Holy Father's recent pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal reminds us how important was the Blessed Virgin Mary's message to the children of Fatima. In the July apparition, the Blessed Virgin Mary asked that Communions of reparation for the sins of the world be made on the first Saturdays. On December 10th, 1925 the Virgin Mary once again appeared to Sr. Lucia, and told her:

See, my daughter, my Heart encircled by thorns with which ungrateful men pierce it at every moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude. Do you, at least, strive to console me. Tell them that I promise to assist at the hour of death with the graces necessary for salvation all those who, in order to make reparation to me, on the First Saturday of five successive months, go to confession, receive Holy Communion, say five decades of the Rosary, and keep me company for a quarter of an hour, meditating on the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary.

However, for so many people in Michiana, the first Saturday devotion is missing the Mass to which they are attached and which defines the very heart of their Catholic worship and spirituality.

It is primarily by prayer and sacrifice that we can effect the establishment of a First Saturday Traditional Latin Mass in the Michiana area. That is why I'm asking you to join me in praying a rosary novena before each First Saturday for this intention.

Please consider on these days leading up to the first Saturdays, reciting the following prayer before your family rosary:

Queen of the Holy Rosary you have deigned to come to Fatima to reveal to the three shepherd children the treasures of grace hidden in the Rosary. Inspire my heart with a sincere love of this devotion, in order that by meditating on the Mysteries of our Redemption which are recalled in it, I may be enriched with its fruits and obtain peace for the world, the conversion of sinners and of Russia, and the favor which I ask you in this Rosary: for the establishment of a Traditional Latin Mass on the first Saturdays here in the Michiana area. I ask this for the greater glory of God, for your own honor, and for the good of all souls, especially of my own. Amen.

Please begin the novena for the up coming first Saturday of June on May 27th.

Thank you so much for your consideration and prayers!

God bless!

Pilgrimage to Portugal and Spain slated by Canons Regular of St. John Cantius, Chicago

2010-05-18T21:59:00.000-04:00

The Traditional Latin Mass offered in the church built over the birthplace of St. Anthony! (September 6th)

The Traditional Latin Mass offered in the church that houses the 13th century Eucharistic Miracle of Santarem! (September 7th)

A three day liturgical conference at Fatima, with a daily Traditional Latin Mass, including a Pontifical Solemn Traditional Latin Mass offered by Bishop Basil Meeking, Retired Bishop of Christchurch, New Zealand, at the high altar in the Basilica of Fatima! (September 8-11)

Then on to Spain...

The Traditional Latin Mass offered in the church that houses the relics of St. John of the Cross! (September 12th)

To Madrid and the church of St. Gines (September 13th), and then finally, on the third anniversary of the motu propio, Summorum Pontificum, the Traditional Latin Mass in the awe inspiring Pontifical Basilica of St. Michael! (September 14th, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross)

The Canons Regular of St. John Cantius pull out all the stops!

For more information about the liturgical conference in Fatima and the pilgrimage, please visit the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius, here.

(To generously offer to finance my going, email me immediately!)

TLM Community in South Bend Welcomes New Christians

2010-05-16T17:31:00.005-04:00

The St. Mother Theodore Guerin Traditional Latin Mass Community was doubly blessed to have witnessed two baptisms this morning after the May Crowning.

Deo Gratias!

2010 May Crowning in South Bend

2010-05-16T17:14:00.003-04:00

Here are some pictures from this year's May Crowning at St. Patrick Catholic Church, South Bend, Indiana (St. Mother Theodore Guerin Traditional Latin Mass Community).

May Crowning in South Bend

2010-05-13T23:33:00.007-04:00

The annual May Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary will take place immediately following the Traditional Latin Mass (7:45 AM) at St. Patrick Catholic Church in South Bend (address in the side bar), Sunday, May 16th.

There will also be two baptisms after Mass, as well.

Please join the St. Mother Theodore Guerin Latin Mass Community as we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, and celebrate the entrance into the life of grace in Christ Jesus of our two newest members. There will be a pot luck breakfast in the parish hall (school basement) following the morning's liturgies.

Bring flow'rs of the fairest,
Bring flow'rs of the rarest,
From garden and woodland
And hillside and vale;
Our full hearts are swelling,
Our glad voices telling
The praise of the loveliest
Rose of the vale.

O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May,
O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.

Our voices ascending,
In harmony blending,
Oh! Thus may our hearts turn
Dear Mother, to thee;
Oh! Thus shall we prove thee
How truly we love thee,
How dark without Mary
Life's journey would be.

O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May,
O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.

O Virgin most tender,
Our homage we render,
Thy love and protection,
Sweet Mother, to win;
In danger defend us,
In sorrow befriend us,
And shield our hearts
From contagion and sin.

O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May,
O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.

Of Mothers the dearest,
Oh, wilt thou be nearest,
When life with temptation
Is darkly replete?
Forsake us, O never!
Our hearts be they ever
As Pure as the lilies
We lay at thy feet.

O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May,
O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.

South Bend, TLM on Ascension Thursday

2010-05-09T14:32:00.006-04:00

The Traditional Latin Mass for the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord will be on Ascension Thursday, May 13th at St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Mass for the Ascension of Our Lord
According to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite
Thursday, May 13th, 7:00 pm
St. Patrick Catholic Church
South Bend, IN (Please see the side bar for address)

Please note that in the Diocese Fort Wayne-South Bend the feast of the Ascension has been moved to the following Sunday in the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite. Thus, Ascension Thursday is not, technically, a holy day of obligation. Traditional Catholics, though, are not minimalists.

The calendar of the Extraordinary Form makes no provision for moving the feast; therefore, the Traditional Latin Mass on Sunday, May 16th, will be the Mass for the Sunday in Ascensiontide.

Prayers Needed

2010-04-19T22:30:00.002-04:00

Please keep in your prayers the members of the Latin Mass Community in South Bend who have experienced tragedies these last couple of weeks. This has been a rather difficult time for many of us, but our prayers and our guardian angels will see us through.

Let us also be thankful for the many blessings that have been received. God is good!

And if one member suffer any thing, all the members suffer with it; or if one member glory, all the members rejoice with it.

--1 Cor. 12:26

Novena for the Holy Father

2010-04-06T21:57:00.000-04:00

The Knights of Columbus have announced a novena for the Holy Father, beginning on Low Sunday (Divine Mercy Sunday), April 11th, and concluding on April 19th, the fifth anniversary of Benedict XVI's election.

Traditional Catholics ought to unite their prayers with those of the Knights of Columbus and their friends at this time when the Holy Father is being unjustly attacked by the powers of darkness. Therefore, I urge you and your family to take up the challenge of defending and supporting the Holy Father in the most effective way possible, by uniting your prayers with the prayers of millions throughout the whole world.

Please offer your family rosaries for the intentions of this novena, and conclude with the novena prayer. By placing this intention in Our Lady's hands, we can be sure that the Holy Father will not be left unaided.

The novena prayer can be found here, and a sheet of 6 novena cards can be downloaded here.

PRAYER FOR POPE BENEDICT XVI
Lord, source of eternal life and truth,
give to your shepherd, Benedict, a spirit
of courage and right judgment, a spirit
of knowledge and love. By governing
with fidelity those entrusted to his care,
may he, as successor to the Apostle
Peter and Vicar of Christ, build your
Church into a sacrament of unity, love
and peace for all the world. Amen.

V/ Let us pray for Benedict, the pope.
R/ May the Lord preserve him,
give him a long life,
make him blessed upon the earth,
and not hand him over
to the power of his enemies.
V/ May your hand
be upon your holy servant.
R/ And upon your son,
whom you have anointed.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…

Easter Celebration/Pot-luck

2010-04-05T22:23:00.003-04:00

Christus Resurrexit!

Et apparuit Simoni, Alleluia!

Please join the St. Mother Theordore Guerin Latin Mass Community of South Bend for an Easter pot-luck celebration and brunch after the 7:45 am Mass this Sunday, April 11th in St. Patrick Hall.

All are welcome, especially those visiting and those wanting to learn about the Traditional Latin Mass and the Latin Mass Community. Bring your favorite Easter dish, breakfast food or drink. Ovens are available. If you need to pop something in the oven before Mass, please call 243-7576 and ask for Dave so we make sure you can get into the Church hall.

No pot-luck brunch on Easter Sunday

2010-03-28T20:22:00.002-04:00

There will be no pot-luck after the 7:45am Mass at St. Patricks on Easter Sunday.

However, please join the South Bend St. Mother Theodore Guerin Latin Mass Community for an Easter pot-luck on Low Sunday, April 11th, immediately after Mass.

Holy Week and Easter Liturgical Schedule for St. Mary's in Kalamazoo

2010-03-25T20:05:00.003-04:00

Palm Sunday: Solemn Mass with Procession 9am, Ordinary Form
Low Mass, Noon, Extraordinary Form

Holy Thursday 7PM, Ordinary Form, followed by adoration until 11PM

Good Friday: Solemn Liturgy 3PM, Ordinary Form
Soup Supper 5:00
Musical Program (selections from the Messiah) 7PM

Easter Vigil: 9PM, Ordinary Form

Easter Day: 9AM, Ordinary Form
Noon, Extraordinary Form

Low Sunday: First Communion at 9AM, Ordinary Form.

Joe Donnally votes for federal funding of abortion

2010-03-22T06:49:00.003-04:00

Joe Donnally has both betrayed his constituents and his faith. Be sure to give him a call, and let him know we will not forget when election time rolls around: (202) 225-3915.

Mass of the Presanctified, St. Patrick Catholic Church, South Bend

2010-03-21T18:52:00.004-04:00

The Mass of the Presanctified will be offered at St. Patrick Catholic Church in South Bend on Good Friday.

Good Friday, April 3
5:00 pm

(Please read the Passion according to St. John before hand.)

The Mass of the Presanctified is an integral part of the Triduum, and is a unique liturgy, solemn and, surprisingly, very beautiful.

Call Joe

2010-03-15T19:08:00.003-04:00

Something quite incredible, and extremely troubling, is happening in our country. Those who oppose abortion funding in the current Senate bill for "healthcare" "reform" are being pressured to vote with the herd against their constituents' wishes and against their own moral convictions. What kind of political party threatens and bribes their own members to get through an agenda opposed by the majority of Americans? If this isn't the rise of despotism, what is?

At this moment Rep. Joe Donnelly is being pressured by some of the most powerful members of the Democratic Party to vote against his conscience and the wishes of us, his constituents. They would have him vote for the current Senate bill, even though he has staunchly refused to do so because it lacks the House's wording that strictly forbids any federal funding of abortion. Others have admitted that ethics violation investigations are being threatened behind closed doors, and labor unions are threatening to withhold campaign funding for many pro-life Democrats such as Rep. Donnelly.

At this time, it is extremely important to let Rep. Joe Donnelly know that you support him and his opposition to this "healthcare" "reform" bill. Call him today and tell him to stick to his guns and vote NO on this nefarious, pro-abortion bill.

(202) 225-3915

Daylight Savings Time Begins Tonight

2010-03-13T11:58:00.003-05:00

Don't forget to set your clocks up one hour tonight. As Fr. Gabet suggested, the loss of an hour of sleep is a perfectly good Lenten sacrifice to make.

So, does that mean we should thank Mitch Daniels?

Bishop Rhoades appointed to FWSB

2009-11-14T08:59:00.003-05:00

Bishop Rhoades has been appointed to serve our diocese.

(Click here for the story.)

Reminder: Day light saving's time ends tonight

2009-10-31T20:46:00.001-04:00

Please remember that day light savings time ends tonight. We Fall back, so that means we all get an extra hour of sleep before Mass and the All Saints festivities in South Bend!

All Saints Day Celebration in South Bend!

2009-09-28T20:17:00.011-04:00

Celebrate All Saints Day this year at St. Patrick Catholic Church, South Bend.

Sunday, November 1st

Mass - 7:45 am

Followed by a Pot Luck Breakfast
(in the Church Hall, St. Patrick School)

Kids All Saints Day Craft Table

And, of course...

An All Saints Day Pageant!

Kids, dress up like your favorite saint, and test Fr. Gabet on his knowledge of the saints. Who will stump Fr. Gabet this year?

The All Saints Day festivities were a big success last year, and was lots of fun for the kids and the grown ups. So bring a dish or drink, a costume for your little saints to change into for the pageant.

Treats for the kids, coffee for the grown ups, good food, and, of course, good cheer!

Poll: Catholics favor Tridentine Mass option by 25%-12% margin

2009-08-24T19:33:00.002-04:00

http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=3866

New Nuns and Priests Seen Opting for Tradition

2009-08-17T09:46:00.002-04:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/11/us/11nun.html

DVD's to be published to help people participate in the Mass

2009-08-13T12:19:00.002-04:00

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=16828

Mass for the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in South Bend

2009-08-01T22:11:00.003-04:00

Mass according the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite will be offered for the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in South Bend.

St. Patrick Catholic Church
(address in the side bar)
Saturday, August 15th
7:00 pm

Free organ

2009-08-01T10:37:00.001-04:00

There is currently available a free Lowry organ, Genie 44. The organ does require new points, which would cost approximately $90. If you are interested and would like more details, please send an email to:

claire1967@sbcglobal.net

Diocesan Norms for the Placement & Design of the Tabernacle

2009-07-16T19:43:00.005-04:00

[With my emphasis joyfully added.]

PROMULGATION OF DIOCESAN NORMS
Letter from His Excellency, Bishop John Michael D'Arcy

June 14, 2009 Feast of Corpus Christi

To Priests, Deacons, Religious, and to All the Faithful,

The presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament is at the center of our faith and of the devotional life of our Catholic people.

In recent years, the place of the tabernacle in our churches has become a source of controversy. This should not be. The Eucharist, whether we are referring to its celebration or to the place of reservation, should always be a means of unity and communion, and never of division.

The place of the tabernacle in our church should reflect our faith in the real presence of Christ, and should always be guided by Church documents.

My experience is that our people, with their instinct of faith, have always desired that the tabernacle be central and visible. They find it confusing when the tabernacle in their churches is not visible, and if possible, central.

Because of my responsibility to foster the devotional life of our people, and to keep it sound, I have asked our Office of Worship to prepare norms for the placement and design of the tabernacle in this diocese. These norms were brought before the Presbyteral Council, the Liturgical Commission, and the Environment and Arts Committee. Suitable refinements and improvements were prepared.

These norms are promulgated to the Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend on June 14, 2009, the Feast of Corpus Christi, the Body and Blood of the Lord. They will be effective on August 4, 2009, the Feast of Saint John Mary Vianney, the patron saint of priests, in whose honor the present Year for Priests has been dedicated by the Holy Father Benedict XVI.

I urge all priests to follow these norms carefully and completely, and most importantly -to foster devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.

With every best wish and prayer, I remain

Sincerely yours in our Lord,

Most Reverend John M. D’Arcy
Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend

NORMS FOR THE PLACEMENT & DESIGN OF THE TABERNACLE IN THE DIOCESE OF FORT WAYNE-SOUTH BEND

June 14, 2009 Feast of Corpus Christi

1. The placement and appearance of the tabernacle, which houses the Blessed Sacrament, is of tremendous importance in the design of our churches, because the church is “the privileged place for adoration of the real presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.”1 In fostering the Church’s liturgical and devotional life, “a favorable place is not a matter of indifference for true prayer.”2

2. These norms for the placement and design of tabernacles in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend are founded upon the liturgical mandate that “the tabernacle in which the Most Holy Eucharist is reserved is to be situated in some part of the church or oratory which is distinguished, conspicuous, beautifully decorated, and suitable for prayer.”3 In this manner, we may ensure that the distinctive Eucharistic presence of Jesus Christ in our churches will bear much spiritual fruit and serve as a treasure for future generations.

LOCATION

3. The Church teaches that the tabernacle is to be situated “in a most worthy place with the greatest honor.” Pope Benedict XVI emphasized this idea in his Apostolic Exhortation, Sacramentum Caritatis: “The correct positioning of the tabernacle contributes to the recognition of Christ's real presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Therefore, the place where the Eucharistic species are reserved, marked by a sanctuary lamp, should be readily visible to everyone entering the church.”

Only one tabernacle may be used to reserve the Blessed Sacrament within a single building. The determination of the positioning of the tabernacle is entrusted to “the judgment of the Diocesan Bishop.”

4. In the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, the Bishop has judged that the tabernacle is normally to be prominently located in the sanctuary of the church, along the central axis behind the main altar. Under this arrangement, the tabernacle should be at an elevated, open location in the apse area, or in another central place in the sanctuary that is equally conspicuous. Where a high altar with a tabernacle remains in place, it is appropriate to continue using this noble structure for the reservation of the Blessed Sacrament.

5. This prescription is to be observed in all future construction or restoration projects involving places of sacred worship (including all churches, oratories, and private chapels) in the Diocese. Any exception to this norm must be approved by the Diocesan Bishop, and must clearly demonstrate itself as a worthy alternative that would accentuate the sacramental nature of the church building and contribute to the spiritual life of the worshiping community.

6. In those existing places of sacred worship where the tabernacle is currently located elsewhere in the sanctuary or the main body of the church, a liturgical consultation with the faithful and with the Diocese should begin, regarding the possibility of moving the tabernacle to a central position in the sanctuary. Especially if the tabernacle in a particular church was central at one time and then was moved, it should be returned to its original location.

7. If a separate, previously approved tabernacle chapel is to remain in use at a particular church, its location must somehow be made obvious and “readily visible to the Christian faithful”who enter the church.

A legitimate and historical tradition does exist for designating separate chapels for the reservation of the Holy Eucharist. This practice is appropriately adopted where such a side chapel is “organically connected” with the main nave of the church. Proposed exceptions for future separate reservation chapels will be evaluated along these lines, and if approved, must feature a centrally located tabernacle along with a substantial amount of seating and kneelers for adoration.

8. It is the duty of the Diocesan Environment & Art Committee to assist the Bishop in reviewing proposals for the placement or repositioning of tabernacles. All such proposals must be submitted to the Diocesan Office of Worship for review by the aforementioned Committee, and for ultimate approval by the Diocesan Bishop.

THEOLOGICAL RATIONALE FOR SUCH PLACEMENT

9. As expressed in the introduction, the church is the “privileged place for adoration” of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist, and location is “not a matter of indifference for true prayer.” Thus, the prescription for a central placement of the tabernacle is grounded in a spiritual reality.

The church, which is “both the house of God on earth (domus Dei) and a house fit for the prayers of the saints (domus ecclesiae),” itself possesses a sacramental dimension—by its very structure it should aid worshipers to enter into an encounter with Christ. The honored presence of the Blessed Sacrament helps lend a Catholic church building its particular sacramental character. That is why Pope Paul VI commended the Lord’s presence in the tabernacle as the “living heart of each of our churches.”

10. In addition, although we live now in an imperfect world tainted by sin, our sacramental worship always must strive to image heavenly perfection. Generally speaking, order and symmetry in sacred design are employed precisely to emulate divine perfection, and the tabernacle’s enthronement along the central axis helps to accomplish this purpose.

11. While it is true that the actual Holy Sacrifice of the Mass should not be conflated with the Eucharist reserved outside the liturgy, they are certainly not mutually exclusive.

Pope Pius XII said of the altar and the tabernacle, “An awareness of their unity is more important than a realization of their differences. It is one and the same Lord who is immolated on the altar and honored in the tabernacle, and who pours out his blessings from the tabernacle.” This thinking was reflected in the Lineamenta before the 2005 Bishops’ Synod on the Eucharist: “There is no conflict of signs between the tabernacle and the altar of Eucharistic celebration.”

As such, although the altar deserves ritual and symbolic primacy during the liturgy, the placement of the tabernacle in the sanctuary should not be understood as detracting from the celebration of the Mass. Indeed, if the tabernacle is significantly isolated from the place of the routine public celebration of the sacred liturgy, then the possibility exists of the reserved sacrament gradually slipping from the parish or communal consciousness and being visited privately only by a few.

CONSTRUCTION

12. In accord with liturgical law, “the one tabernacle should be immovable, be made of solid and inviolable material that is not transparent, and be locked in such a way that the danger of profanation is prevented to the greatest extent possible.”

13. The security of the tabernacle is a very serious matter. It should not be constructed with a lightweight or fragile material, but rather with a dignified, robust material that adequately shields its contents. The tabernacle should be firmly attached or bolted upon whatever surface it is placed.

14. Since a tabernacle may not be transparent, it may not be constructed out of glass. Nor may it be constructed even with opaque glass, which does not convey a sense of durable permanence or security. The contents should never be visible when the tabernacle is closed.

15. Every tabernacle must also be equipped with a functioning lock, and its key should be safeguarded diligently.

PRINCIPLES FOR DESIGN & APPEARANCE

16. A church’s tabernacle should be beautifully decorated or adorned, and suitable for prayer. These two qualities are closely related, for a sacramental and Incarnational beauty raises the spirits of the faithful and invites them to contemplate the things of Heaven.

17. An Old Testament foreshadowing of the Eucharistic tabernacle was the Ark of the Covenant and the “Shekinah,” which was associated with God’s very presence among the Israelites. The Ark was plated and adorned with pure gold, and surrounded by cherubim. Another Eucharistic prefigurement was the “bread of the presence,” which had to be placed on a “pure gold table.” The Lord commanded the Israelites always to keep the Ark and the bread of the presence in a sanctuary tent along with a “pure gold lampstand,” which was to burn perpetually.

From this we see the Jewish origins of our traditional tabernacle lamp, which is “kept alight to indicate and honor the presence of Christ.” But more importantly, we recognize that the Lord’s presence was held in such high esteem that the Israelites gave of their finest materials to make a fitting dwelling place for the divine to reside in their midst. How tremendous, then, is our responsibility to craft a worthy dwelling for the sacramental fulfillment of these ancient archetypes. The profound and dynamic divine Presence that dwelt upon the Ark in the Holy of Holies now resides in our church sanctuaries. The design of the tabernacle should therefore draw upon the Church’s best insights into sacred art.

18. The tabernacle should be crafted of noble, non-synthetic material, such as metal, marble, or certain types of wood. Any metal used should be polished and radiant, while also rustproof and not easily prone to tarnishing. The interior and exterior may be plated with a brilliant metal.

19. Options for providing an elevated location include placing the tabernacle upon a handsomely designed pillar or pedestal, so that it may be freestanding and stately. Additional options include erecting a sizable ornamental canopy or baldachin over the tabernacle, or setting the tabernacle within the apsidal wall or against the backdrop of a decorated reredos. Such arrangements can greatly help to accentuate the tabernacle by lending mass and beauty to its presence.

20. The visibility of the tabernacle should not be obstructed by the placement of chairs or other liturgical appointments. The tabernacle should be a visible focal point from the main body of the church, but not so ostentatious as to overshadow the altar at all times. The scale of the church and its furnishings must be taken into consideration.

21. Tabernacle lamps should also be of noble design, complementing the tabernacle. These lamps may be set into a wall or reredos, or suspended from a bracket or the ceiling—as long as they are visibly situated in the immediate vicinity of the tabernacle to denote its location.

22. The use of a veil outside or within the tabernacle is an old custom, hearkening to the Old Testament imagery of the sanctuary tent and the Temple. When employed, tabernacle veils should be woven of fine material and serve to indicate the presence of the tabernacle. Colors should correspond to the liturgical seasons.

23. A skilled student of sacred art can ensure that tabernacle iconography will “be chosen from the rich treasury of symbolism that is associated with the Eucharist.” Pope John Paul II noted that a “heightened sense of mystery” and a deeply theological reverence have guided the Church’s Eucharistic devotion throughout her history: “The designs of altars and tabernacles within church interiors were often not simply motivated by artistic inspiration but also by a clear understanding of the mystery.” Thus, the appearance of the tabernacle must convey a sense of divine transcendence, speaking a truth about Christ as the divine Son of God who comes to encounter humanity through the Incarnation.

PROPER REVERENCE

24. Aside from tending to the tabernacle itself, we must ensure that the faithful receive proper guidance and formation with respect to reverence before the Blessed Sacrament. Today there are many of all ages who inadvertently do not genuflect or bow in the correct situations. Care should be taken to instruct the faithful that genuflection is the appropriate sign of adoration in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, “whether reserved in the tabernacle or exposed for public adoration.” Before or after Mass, when the tabernacle is visible somewhere in the church, genuflection should be directed towards it. Although those who genuflect when a tabernacle is not present or when the Blessed Sacrament is clearly removed from the tabernacle (for example, during much of the Sacred Triduum) typically do so out of a commendable pious habit, they should instead bow out of reverence towards the altar.

25. Every church should strive to make the tabernacle accessible for prayer during the day, and to preserve a peaceful setting favorable to prayerful visits. Meetings and other activities without a strictly spiritual purpose should therefore be held elsewhere on the church premises whenever possible. Under extraordinary circumstances, such as if it became necessary for a church to host an event of a purely secular nature, the Blessed Sacrament may be removed from the tabernacle and transferred to the sacristy or another suitable place. The location should be secure, with the ciboria veiled and the Lord’s presence clearly marked.

FINAL REFLECTIONS

26. It is the responsibility of priests, teachers, and other custodians of the faith to catechize the faithful, so that all may appreciate our diocesan norms and the Church’s teaching on the reservation of the Eucharist.

Therefore, parishes and all communities of the faithful are encouraged to study the tabernacle and its theology, as well as the totality of sacred art and architecture, regardless of whether any physical modifications are imminent within their places of sacred worship. Doing so can only serve to deepen a love for Christ, thereby promoting the life of prayer and possibly even vocations among our young people.

27. Above all, “the dignity, placing, and security of the Eucharistic tabernacle should foster adoration before the Lord really present in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar.” When an emphasis on this sacramental reality becomes our priority, we make it self-evident that we believe the church building to be the privileged meeting place between Heaven and Earth.

[I only have this to say: WOW! Thank you, Bishop D'Arcy and the Office of Worship.]

Mostaccioli Dinner at St. Patrick's

2009-07-11T10:54:00.002-04:00

All are invited to the Mostaccioli Dinner at St. Patrick Catholic Church

Saturday, July 25th
St. Patrick Catholic Church, South Bend
6pm

Adults are $7 , Children (6-12) are $3, and under 5 years old are free . This includes main dish,beverage and dessert. The reservations are limited to the first 100 people.

All proceeds will be used to pay for the re-pointing the brick on the front of St. Patrick church.

Mr. Mike Nedvidek will be selling tickets after the 7:45am Traditional Latin Mass.

Please help support the continuing renovations of the most beautiful Catholic Church in South Bend!

The Collect of the Day has moved

2009-06-25T23:56:00.004-04:00

The Collect of the Day has moved to a new web location. Please continue to read the Collect of the Day entries at Ars orandi: the Art and Beauty of Traditional Catholicism (http://arsorandi.blogspot.com/). Ars orandi is my new project, the intention of which is to re-discover a traditional Catholic piety for the laity.

If you are a regular reader of the Collect of the Day, please bookmark Ars orandi. I'm sure you will be pleased with all the other content you will find there.

The other authors of The Traditional Latin Mass in Michiana and I will continue to post news pertaining to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite in the Michiana area. The authors of The Traditional Latin Mass in Michiana are committed to keeping you informed. Please continue to forward news and information to t-l-m@sbcglobal.net.

Letter of Pope Benedict XVI Proclaiming a Year for Priests

2009-06-18T06:55:00.002-04:00

LETTER OF HIS HOLINESS POPE
BENEDICT XVI
PROCLAIMING A YEAR FOR PRIESTS
ON THE 150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE DIES NATALIS
OF THE CURÉ OF ARS

Dear Brother Priests,

On the forthcoming Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Friday 19 June 2009 – a day traditionally devoted to prayer for the sanctification of the clergy –, I have decided to inaugurate a “Year for Priests” in celebration of the 150^th anniversary of the “dies natalis” of John Mary Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests worldwide. This Year, meant to deepen the commitment of all priests to interior renewal for the sake of a more forceful and incisive witness to the Gospel in today’s world, will conclude on the same Solemnity in 2010. The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus”, the saintly Curé of Ars would often say. This touching expression makes us reflect, first of all, with heartfelt gratitude on the immense gift which priests represent, not only for the Church, but also for humanity itself. I think of all those priests who quietly present Christ’s words and actions each day to the faithful and to the whole world, striving to be one with the Lord in their thoughts and their will, their sentiments and their style of life. How can I not pay tribute to their apostolic labours, their tireless and hidden service, their universal charity? And how can I not praise the courageous fidelity of so many priests who, even amid difficulties and incomprehension, remain faithful to their vocation as “friends of Christ”, whom he has called by name, chosen and sent?

I still treasure the memory of the first parish priest at whose side I exercised my ministry as a young priest: he left me an example of unreserved devotion to his pastoral duties, even to meeting death in the act of bringing viaticum to a gravely ill person. I also recall the countless confreres whom I have met and continue to meet, not least in my pastoral visits to different countries: men generously dedicated to the daily exercise of their priestly ministry. Yet the expression of Saint John Mary also makes us think of Christ’s pierced Heart and the crown of thorns which surrounds it. I am also led to think, therefore, of the countless situations of suffering endured by many priests, either because they themselves share in the manifold human experience of pain or because they encounter misunderstanding from the very persons to whom they minister. How can we not also think of all those priests who are offended in their dignity, obstructed in their mission and persecuted, even at times to offering the supreme testimony of their own blood?

There are also, sad to say, situations which can never be sufficiently deplored where the Church herself suffers as a consequence of infidelity on the part of some of her ministers. Then it is the world which finds grounds for scandal and rejection. What is most helpful to the Church in such cases is not only a frank and complete acknowledgment of the weaknesses of her ministers, but also a joyful and renewed realization of the greatness of God’s gift, embodied in the splendid example of generous pastors, religious afire with love for God and for souls, and insightful, patient spiritual guides. Here the teaching and example of Saint John Mary Vianney can serve as a significant point of reference for us all. The Curé of Ars was quite humble, yet as a priest he was conscious of being an immense gift to his people: “A good shepherd, a pastor after God’s heart, is the greatest treasure which the good Lord can grant to a parish, and one of the most precious gifts of divine mercy”. He spoke of the priesthood as if incapable of fathoming the grandeur of the gift and task entrusted to a human creature: “O, how great is the priest! … If he realized what he is, he would die… God obeys him: he utters a few words and the Lord descends from heaven at his voice, to be contained within a small host…”. Explaining to his parishioners the importance of the sacraments, he would say: “Without the Sacrament of Holy Orders, we would not have the Lord. Who put him there in that tabernacle? The priest. Who welcomed your soul at the beginning of your life? The priest. Who feeds your soul and gives it strength for its journey? The priest. Who will prepare it to appear before God, bathing it one last time in the blood of Jesus Christ? The priest, always the priest. And if this soul should happen to die [as a result of sin], who will raise it up, who will restore its calm and peace? Again, the priest… After God, the priest is everything! … Only in heaven will he fully realize what he is”. These words, welling up from the priestly heart of the holy pastor, might sound excessive. Yet they reveal the high esteem in which he held the sacrament of the priesthood. He seemed overwhelmed by a boundless sense of responsibility: “Were we to fully realize what a priest is on earth, we would die: not of fright, but of love… Without the priest, the passion and death of our Lord would be of no avail. It is the priest who continues the work of redemption on earth… What use would be a house filled with gold, were there no one to open its door? The priest holds the key to the treasures of heaven: it is he who opens the door: he is the steward of the good Lord; the administrator of his goods … Leave a parish for twenty years without a priest, and they will end by worshiping the beasts there … The priest is not a priest for himself, he is a priest for you”.

He arrived in Ars, a village of 230 souls, warned by his Bishop beforehand that there he would find religious practice in a sorry state: “There is little love of God in that parish; you will be the one to put it there”. As a result, he was deeply aware that he needed to go there to embody Christ’s presence and to bear witness to his saving mercy: “[Lord,] grant me the conversion of my parish; I am willing to suffer whatever you wish, for my entire life!”: with this prayer he entered upon his mission. The Curé devoted himself completely to his parish’s conversion, setting before all else the Christian education of the people in his care. Dear brother priests, let us ask the Lord Jesus for the grace to learn for ourselves something of the pastoral plan of Saint John Mary Vianney! The first thing we need to learn is the complete identification of the man with his ministry. In Jesus, person and mission tend to coincide: all Christ’s saving activity was, and is, an expression of his “filial consciousness” which from all eternity stands before the Father in an attitude of loving submission to his will. In a humble yet genuine way, every priest must aim for a similar identification. Certainly this is not to forget that the efficacy of the ministry is independent of the holiness of the minister; but neither can we overlook the extraordinary fruitfulness of the encounter between the ministry’s objective holiness and the subjective holiness of the minister. The Curé of Ars immediately set about this patient and humble task of harmonizing his life as a minister with the holiness of the ministry he had received, by deciding to “live”, physically, in his parish church: As his first biographer tells us: “Upon his arrival, he chose the church as his home. He entered the church before dawn and did not leave it until after the evening Angelus. There he was to be sought whenever needed”.

The pious excess of his devout biographer should not blind us to the fact that the Curé also knew how to “live” actively within the entire territory of his parish: he regularly visited the sick and families, organized popular missions and patronal feasts, collected and managed funds for his charitable and missionary works, embellished and furnished his parish church, cared for the orphans and teachers of the “Providence” (an institute he founded); provided for the education of children; founded confraternities and enlisted lay persons to work at his side.

His example naturally leads me to point out that there are sectors of cooperation which need to be opened ever more fully to the lay faithful. Priests and laity together make up the one priestly people and in virtue of their ministry priests live in the midst of the lay faithful, “that they may lead everyone to the unity of charity, ‘loving one another with mutual affection; and outdoing one another in sharing honour’” (Rom 12:10). Here we ought to recall the Second Vatican Council’s hearty encouragement to priests “to be sincere in their appreciation and promotion of the dignity of the laity and of the special role they have to play in the Church’s mission. … They should be willing to listen to lay people, give brotherly consideration to their wishes, and acknowledge their experience and competence in the different fields of human activity. In this way they will be able together with them to discern the signs of the times”.

Saint John Mary Vianney taught his parishioners primarily by the witness of his life. It was from his example that they learned to pray, halting frequently before the tabernacle for a visit to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. “One need not say much to pray well” – the Curé explained to them – “We know that Jesus is there in the tabernacle: let us open our hearts to him, let us rejoice in his sacred presence. That is the best prayer”. And he would urge them: “Come to communion, my brothers and sisters, come to Jesus. Come to live from him in order to live with him… “Of course you are not worthy of him, but you need him!”. This way of educating the faithful to the Eucharistic presence and to communion proved most effective when they saw him celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Those present said that “it was not possible to find a finer example of worship… He gazed upon the Host with immense love”. “All good works, taken together, do not equal the sacrifice of the Mass” – he would say – “since they are human works, while the Holy Mass is the work of God”. He was convinced that the fervour of a priest’s life depended entirely upon the Mass: “The reason why a priest is lax is that he does not pay attention to the Mass! My God, how we ought to pity a priest who celebrates as if he were engaged in something routine!”. He was accustomed, when celebrating, also to offer his own life in sacrifice: “What a good thing it is for a priest each morning to offer himself to God in sacrifice!”.

This deep personal identification with the Sacrifice of the Cross led him – by a sole inward movement – from the altar to the confessional. Priests ought never to be resigned to empty confessionals or the apparent indifference of the faithful to this sacrament. In France, at the time of the Curé of Ars, confession was no more easy or frequent than in our own day, since the upheaval caused by the revolution had long inhibited the practice of religion. Yet he sought in every way, by his preaching and his powers of persuasion, to help his parishioners to rediscover the meaning and beauty of the sacrament of Penance, presenting it as an inherent demand of the Eucharistic presence. He thus created a “virtuous” circle. By spending long hours in church before the tabernacle, he inspired the faithful to imitate him by coming to visit Jesus with the knowledge that their parish priest would be there, ready to listen and offer forgiveness. Later, the growing numbers of penitents from all over France would keep him in the confessional for up to sixteen hours a day. It was said that Ars had become “a great hospital of souls”. His first biographer relates that “the grace he obtained [for the conversion of sinners] was so powerful that it would pursue them, not leaving them a moment of peace!”. The saintly Curé reflected something of the same idea when he said: “It is not the sinner who returns to God to beg his forgiveness, but God himself who runs after the sinner and makes him return to him”. “This good Saviour is so filled with love that he seeks us everywhere”.

We priests should feel that the following words, which he put on the lips of Christ, are meant for each of us personally: “I will charge my ministers to proclaim to sinners that I am ever ready to welcome them, that my mercy is infinite”. From Saint John Mary Vianney we can learn to put our unfailing trust in the sacrament of Penance, to set it once more at the centre of our pastoral concerns, and to take up the “dialogue of salvation” which it entails. The Curé of Ars dealt with different penitents in different ways. Those who came to his confessional drawn by a deep and humble longing for God’s forgiveness found in him the encouragement to plunge into the “flood of divine mercy” which sweeps everything away by its vehemence. If someone was troubled by the thought of his own frailty and inconstancy, and fearful of sinning again, the Curé would unveil the mystery of God’s love in these beautiful and touching words: “The good Lord knows everything. Even before you confess, he already knows that you will sin again, yet he still forgives you. How great is the love of our God: he even forces himself to forget the future, so that he can grant us his forgiveness!”. But to those who made a lukewarm and rather indifferent confession of sin, he clearly demonstrated by his own tears of pain how “abominable” this attitude was: “I weep because you don’t weep”, he would say. “If only the Lord were not so good! But he is so good! One would have to be a brute to treat so good a Father this way!”. He awakened repentance in the hearts of the lukewarm by forcing them to see God’s own pain at their sins reflected in the face of the priest who was their confessor. To those who, on the other hand, came to him already desirous of and suited to a deeper spiritual life, he flung open the abyss of God’s love, explaining the untold beauty of living in union with him and dwelling in his presence: “Everything in God’s sight, everything with God, everything to please God… How beautiful it is!”. And he taught them to pray: “My God, grant me the grace to love you as much as I possibly can”.

In his time the Curé of Ars was able to transform the hearts and the lives of so many people because he enabled them to experience the Lord’s merciful love. Our own time urgently needs a similar proclamation and witness to the truth of Love: Deus caritas est (1 Jn: 4:8). Thanks to the word and the sacraments of Jesus, John Mary Vianney built up his flock, although he often trembled from a conviction of his personal inadequacy, and desired more than once to withdraw from the responsibilities of the parish ministry out of a sense of his unworthiness. Nonetheless, with exemplary obedience he never abandoned his post, consumed as he was by apostolic zeal for the salvation of souls. He sought to remain completely faithful to his own vocation and mission through the practice of an austere asceticism: “The great misfortune for us parish priests – he lamented – is that our souls grow tepid”; meaning by this that a pastor can grow dangerously inured to the state of sin or of indifference in which so many of his flock are living. He himself kept a tight rein on his body, with vigils and fasts, lest it rebel against his priestly soul. Nor did he avoid self-mortification for the good of the souls in his care and as a help to expiating the many sins he heard in confession. To a priestly confrere he explained: “I will tell you my recipe: I give sinners a small penance and the rest I do in their place”. Aside from the actual penances which the Curé of Ars practiced, the core of his teaching remains valid for each of us: souls have been won at the price of Jesus’ own blood, and a priest cannot devote himself to their salvation if he refuses to share personally in the “precious cost” of redemption.

In today’s world, as in the troubled times of the Curé of Ars, the lives and activity of priests need to be distinguished by a forceful witness to the Gospel. As Pope Paul VI rightly noted, “modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses”. Lest we experience existential emptiness and the effectiveness of our ministry be compromised, we need to ask ourselves ever anew: “Are we truly pervaded by the word of God? Is that word truly the nourishment we live by, even more than bread and the things of this world? Do we really know that word? Do we love it? Are we deeply engaged with this word to the point that it really leaves a mark on our lives and shapes our thinking?”. Just as Jesus called the Twelve to be with him (cf. Mk 3:14), and only later sent them forth to preach, so too in our days priests are called to assimilate that “new style of life” which was inaugurated by the Lord Jesus and taken up by the Apostles.

It was complete commitment to this “new style of life” which marked the priestly ministry of the Curé of Ars. Pope John XXIII, in his Encyclical Letter Sacerdotii nostri primordia, published in 1959 on the first centenary of the death of Saint John Mary Vianney, presented his asceticism with special reference to the “three evangelical counsels” which the Pope considered necessary also for priests: “even though priests are not bound to embrace these evangelical counsels by virtue of the clerical state, these counsels nonetheless offer them, as they do all the faithful, the surest road to the desired goal of Christian perfection”. The Curé of Ars lived the “evangelical counsels” in a way suited to his priestly state. His poverty was not the poverty of a religious or a monk, but that proper to a priest: while managing much money (since well-to-do pilgrims naturally took an interest in his charitable works), he realized that everything had been donated to his church, his poor, his orphans, the girls of his “Providence”, his families of modest means. Consequently, he “was rich in giving to others and very poor for himself”. As he would explain: “My secret is simple: give everything away; hold nothing back”. When he lacked money, he would say aimiably to the poor who knocked at his door: “Today I’m poor just like you, I’m one of you”. At the end of his life, he could say with absolute tranquillity: “I no longer have anything. The good Lord can call me whenever he wants!”. His chastity, too, was that demanded of a priest for his ministry. It could be said that it was a chastity suited to one who must daily touch the Eucharist, who contemplates it blissfully and with that same bliss offers it to his flock. It was said of him that “he radiated chastity”; the faithful would see this when he turned and gazed at the tabernacle with loving eyes”. Finally, Saint John Mary Vianney’s obedience found full embodiment in his conscientious fidelity to the daily demands of his ministry. We know how he was tormented by the thought of his inadequacy for parish ministry and by a desire to flee “in order to bewail his poor life, in solitude”. Only obedience and a thirst for souls convinced him to remain at his post. As he explained to himself and his flock: “There are no two good ways of serving God. There is only one: serve him as he desires to be served”. He considered this the golden rule for a life of obedience: “Do only what can be offered to the good Lord”.

In this context of a spirituality nourished by the practice of the evangelical counsels, I would like to invite all priests, during this Year dedicated to them, to welcome the new springtime which the Spirit is now bringing about in the Church, not least through the ecclesial movements and the new communities. “In his gifts the Spirit is multifaceted… He breathes where he wills. He does so unexpectedly, in unexpected places, and in ways previously unheard of… but he also shows us that he works with a view to the one body and in the unity of the one body”. In this regard, the statement of the Decree Presbyterorum Ordinis continues to be timely: “While testing the spirits to discover if they be of God, priests must discover with faith, recognize with joy and foster diligently the many and varied charismatic gifts of the laity, whether these be of a humble or more exalted kind”. These gifts, which awaken in many people the desire for a deeper spiritual life, can benefit not only the lay faithful but the clergy as well. The communion between ordained and charismatic ministries can provide “a helpful impulse to a renewed commitment by the Church in proclaiming and bearing witness to the Gospel of hope and charity in every corner of the world”. I would also like to add, echoing the Apostolic Exhortation Pastores Dabo Vobis of Pope John Paul II, that the ordained ministry has a radical “communitarian form” and can be exercised only in the communion of priests with their Bishop. This communion between priests and their Bishop, grounded in the sacrament of Holy Orders and made manifest in Eucharistic concelebration, needs to be translated into various concrete expressions of an effective and affective priestly fraternity. Only thus will priests be able to live fully the gift of celibacy and build thriving Christian communities in which the miracles which accompanied the first preaching of the Gospel can be repeated.

The Pauline Year now coming to its close invites us also to look to the Apostle of the Gentiles, who represents a splendid example of a priest entirely devoted to his ministry. “The love of Christ urges us on” – he wrote – “because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died” (2 Cor 5:14). And he adds: “He died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them” (2 Cor 5:15). Could a finer programme could be proposed to any priest resolved to advance along the path of Christian perfection?

Dear brother priests, the celebration of the 150^th anniversary of the death of Saint John Mary Vianney (1859) follows upon the celebration of the 150^th anniversary of the apparitions of Lourdes (1858). In 1959 Blessed Pope John XXIII noted that “shortly before the Curé of Ars completed his long and admirable life, the Immaculate Virgin appeared in another part of France to an innocent and humble girl, and entrusted to her a message of prayer and penance which continues, even a century later, to yield immense spiritual fruits. The life of this holy priest whose centenary we are commemorating in a real way anticipated the great supernatural truths taught to the seer of Massabielle. He was greatly devoted to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin; in 1836 he had dedicated his parish church to Our Lady Conceived without Sin and he greeted the dogmatic definition of this truth in 1854 with deep faith and great joy.” The Curé would always remind his faithful that “after giving us all he could, Jesus Christ wishes in addition to bequeath us his most precious possession, his Blessed Mother”.

To the Most Holy Virgin I entrust this Year for Priests. I ask her to awaken in the heart of every priest a generous and renewed commitment to the ideal of complete self-oblation to Christ and the Church which inspired the thoughts and actions of the saintly Curé of Ars. It was his fervent prayer life and his impassioned love of Christ Crucified that enabled John Mary Vianney to grow daily in his total self-oblation to God and the Church. May his example lead all priests to offer that witness of unity with their Bishop, with one another and with the lay faithful, which today, as ever, is so necessary. Despite all the evil present in our world, the words which Christ spoke to his Apostles in the Upper Room continue to inspire us: “In the world you have tribulation; but take courage, I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33). Our faith in the Divine Master gives us the strength to look to the future with confidence. Dear priests, Christ is counting on you. In the footsteps of the Curé of Ars, let yourselves be enthralled by him. In this way you too will be, for the world in our time, heralds of hope, reconciliation and peace!

With my blessing.

From the Vatican, 16 June 2009.

BENEDICTVS PP. XVI

Jeffrey Tucker on St. Mary Catholic Church, Kalamazoo

2009-06-16T22:03:00.002-04:00

Please read Mr. Tucker's kind comments here, on the New Liturgical Movement.

Please continue to pray for and support St. Mary Catholic Church, Kalamazoo.

"We might describe this parish as a model of what a truly progressive parish should be."

Corpus Christi at St. Mary's in Kalamazoo, MI

2009-06-11T22:08:00.000-04:00

The Solemn Mass of Corpus Christi
According to the Missal of 1962

Featuring

Missa Octavi Toni
By
Orlando di Lasso
(1532-1594)

Carolyn Hiestand, Soprano
Katie Seiler, Alto
Patrick M. Muehleise, Tenor
Jerzy Bugaj, Baritone

And
Gregorian Chant
By
The Schola of St. Mary Church

Sunday; June 14, 2009
12 Noon

Saint Mary Church
Charlotte Avenue
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49048
(269) 342-0621

Benediction will follow the celebration of Mass.

Liturgical Workshop at St. Mary's in Kalamazoo

2009-06-11T18:50:00.000-04:00

Lauda Sion: Catholic Liturgy in a Time of Reform

St. Mary Catholic Church
939 Charlotte Ave.
Kalamazoo, Michigan

June 13, 2009

Presenters:
Fr. John T. Zuhlsdorf (contributer to The Wander, "Ask Father" and the very popular Catholic blog, "What Does the Prayer Really Say?")
Mr. Jeffery Tucker (Sacred Music, the popular Catholic blog, New Liturgical Movement, and author of Sing Like a Cahtolic)
Fr. Robert J. Johansen (Pastor of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Dunn, MI)
Fr. David Grondz (Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Catholic Church)

Liturgical change is upon us int he life of Catholic parishes. A new Missal translation is on its way. New music in English and Latin is available as never before. The older Missal of the extraordinary is in early stages of living alongside the modern Missal of the ordinary form. All of this points to a new interest in solemnity, decorum, and beauty in Catholic ligurgy.

This conference will explore these new trends with top experts on liturgical texts, music and vestments, with the goal of the fully sung Mass with chant in English and Latin at the vigil Mass for Corpus Christi, followed by the extraordinary form Mass the next morning. The assembled choir will rehearse and sing the full "Lauda Sion" chant, along with newly published English chants.

Horarium
9:45 am - Registration ($20)
10:00 am - Authentic Liturgy: The Source of Catholic Culture (Fr. Robert Johansen)
10:45 am - The History and Meaning of Corpus Christi (Fr. David Grondz)
11:30 am - The History and Meaning of the Sequence (Mr. Jeffrey Tucker)
12:15 pm - Lunch lecture: Pope Benedict XVI's Approach to Liturgical Continuity (Fr. John Zuhlsdorf)
1:00 pm - Music Practice for Mass
1:45 pm - Roundtable on Liturgical Reform
2:30 pm - Music Rehearsal
3:30 pm - Music Rehearsal
4:15 pm - Mass (Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite)

Don't forget that Solemn Mass of Corpus Christi accoring to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite will be on Sunday, June 14 at 12 noon at St. Mary Catholic Church.

Reserve your place by writing brodavid@stphilipnerihouse.org .

Ember Days this week

2009-06-01T21:12:00.004-04:00

This Wednesday, Friday and Saturday are the Summer Ember Days, traditional days of fast and partial/full abstinence. These days were unfortunately neglected in the 20th century, but their significance is of great importance, and ought to be embraced with enthusiasm by traditional Catholics.

I'm reprinting this link to an excellent online article for your information and edification:

Our friends at Rorate Coeli have posted an excellent essay by Michael P. Foley concerning the meaning of ember days and their significance. Please take a moment to click over and read.

THE GLOW OF THE EMBER DAYS

"...My point is not to deny the validity of these anxieties, but to lament the neo-pagan framework into which they are more often than not put. Modern man is such a mess that when he finally recovers a love of nature, he does so in a most unnatural manner. Both the early modern antipathy to nature and the late modern idolatry of it stand in dire need of correction, a correction that the Church is well poised to provide. As Chesterton quipped, Christians can truly love nature because they will not worship her. The Church proclaims nature’s goodness because it was created by a good and loving God and because it sacramentally reflects the grandeur of God’s goodness and love.

"The Church does this liturgically with its observance of the “Four Seasons,” the Embertides. Celebrating the Ember days does not, of course, provide ready solutions to the world’s complicated ecological difficulties, but it is a good refresher course in basic first principles. The Ember days offer an intelligent alternative to pantheist environmentalism, and they do so without being contrived or pandering, as a new Catholic “Earth Day” or some such thing would undoubtedly be.

"It is a shame that the Church unwittingly let the glow of Embertide die at the precise moment in history when their witness was needed the most, but it is a great boon that Summorum Pontificum makes their celebration universally accessible once again. What remains is for a new generation to take up their practice with a reinvigorated appreciation of what they mean. At least then we’ll know why we are so furious."

An invitation to priests and seminarians

2009-05-24T13:27:00.005-04:00

“What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too, and it cannot be all of a sudden entirely forbidden or even considered harmful. It behooves all of us to preserve the riches which have developed in the Church’s faith and prayer, and to give them their proper place.”

-- Pope Benedict XVI, from His Letter to the bishops on the occasion of the publication of the Apostolic Letter, motu proprio data, Summorum Pontificum.

How can the treasure that is the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite be preserved and given its proper place without the assistance of the Church’s priests?

Without the support of ALL priests, the Holy Father’s intention, one that is at the heart of Summorum Pontificum, which is that the Church’s liturgical treasures be experienced and lived by all the faithful, will come to naught. To learn the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, for this reason, has become an important part of realizing our Holy Father’s objectives, and it will no doubt enrich a priest’s whole liturgical ministry.

The Canons Regular of St. John Cantius, with the full support of their local ordinary, Francis Cardinal George, are doing so much in fulfilling a real need in the modern Church. They provide instruction and workshops that train priests and seminarians to offer the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.

Won’t you do your part, in solidarity with the Holy Father, to preserve and give proper place to the Church’s liturgical treasures?

Please visit the Canons’ wonderful and very informative website, Sancta Missa, and consider attending one of their workshops. All priests and seminarians are invited to attend their workshops.

Here is the schedule for priest and seminarian workshops for training in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite offered by the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius.

* July 6 - 10, 2009
Cardinal Stritch Retreat House, Mundelein, Illinois
* Beginners Course (Ceremonies & Rubrics of Low Mass, Latin for the Mass)
* Advanced Course
* (Training in Sacrament of Baptism, Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, Nuptial Mass, Requiem Funeral Mass, and Missa Cantata)
Registration Form

* September 8 - 11, 2009
Cardinal Stritch Retreat House, Mundelein, Illinois
Training in Low Mass & High Mass
Registration Form

* November 16 - 20, 2009
Cardinal Stritch Retreat House, Mundelein, Illinois
Training in Low Mass & High Mass
Registration Form

"For any Priest, Deacon or Seminarian who wants to learn to offer Holy Mass in the EF or come to a better understanding of our heritage – this is an experience that they should not miss."

-- A priest who attended a recent workshop

Obama ended the "dialogue", says Bishop Finn

2009-05-19T21:29:00.003-04:00

An excerpt from an interview with Bishop Robert W. Finn of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph regarding the Notre Dame scandal:

Was there an overriding message to the commencement proceedings that came through strongest?

I think the message of the day was this – that the President of Notre Dame said that they had invited the President of the United States and decided to honor him for the sake of dialogue. And then the President got up and said that the differences that we have on abortion – namely the Catholic Church’s staunch opposition to abortion and his staunch support of abortion were “irreconcilable.” And at that moment, it would seem to me that the dialogue came to a screeching halt. Father Jenkins’ expressed desire for dialogue, whether it was well-founded or justified, at that point got thrown back in his face. The President shut the door on dialogue by saying that there was not going to be any change in his position on abortion and he understood that there was not going to be any change in the Church’s position on abortion. To me, that was the lesson of the day. I am glad that Mr. Obama was so clear.

And then, amazingly, everybody gave him a standing ovation. The perception unfortunately was that this was a completely acceptable position of his and, because he is a bright and talented man, this trumps the destructive decisions that he’s making day after day.

Please read the full interview at the Catholic Key Blog, here.

Bishop D'Arcy at NDU yesterday

2009-05-18T11:36:00.002-04:00

Seeing His Excellency, Bishop John D'Arcy at the Rally on the Quad yesterday was, I can personally attest, one of the most uplifting and moving experiences. His leadership and courage has set the bar high for those he leads. Please keep him in your prayers.

Bishop D’Arcy speaks at Notre Dame

South Bend, Ind., May 17, 2009 / 04:18 pm (CNA).- Although he had initially planned to stay away from campus today as President Barack Obama was honored at Notre Dame, Bishop John D’Arcy of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana changed his mind and spoke at a campus pro-life rally.

According to the Fort Wayne News Sentinel, the bishop spoke in front of 2,500 people protesting the university’s award to pro-abortion President Barack Obama.

Initially Bishop D’Arcy had planned to boycott the graduation festivities, however he decided to appear on campus due to the school’s pro-life undergraduates.

"It is certainly the place for the bishop to be here," D'Arcy said. "John D'Arcy's not important, but the office of bishop if very important and it must always be like Pope John Paul II to stand up for life all the time, everywhere without exception."

Last night the bishop began an all-night vigil for students and other pro-lifers on campus.

Bishop Olmsted criticizes Fr. Jenkin's public disobedience

2009-03-26T20:13:00.002-04:00

According to a CNA news report:

The outcry over the invitation of President Obama to deliver the Notre Dame’s commencement address and receive an honorary law degree has now drawn Bishop Thomas Olmsted of Phoenix into the fray. In a strongly worded email to Fr. John Jenkins obtained by CNA, Bishop Olmsted accuses the university’s president of committing "a public act of disobedience to the Bishops of the United States."
"I am saddened and heavy of heart about your decision to invite President Obama to speak at Notre Dame University and even to receive an honorary degree," began Bishop Olmsted.

But the prelate went further, charging that Fr. John Jenkins, the university’s president, has committed "a public act of disobedience to the Bishops of the United States" by inviting Obama to the May 17 Commencement.

The grounds for the bishop’s charge are found in a 2004 statement from the U.S. bishops which calls on the Catholic community and Catholic institutions not to "honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions."

(I have a special personal fondness for His Excellency, Bishop Olmsted. He used to be my formation director at the Pontifical College Josephinum while I attended major seminary there. At that time he was one of a few lonely lights of reason in a sea of theological and spiritual madness. He continues to be just that today.)