Of your charity , I ask of you all to please keep in your prayers three Salesian priests and an as of yet unknown number of students who were violently attacked yesterday evening at St. John Bosco retreat house in Daleside, south of Johannesburg. Fr's. Coleman, Ivo and Bruno were stabbed and beaten , Fr. J.Coleman's condition still remains serious.
Unfortunately such an event is not a uncommon occurrence here South Africa, and clearly shows the extent of the depravity which pervades throughout South African culture, indeed we are living in a Godless society. I beg you to please keep in your prayers, not only these three priests but also their attackers, who as of yet remain at large. We pray that our Lady , Help of Christians, may bring the light of Christ into their hearts.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
In all humility forgive me
Reading through one of the comments left on the blog relating to a specific article, I was kindly made aware of one of my spelling mistakes.
I ask you as the readers of this blog to please excuse the occasional mishap when it comes to my spelling or grammar. Strange, you wouldn't believe that I graduated as a English major!
And so, please in the future, if it so happens that I misspell something or use the incorrect grammar, please contact me so that I may rectify it.
English with many other things came on a boat with my ancestors, so I beg you to forgive my sometimes careless use of the language.
In Christ and our Good Mother
Calvin
I ask you as the readers of this blog to please excuse the occasional mishap when it comes to my spelling or grammar. Strange, you wouldn't believe that I graduated as a English major!
And so, please in the future, if it so happens that I misspell something or use the incorrect grammar, please contact me so that I may rectify it.
English with many other things came on a boat with my ancestors, so I beg you to forgive my sometimes careless use of the language.
In Christ and our Good Mother
Calvin
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Monsignur Jan Jaworski , 22 June 1920 - 8 October 2008
Apostle of the Divine Mercy
Protanary Apostolic
Beloved Son of the Polish People
Requesicant in Pace!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
From Bl.John XXIII on the Study of Latin
On the Promotion of the Study of Latin
by Pope John XXIII
The wisdom of the ancient world, enshrined in Greek and Roman literature, and the truly memorable teaching of ancient peoples, served, surely, to herald the dawn of the Gospel which Gods Son, "the judge and teacher of grace and truth, the light and guide of the human race,"1 proclaimed on earth.
Such was the view of the Church Fathers and Doctors. In these outstanding literary monuments of antiquity, they recognized mans spiritual preparation for the supernatural riches which Jesus Christ communicated to mankind "to give history its fulfilment."2
Thus the inauguration of Christianity did not mean the obliteration of mans past achievements. Nothing was lost that was in any way true, just, noble and beautiful.
Venerable languages
The Church has ever held the literary evidences of this wisdom in the highest esteem. She values especially the Greek and Latin languages in which wisdom itself is cloaked, as it were, in a vesture of gold. She has likewise welcomed the use of other venerable languages, which flourished in the East. For these too have had no little influence on the progress of humanity and civilization. By their use in sacred liturgies and in versions of Holy Scripture, they have remained in force in certain regions even to the present day, bearing constant witness to the living voice of antiquity.
A primary place
But amid this variety of languages a primary place must surely be given to that language which had its origins in Latium, and later proved so admirable a means for the spreading of Christianity throughout the West.
And since in Gods special Providence this language united so many nations together under the authority of the Roman Empire— and that for so many centuries— it also became the rightful language of the Apostolic See.3 Preserved for posterity, it proved to be a bond of unity for the Christian peoples of Europe.
The nature of Latin
Of its very nature Latin is most suitable for promoting every form of culture among peoples. It gives rise to no jealousies. It does not favor any one nation, but presents itself with equal impartiality to all and is equally acceptable to all.
Nor must we overlook the characteristic nobility of Latin for mal structure. Its "concise, varied and harmonious style, full of majesty and dignity"4 makes for singular clarity and impressiveness of expression.
Preservation of Latin by the Holy See
For these reasons the Apostolic See has always been at pains to preserve Latin, deeming it worthy of being used in the exercise of her teaching authority "as the splendid vesture of her heavenly doctrine and sacred laws."5 She further requires her sacred ministers to use it, for by so doing they are the better able, wherever they may be, to acquaint themselves with the mind of the Holy See on any matter, and communicate the more easily with Rome and with one another.
Thus the "knowledge and use of this language," so intimately bound up with the Church's life, "is important not so much on cultural or literary grounds, as for religious reasons."6 These are the words of Our Predecessor Pius XI, who conducted a scientific inquiry into this whole subject, and indicated three qualities of the Latin language which harmonize to a remarkable degree with the Church's nature. "For the Church, precisely because it embraces all nations and is destined to endure to the end of time . . of its very nature requires a language which is universal, immutable, and non vernacular."7
Universal
Since "every Church must assemble round the Roman Church,"8 and since the Supreme Pontiffs have "true episcopal power, ordinary and immediate, over each and every Church and each and every Pastor, as well as over the faith-full"9 of every rite and language, it seems particularly desirable that the instrument of mutual communication be uniform and universal, especially between the Apostolic See and the Churches which use the same Latin rite.
When, therefore, the Roman Pontiffs wish to instruct the Catholic world, or when the Congregations of the Roman Curia handle matters or draw up decrees which concern the whole body of the faithful, they invariably make use of Latin, for this is a maternal voice acceptable to countless nations.
Immutable
Furthermore, the Church's language must be not only universal but also immutable. Modern languages are liable to change, and no single one of them is superior to the others in authority. Thus if the truths of the Catholic Church were entrusted to an unspecified number of them, the meaning of these truths, varied as they are, would not be manifested to everyone with sufficient clarity and precision. There would, moreover, be no language which could serve as a common and constant norm by which to gauge the exact meaning of other renderings.
But Latin is indeed such a language. It is set and unchanging. it has long since ceased to be affected by those alterations in the meaning of words which are the normal result of daily, popular use. Certain Latin words, it is true, acquired new meanings as Christian teaching developed and needed to be explained and defended, but these new meanings have long since become accepted and firmly established.
Non-vernacular
Finally, the Catholic Church has a dignity far surpassing that of every merely human society, for it was founded by Christ the Lord. It is altogether fitting, therefore, that the language it uses should be noble, majestic, and non-vernacular.
In addition, the Latin language "can be called truly catholic."10 It has been consecrated through constant use by the Apostolic See, the mother and teacher of all Churches, and must be esteemed "a treasure . . . of incomparable worth."11. It is a general passport to the proper understanding of the Christian writers of antiquity and the documents of the Church's teaching.12 It is also a most effective bond, binding the Church of today with that of the past and of the future in wonderful continuity.
Educational value of Latin
There can be no doubt as to the formative and educational value either of the language of the Romans or of great literature generally. It is a most effective training for the pliant minds of youth. It exercises, matures and perfects the principal faculties of mind and spirit. It sharpens the wits and gives keenness of judgment. It helps the young mind to grasp things accurately and develop a true sense of values. It is also a means for teaching highly intelligent thought and speech.
A natural result
It will be quite clear from these considerations why the Roman Pontiffs have so often extolled the excellence and importance of Latin, and why they have prescribed its study and use by the secular and regular clergy, forecasting the dangers that would result from its neglect.
A resolve to uphold Latin
And We also, impelled by the weightiest of reasons—the same as those which prompted Our Predecessors and provincial synods 13—are fully determined to restore this language to its position of honor, and to do all We can to promote its study and use. The employment of Latin has recently been contested in many quarters, and many are asking what the mind of the Apostolic See is in this matter. We have therefore decided to issue the timely directives contained in this document, so as to ensure that the ancient and uninterrupted use of Latin be maintained and, where necessary, restored.
We believe that We made Our own views on this subject sufficiently clear when We said to a number of eminent Latin scholars:
"It is a matter of regret that so many people, unaccountably dazzled by the marvelous progress of science, are taking it upon themselves to oust or restrict the study of Latin and other kindred subjects. . . . Yet, in spite of the urgent need for science, Our own view is that the very contrary policy should be followed. The greatest impression is made on the mind by those things which correspond more closely to mans nature and dignity. And therefore the greatest zeal should be shown in the acquisition of whatever educates and ennobles the mind. Otherwise poor mortal creatures may well become like the machines they build—cold, hard, and devoid of love."14
PROVISIONS FOR THE PROMOTION OF LATIN STUDIES
With the foregoing considerations in mind, to which We have given careful thought, We now, in the full consciousness of Our Office and in virtue of Our authority, decree and command the following:
Responsibility for enforcement
1.Bishops and superiors-general of religious orders shall take pains to ensure that in their seminaries and in their schools where adolescents are trained for the priesthood, all shall studiously observe the Apostolic Sees decision in this matter and obey these Our prescriptions most carefully.
2.In the exercise of their paternal care they shall be on their guard lest anyone under their jurisdiction, eager for revolutionary changes, writes against the use of Latin in the teaching of the higher sacred studies or in the liturgy, or through prejudice makes light of the Holy Sees will in this regard or interprets it falsely.
Study of Latin as a prerequisite
3. As is laid down in Canon Law (can. 1364) or commanded by Our Predecessors, before Church students begin their ecclesiastical studies proper they shall be given a sufficiently lengthy course of instruction in Latin by highly competent masters, following a method designed to teach them the language with the utmost accuracy. "And that too for this reason:
lest later on, when they begin their major studies . . . they are unable by reason of their ignorance of the language to gain a full understanding of the doctrines or take part in those scholastic disputations which constitute so excellent an intellectual training for young men in the defense of the faith." 15
We wish the same rule to apply to those whom God calls to the priesthood at a more advanced age, and whose classical studies have either been neglected or conducted too superficially. No one is to be admitted to the study of philosophy or theology except he be thoroughly grounded in this language and capable of using it.
Traditional curriculum to be restored
4. Wherever the study of Latin has suffered partial eclipse through the assimilation of the academic program to that which obtains in State public schools, with the result that the instruction given is no longer so thorough and well-grounded as formerly, there the traditional method of teaching this language shall be completely restored. Such is Our will, and there should be no doubt in anyone's mind about the necessity of keeping a strict watch over the course of studies followed by Church students; and that not only as regards the number and kinds of subjects they study, but also as regards the length of time devoted to the teaching of these subjects.
Should circumstances of time and place demand the addition of other subjects to the curriculum besides the usual ones, then either the course of studies must be lengthened, or these additional subjects must be condensed or their study relegated to another time.
Sacred sciences to be taught in Latin
5. In accordance with numerous previous instructions, the major sacred sciences shall be taught in Latin, which, as we know from many centuries of use, "must be considered most suitable for explaining with the utmost facility and clarity the most difficult and profound ideas and concepts."16 For apart from the fact that it has long since been enriched with a vocabulary of appropriate and unequivocal terms, best calculated to safeguard the integrity of the Catholic faith, it also serves in no slight measure to prune away useless verbiage.
Hence professors of these sciences in universities or seminaries are required to speak Latin and to make use of textbooks writ ten in Latin. If ignorance of Latin makes it difficult for some to obey these instructions, they shall gradually be replaced by professors who are suited to this task. Any difficulties that may be advanced by students or professors must be overcome by the patient insistence of the bishops or religious superiors, and the good will of the professors.
A Latin Academy
6. Since Latin is the Church's living language, it must be adequate to daily increasing linguistic requirements. It must be furnished with new words that are apt and suitable for expressing modern things, words that will be uniform and universal in their application. and constructed in conformity with the genius of the ancient Latin tongue. Such was the method followed by the sacred Fathers and the best writers among the scholastics.
To this end, therefore, We com mission the Sacred Congregation of Seminaries and Universities to set up a Latin Academy staffed by an international body of Latin and Greek professors. The principal aim of this Academy—like the national academies founded to promote their respective languages— will be to superintend the proper development of Latin, augmenting the Latin lexicon where necessary with words which conform to the particular character and color of the language.
It will also conduct schools for the study of Latin of every era, particularly the Christian one. The aim of these schools will be to impart a fuller understanding of Latin and the ability to use it and to write it with proper elegance. They will exist for those who are destined to teach Latin in seminaries and ecclesiastical colleges, or to write decrees and judgments or conduct correspondence in the ministries of the Holy See, diocesan curias, and the offices of religious orders.
The teaching of Greek
7. Latin is closely allied to Greek both in formal structure and in the importance of its extant writings. Hence — as Our Predecessors have frequently ordained—future ministers of the altar must be instructed in Greek in the lower and middle schools. Thus when they come to study the higher sciences—and especially if they are aiming for a degree in Sacred Scripture or theology— they will be enabled to follow the Greek sources of scholastic philosophy and understand them correctly; and not only these, but also the original texts of Sacred Scripture, the liturgy, and the sacred Fathers.17
A syllabus for the teaching of Latin
8. We further commission the Sacred Congregation of Seminaries and Universities to prepare a syllabus for the teaching of Latin which all shall faithfully observe. The syllabus will be designed to give those who follow it an adequate understanding of the language and its use. Episcopal boards may indeed rearrange this syllabus if circumstances warrant, but they must never curtail it or alter its nature. Ordinaries may not take it upon themselves to put their own proposals into effect until these have been examined and approved by the Sacred Congregation.
Finally, in virtue of Our apostolic authority, We will and command that all the decisions, decrees, proclamations and recommendations of this Our Constitution remain firmly established and ratified, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, however worthy of special note.
Given at Rome, at St. Peters, on the feast of St. Peters Throne on the 22nd day of February in the year 1962, the fourth of Our pontificate.
JOHN PP. XXIII
by Pope John XXIII
The wisdom of the ancient world, enshrined in Greek and Roman literature, and the truly memorable teaching of ancient peoples, served, surely, to herald the dawn of the Gospel which Gods Son, "the judge and teacher of grace and truth, the light and guide of the human race,"1 proclaimed on earth.
Such was the view of the Church Fathers and Doctors. In these outstanding literary monuments of antiquity, they recognized mans spiritual preparation for the supernatural riches which Jesus Christ communicated to mankind "to give history its fulfilment."2
Thus the inauguration of Christianity did not mean the obliteration of mans past achievements. Nothing was lost that was in any way true, just, noble and beautiful.
Venerable languages
The Church has ever held the literary evidences of this wisdom in the highest esteem. She values especially the Greek and Latin languages in which wisdom itself is cloaked, as it were, in a vesture of gold. She has likewise welcomed the use of other venerable languages, which flourished in the East. For these too have had no little influence on the progress of humanity and civilization. By their use in sacred liturgies and in versions of Holy Scripture, they have remained in force in certain regions even to the present day, bearing constant witness to the living voice of antiquity.
A primary place
But amid this variety of languages a primary place must surely be given to that language which had its origins in Latium, and later proved so admirable a means for the spreading of Christianity throughout the West.
And since in Gods special Providence this language united so many nations together under the authority of the Roman Empire— and that for so many centuries— it also became the rightful language of the Apostolic See.3 Preserved for posterity, it proved to be a bond of unity for the Christian peoples of Europe.
The nature of Latin
Of its very nature Latin is most suitable for promoting every form of culture among peoples. It gives rise to no jealousies. It does not favor any one nation, but presents itself with equal impartiality to all and is equally acceptable to all.
Nor must we overlook the characteristic nobility of Latin for mal structure. Its "concise, varied and harmonious style, full of majesty and dignity"4 makes for singular clarity and impressiveness of expression.
Preservation of Latin by the Holy See
For these reasons the Apostolic See has always been at pains to preserve Latin, deeming it worthy of being used in the exercise of her teaching authority "as the splendid vesture of her heavenly doctrine and sacred laws."5 She further requires her sacred ministers to use it, for by so doing they are the better able, wherever they may be, to acquaint themselves with the mind of the Holy See on any matter, and communicate the more easily with Rome and with one another.
Thus the "knowledge and use of this language," so intimately bound up with the Church's life, "is important not so much on cultural or literary grounds, as for religious reasons."6 These are the words of Our Predecessor Pius XI, who conducted a scientific inquiry into this whole subject, and indicated three qualities of the Latin language which harmonize to a remarkable degree with the Church's nature. "For the Church, precisely because it embraces all nations and is destined to endure to the end of time . . of its very nature requires a language which is universal, immutable, and non vernacular."7
Universal
Since "every Church must assemble round the Roman Church,"8 and since the Supreme Pontiffs have "true episcopal power, ordinary and immediate, over each and every Church and each and every Pastor, as well as over the faith-full"9 of every rite and language, it seems particularly desirable that the instrument of mutual communication be uniform and universal, especially between the Apostolic See and the Churches which use the same Latin rite.
When, therefore, the Roman Pontiffs wish to instruct the Catholic world, or when the Congregations of the Roman Curia handle matters or draw up decrees which concern the whole body of the faithful, they invariably make use of Latin, for this is a maternal voice acceptable to countless nations.
Immutable
Furthermore, the Church's language must be not only universal but also immutable. Modern languages are liable to change, and no single one of them is superior to the others in authority. Thus if the truths of the Catholic Church were entrusted to an unspecified number of them, the meaning of these truths, varied as they are, would not be manifested to everyone with sufficient clarity and precision. There would, moreover, be no language which could serve as a common and constant norm by which to gauge the exact meaning of other renderings.
But Latin is indeed such a language. It is set and unchanging. it has long since ceased to be affected by those alterations in the meaning of words which are the normal result of daily, popular use. Certain Latin words, it is true, acquired new meanings as Christian teaching developed and needed to be explained and defended, but these new meanings have long since become accepted and firmly established.
Non-vernacular
Finally, the Catholic Church has a dignity far surpassing that of every merely human society, for it was founded by Christ the Lord. It is altogether fitting, therefore, that the language it uses should be noble, majestic, and non-vernacular.
In addition, the Latin language "can be called truly catholic."10 It has been consecrated through constant use by the Apostolic See, the mother and teacher of all Churches, and must be esteemed "a treasure . . . of incomparable worth."11. It is a general passport to the proper understanding of the Christian writers of antiquity and the documents of the Church's teaching.12 It is also a most effective bond, binding the Church of today with that of the past and of the future in wonderful continuity.
Educational value of Latin
There can be no doubt as to the formative and educational value either of the language of the Romans or of great literature generally. It is a most effective training for the pliant minds of youth. It exercises, matures and perfects the principal faculties of mind and spirit. It sharpens the wits and gives keenness of judgment. It helps the young mind to grasp things accurately and develop a true sense of values. It is also a means for teaching highly intelligent thought and speech.
A natural result
It will be quite clear from these considerations why the Roman Pontiffs have so often extolled the excellence and importance of Latin, and why they have prescribed its study and use by the secular and regular clergy, forecasting the dangers that would result from its neglect.
A resolve to uphold Latin
And We also, impelled by the weightiest of reasons—the same as those which prompted Our Predecessors and provincial synods 13—are fully determined to restore this language to its position of honor, and to do all We can to promote its study and use. The employment of Latin has recently been contested in many quarters, and many are asking what the mind of the Apostolic See is in this matter. We have therefore decided to issue the timely directives contained in this document, so as to ensure that the ancient and uninterrupted use of Latin be maintained and, where necessary, restored.
We believe that We made Our own views on this subject sufficiently clear when We said to a number of eminent Latin scholars:
"It is a matter of regret that so many people, unaccountably dazzled by the marvelous progress of science, are taking it upon themselves to oust or restrict the study of Latin and other kindred subjects. . . . Yet, in spite of the urgent need for science, Our own view is that the very contrary policy should be followed. The greatest impression is made on the mind by those things which correspond more closely to mans nature and dignity. And therefore the greatest zeal should be shown in the acquisition of whatever educates and ennobles the mind. Otherwise poor mortal creatures may well become like the machines they build—cold, hard, and devoid of love."14
PROVISIONS FOR THE PROMOTION OF LATIN STUDIES
With the foregoing considerations in mind, to which We have given careful thought, We now, in the full consciousness of Our Office and in virtue of Our authority, decree and command the following:
Responsibility for enforcement
1.Bishops and superiors-general of religious orders shall take pains to ensure that in their seminaries and in their schools where adolescents are trained for the priesthood, all shall studiously observe the Apostolic Sees decision in this matter and obey these Our prescriptions most carefully.
2.In the exercise of their paternal care they shall be on their guard lest anyone under their jurisdiction, eager for revolutionary changes, writes against the use of Latin in the teaching of the higher sacred studies or in the liturgy, or through prejudice makes light of the Holy Sees will in this regard or interprets it falsely.
Study of Latin as a prerequisite
3. As is laid down in Canon Law (can. 1364) or commanded by Our Predecessors, before Church students begin their ecclesiastical studies proper they shall be given a sufficiently lengthy course of instruction in Latin by highly competent masters, following a method designed to teach them the language with the utmost accuracy. "And that too for this reason:
lest later on, when they begin their major studies . . . they are unable by reason of their ignorance of the language to gain a full understanding of the doctrines or take part in those scholastic disputations which constitute so excellent an intellectual training for young men in the defense of the faith." 15
We wish the same rule to apply to those whom God calls to the priesthood at a more advanced age, and whose classical studies have either been neglected or conducted too superficially. No one is to be admitted to the study of philosophy or theology except he be thoroughly grounded in this language and capable of using it.
Traditional curriculum to be restored
4. Wherever the study of Latin has suffered partial eclipse through the assimilation of the academic program to that which obtains in State public schools, with the result that the instruction given is no longer so thorough and well-grounded as formerly, there the traditional method of teaching this language shall be completely restored. Such is Our will, and there should be no doubt in anyone's mind about the necessity of keeping a strict watch over the course of studies followed by Church students; and that not only as regards the number and kinds of subjects they study, but also as regards the length of time devoted to the teaching of these subjects.
Should circumstances of time and place demand the addition of other subjects to the curriculum besides the usual ones, then either the course of studies must be lengthened, or these additional subjects must be condensed or their study relegated to another time.
Sacred sciences to be taught in Latin
5. In accordance with numerous previous instructions, the major sacred sciences shall be taught in Latin, which, as we know from many centuries of use, "must be considered most suitable for explaining with the utmost facility and clarity the most difficult and profound ideas and concepts."16 For apart from the fact that it has long since been enriched with a vocabulary of appropriate and unequivocal terms, best calculated to safeguard the integrity of the Catholic faith, it also serves in no slight measure to prune away useless verbiage.
Hence professors of these sciences in universities or seminaries are required to speak Latin and to make use of textbooks writ ten in Latin. If ignorance of Latin makes it difficult for some to obey these instructions, they shall gradually be replaced by professors who are suited to this task. Any difficulties that may be advanced by students or professors must be overcome by the patient insistence of the bishops or religious superiors, and the good will of the professors.
A Latin Academy
6. Since Latin is the Church's living language, it must be adequate to daily increasing linguistic requirements. It must be furnished with new words that are apt and suitable for expressing modern things, words that will be uniform and universal in their application. and constructed in conformity with the genius of the ancient Latin tongue. Such was the method followed by the sacred Fathers and the best writers among the scholastics.
To this end, therefore, We com mission the Sacred Congregation of Seminaries and Universities to set up a Latin Academy staffed by an international body of Latin and Greek professors. The principal aim of this Academy—like the national academies founded to promote their respective languages— will be to superintend the proper development of Latin, augmenting the Latin lexicon where necessary with words which conform to the particular character and color of the language.
It will also conduct schools for the study of Latin of every era, particularly the Christian one. The aim of these schools will be to impart a fuller understanding of Latin and the ability to use it and to write it with proper elegance. They will exist for those who are destined to teach Latin in seminaries and ecclesiastical colleges, or to write decrees and judgments or conduct correspondence in the ministries of the Holy See, diocesan curias, and the offices of religious orders.
The teaching of Greek
7. Latin is closely allied to Greek both in formal structure and in the importance of its extant writings. Hence — as Our Predecessors have frequently ordained—future ministers of the altar must be instructed in Greek in the lower and middle schools. Thus when they come to study the higher sciences—and especially if they are aiming for a degree in Sacred Scripture or theology— they will be enabled to follow the Greek sources of scholastic philosophy and understand them correctly; and not only these, but also the original texts of Sacred Scripture, the liturgy, and the sacred Fathers.17
A syllabus for the teaching of Latin
8. We further commission the Sacred Congregation of Seminaries and Universities to prepare a syllabus for the teaching of Latin which all shall faithfully observe. The syllabus will be designed to give those who follow it an adequate understanding of the language and its use. Episcopal boards may indeed rearrange this syllabus if circumstances warrant, but they must never curtail it or alter its nature. Ordinaries may not take it upon themselves to put their own proposals into effect until these have been examined and approved by the Sacred Congregation.
Finally, in virtue of Our apostolic authority, We will and command that all the decisions, decrees, proclamations and recommendations of this Our Constitution remain firmly established and ratified, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, however worthy of special note.
Given at Rome, at St. Peters, on the feast of St. Peters Throne on the 22nd day of February in the year 1962, the fourth of Our pontificate.
JOHN PP. XXIII
BLOGGING SABATICAL..(STUDY LEAVE)
From yours truly, I hope to be back as soon as the exams end, please do note however that if any important developments take place they will be posted.
Please Keep me in your prayers
Calvin
Sunday, October 12, 2008
The Holy Father sets the standard once again
A few pictures, of the Cappella Papale for Death of Pius XII
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
50 YEARS AGO TODAY
The "last Prince of God" passed to his eternal reward , may his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
RAMPANT ABUSES ELLICIT A RESPONSE FROM ROME!
(Click on image to enlarge)
Roma locuta est, causa finita est! , im not too sure as to the correct saying but indeed it is wonderful to see that Rome still has the final say, when it comes to the day to day ordering of Holy Mother Church.
The a copy of the above letter was recived by myself this afternoon, and is a general response by the congregation for devine worship and the dicipline of the sacraments, to the reports of one of the specific liturgical (even to go so far as to say heretical) abuses which run rampant throught all South African dioceses.
The letter is written in response to reports of laity and certain deacons within the clergy who 'administer' the 'oil of gladness' , at 'healing services'. This practice has been the cause of concern of many of the faithful and indeed has lead some to believe that such a practice is on par with or the same as, the official sacramental form of annointing, which takes place more specificaly within the context of its Sacramental form of Extreme Unction etc.
As mentioned previously, it is an example of but one of the many, many abuses which are to be found in almost every Roman Catholic Parish. Thanking God that something has been done, in so far as Rome has responded to im sure, many resports of such abuses by the faithful. However it remains to be seen how the local ordinaries will enforce this.
Nevertheless, one can still breath a sigh of relief that Rome still has the final say, all that remains is to force those who perpetrate such abuses to stop.
One things for sure, the Charismatics wont be happy!
In Christ and our Good Mother
Calvin James
POST SCRIPT
Note, The above mentioned document is signed by none other than one of the leading curial members of the " Reform of the Reform", as promoted by the Soverign Pontiff himself, His Excellency Archbishop Malcom Ranjith
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Pretoria Latin Mass Group on its way
On Saturday 27th of last month, a meeting was held at St.John Fisher Catholic Church , in Lynwood Pretoria with the aim of organising a group who wish to restore the Extraodinary Form in their own archdiocese. It was a great comfort to see that there are still those who desire to regain their lost liturgical heritage, and most importantly that there are still priests who would be willing to provide for their needs.
As of yet, not much can be said about any substantial gains with regard to actualy having the TLM celebrated once again in an official capacity, however, the effort is still in its infancy and has to "crawl before it can walk". Nonetheless, one can be at least greatful for the fact that their specific cause has not been met with the usual hostility that many are indeed faced with when presenting such a request, that their specific spiritual needs be met.
It was quite dissapointing when we found out that Monsigneur no longer wished to be a part of this great initiative, however in my own personal capacity, I do not wish to force any member of the clergy to do something that would be against his own will.
In his own words, he stated repeatedly that he did not see a "felt need" which would promt him to provide the extraordinary form of the Mass for those who so desired it.
As of yet and as can be expected, those who have been exposed to the traditional liturgy and are now fighting for its reintroduction are quite small. Those who have not been exposed to the TLM, are even smaller in number.
Nevertheless, in uniting ourselves with our fellow Catholics we must continue to turn to God in prayer in the hope that our spiritual heritage might one day be restored herein South Africa, in its official diocesan capacity.
I must state however, that the Traditinal Mass and Sacraments have been provided here in South Africa for quite some time, even going as far back just after the time of the changes of 1969. I am here refering to the Priests of and those who worked closely with the Society of St. Pius X.
In going back to what I mentioned previously, we need to firstly consolidate ourselves as traditional Catholics here in South Africa under one banner, and with the help of God we need to expose the great benefits and graces contained within the traditional liturgy to those who have had no contact with it or have not been in contact with it for a number of years.
It was suggested that, in order to gain futher exposure for this specific initiative, anouncements would be made at the Mass notices as well as included into the parish bulletins of those Priests who were obliging to the effort.
Summorum Pontificum Johannesburg will continue to promote and support this effort, when possible. Updates will be posted concerning this specific initiative.
Calvin James Montgomery
President
As of yet, not much can be said about any substantial gains with regard to actualy having the TLM celebrated once again in an official capacity, however, the effort is still in its infancy and has to "crawl before it can walk". Nonetheless, one can be at least greatful for the fact that their specific cause has not been met with the usual hostility that many are indeed faced with when presenting such a request, that their specific spiritual needs be met.
It was quite dissapointing when we found out that Monsigneur no longer wished to be a part of this great initiative, however in my own personal capacity, I do not wish to force any member of the clergy to do something that would be against his own will.
In his own words, he stated repeatedly that he did not see a "felt need" which would promt him to provide the extraordinary form of the Mass for those who so desired it.
As of yet and as can be expected, those who have been exposed to the traditional liturgy and are now fighting for its reintroduction are quite small. Those who have not been exposed to the TLM, are even smaller in number.
Nevertheless, in uniting ourselves with our fellow Catholics we must continue to turn to God in prayer in the hope that our spiritual heritage might one day be restored herein South Africa, in its official diocesan capacity.
I must state however, that the Traditinal Mass and Sacraments have been provided here in South Africa for quite some time, even going as far back just after the time of the changes of 1969. I am here refering to the Priests of and those who worked closely with the Society of St. Pius X.
In going back to what I mentioned previously, we need to firstly consolidate ourselves as traditional Catholics here in South Africa under one banner, and with the help of God we need to expose the great benefits and graces contained within the traditional liturgy to those who have had no contact with it or have not been in contact with it for a number of years.
It was suggested that, in order to gain futher exposure for this specific initiative, anouncements would be made at the Mass notices as well as included into the parish bulletins of those Priests who were obliging to the effort.
Summorum Pontificum Johannesburg will continue to promote and support this effort, when possible. Updates will be posted concerning this specific initiative.
Calvin James Montgomery
President
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