“And you shall hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that ye be not troubled. For these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be pestilences, and famines, and earthquakes in places…”
drbo.org
So the second largest bank failure in our history happened today.
Times are getting bizarre. Cling to Christ.
Lord Jesus crucified, have mercy on us!
I thought I’d get out ahead of the curve tonight (Thursday) and write a post about Friday. For the record, my Thursday was taken up with one of the true joys of my life. It was opening night for a production of Into the Woods that my teenage daughter was starring in at a local playhouse. I must mention that it was one of those usually dreadful “Jr.” versions of the show. This production, however, was quite well done. My daughter inherited her old man’s love of music, of singing, and of drama. Unfortunately, the theater world is thoroughly infested with sodomites. So when I (through St. Rita) found a theater group that was actually sane, I asked her if she wanted to audition. She’s actually the seasoned theater veteran already at 13, having appeared in shows for a while – a regular Helen Hayes. I told you I could be dramatic. For a month, my wife and I have taken turns driving her in rush hour traffic to three-hour rehearsals. We’ve heard the score countless times sung throughout the house. But tonight? Tonight was well worth it. I love to see my kids use the talents God gave them. And it brings a bit of a tear watching my baby using that talent and knowing that God used me to transmit that to her. But enough about that. There are four more performances so we’re not out of the woods yet. Also, I hear they’re staging Hair Jr. next. We might sit that one out.
The orations for today are replete with the reminder to fast. Sidenote: I’ve been accused by some family members over the past few weeks of “doing more than what the Church wants us to do.” This is because they discovered I’ve been dramatically reducing my intake of food – you know, fasting. “That’s not what the Church asks of us, you know,” I have heard. True. I suppose what the Church literally asks is that you make sure to eat three meals on two days of the year. And there’s your NuFast. Look, I haven’t advertised what I’m doing. I haven’t told others that they need to do the same thing as me. I am reaping benefits (spiritual and physical) that I have never before known. Perhaps others might want to consider taking a similar path. It can be scary to give up food. I get it. But if one were to go back to the past, say, before 1965, one might see that fasting was a way of life for Catholics. Not convinced? Let’s look at the prayers, shall we?
The Collect for the Lenten Feria:
“Grant, we beseech You, almighty God, that with the sacred fast to purify us, we may with sincere hearts reach the coming feast.“
Fasting purifies us. It cannot be simpler.
This is also the feast of the Forty Holy Martyrs. These forty men were Roman soldiers in Sebaste. In the year 320, they were sentenced to death for refusing to renounce the faith. They were sentenced to exposure. The forty men were ordered onto a frozen pond, naked, while a warm bath tempted them on the shore. These guys were not afraid. In fact, they welcomed the opportunity that by one wretched night they would gain eternal life. They stripped themselves naked and ran onto the ice. At one point, one in their company gave in and went for the bath. A guard who had been keeping watch was moved to take his place and joined the remaining thirty-nine others in an icy, naked death. The original beast mode. Or as we the kids would say, badass.
My thoughts? I have a hard time stepping into the shower when the water is still only tepid and not hot. Terrible times produce great saints. And boy are the times terrible now…
The Collect for the Commemoration:
“Grant, we beseech You, almighty God, that we who know how courageously Your holy Martyrs have confessed the faith, may experience their goodness as they intercede for us with You.”
So there you have it as we approach the midpoint of Lent. Fasting is salutary. Armenian martyrs are hardcore.
Don’t forget to make the Stations part of your Lenten devotions.
Lord Jesus Crucified, have mercy on us!
The news is slow these days. There isn’t much for Trad Dad to muse upon this evening. Well, there are a few items here and there…
The bishop of the moribund diocese of Steubenville, OH just cancelled Latin Mass at Franciscan University. I know several students there. They won’t be happy. His reasoning, by some accounts, is that he is trying to “protect the Latin Mass”. If that is his intent, God bless him for trying but he might want to get a brain scan stat. Protecting the TLM by focusing all of one’s liturgical and juridical efforts on the place where the other side supposedly has direct control to shut you down is a losing game plan for sure.
I had a lengthy conversation today with my brother-in-law about our plans should the bomb drop on April 3rd as has been speculated. He mentioned a particular plan to me. “What is bizarre,” I said to him, “is that the same exact thought came into my head on my way to morning Mass today.” Clearly great minds think alike. We shall see what comes to pass.
Finally, it was some kind of “women’s day” celebration or something today. I would like to thank my mother who bore sixteen children while running the daily operations of our home and teaching us. She was once told by her own sister-in-law that “Times have changed. You should be going after the things of value that we women have been denied through history…” Mom replied, “There is nothing more high value than raising children. I chose to do this – to cooperate with God – and I’m quite happy with the life He gave me.” Bravo, Lady. We love ya’.
Finally finally, here is an organ piece I want to share with you. This is the famous Toccata by Charle-Marie Widor. The organist is the obviously talented Frederick Hohman. What I love is that he is not only performing this on the magnificent Schantz organ in Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart; but that he is performing it at the proper tempo. Widor himself was know to remark that many organists raced through the piece as if to showcase their virtuosity. Mr. Hohman plays it just right. I heard this piece performed (by other organists) many times on that very organ when, as a seminarian, I served Masses at the Basilica. Let the sound of this piece focus your attention on the upcoming joy of Christ’s victory of sin and death.
St. Cecilia, pray for us!
Tagged TLM, toccata, traditional catholic, widor
Last week I observed an anniversary of dubious distinction.
March 4, 2014 was the date of my most recent spinal surgery. I was given an “expiration date” of sorts when the doctors told me I’d likely be back under the knife within 6-8 years.
Fortunately, God saw fit to give me a kick in the pants and the grace to get serious about my fitness…
Kidding aside (and I love pizza and the fact that it’s Lent isn’t helping), I feel great. I’m better off today than I was at 20. I know I also have the prayers of many friends to thank for that so I shall remember each of you at Mass in the morning.
Keep truckin’ along. Only a few more weeks to go.
St. Thomas Aquinas, pray for us!
PS: Here’s a bonus pic tonight. A dear friend of mine converted to the faith in his mid-20’s and decided to celebrate the event by getting his patron saint inked onto his bicep. I’m not a fan of tattoos but if you’re going to do it, at least this isn’t terrible.
Tagged Aquinas, TLM, traditional catholic
I came across an interesting read today via Canon212. It’s a story in the National Catholic Register about Teddy McCarrick’s ongoing legal woes. I learned a few things and I was also left with a few more questions.
The most important thing learned from this article is the fact that it appears the heretofore unnamed victim in the case in Massachusetts is none other than James Grein. Grein, you may recall, is the man who’s testimony before a Vatican inquest ultimately led to McCarrick’s “dismissal from the clerical state”. I put that in quotes because I am more and more convinced it never actually happened. Given what we know about Bergoglio’s penchant for reinstating excommunicated priests and bishops on the sly, my money is that Teddy was never returned to the lay state. And it is interesting to me that it was Grein all the time. This case in Massachusetts was presented from the beginning as a completely distinct abuse case. I still believe Grein. Hell, the Vatican believed him too, right? And I am not here to argue the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I simply note that this is an interesting development. Grein is a treasure trove of inside information and I think more of what he has alleged over the past four years should be investigated.
The principal question raised in my mind today is one I’ve been pounding at for a while. Why on earth is McCarrick still living at the largesse of the Catholic Church? If he was dismissed, let him find his own lodging. We know he had money at one time. Again I will ask, when I hit my late 80’s or early 90’s can I simply go to a monastery and ask to be let in and taken care of? Will they do it? I’m half tempted to drive to Missouri and ask if I can just stay a few months, see what they say. After all, I am a layman just like (supposedly) he is. It does not add up. It never has.
The last man who brought up the subject – George Neumayr – is dead, they tell us. I don’t want to sound conspiratorial but if the past three years of coronascam have taught us nothing, it is that conspiracy theorists are really just soothsayers in disguise. I never heard of a funeral for the man.* We never got answers that made any sense. Whatever happened, we may never know. But one thing is sure. George was on this story and we need something with that spirit to continue to investigate these things. If I ever decide to knock on the door of that friary in the Show Me State, I’ll be sure to record the whole thing as I channel George and try to get answers. Until then, let us all, as Frank Walker says, “Pray for the Church.”
Queen of heaven, pray for us!
UPDATE: A reader forwarded an obituary for Neumayr. A funeral Mass is being said for him this very day (March 7) in Alexandria, VA.
I have been having more conversations lately where the subject of God’s grace has been coming up more and more frequently. Typically these conversations are with my male confreres, for lack of a better word. I am referring to men whom I count among my family and friends, but also with several of my sisters. Why am I focusing on the men? It is because we have a particular interest in raising our families that is distinct from the interests our wives have.
I mentioned last week the phrase that kept popping up in a Fr. Ripperger video – the husbands and fathers, through their prayers, sufferings, and good works merit grace for their wives and children. It is also, of course, the holy season of Lent – a time when we are to pray, fast, and give alms in a more focused and heightened way. And it MUST be heightened and intentional. Gentlemen, I’m speaking to you. And I am speaking as a man humbled and sorrowful in the knowledge that I have never truly done this before.
What am I talking about? Let’s see… On the prayer front; I can say I always pray for my wife and kids. I am at Mass every day, pray my rosary, all the things you’d expect. Could I do better? Of course I could. On the almsgiving? Let me leave that one for another post. But on the fasting? Oh boy…
Something, some pious knowledge, some sermon, something over the past few years finally burrowed deep into my brain and my heart and finally clicked for me. In addition to the mortifcations and disciplines of “giving something up” for Lent, I need to be actually fasting. This year I think it finally dawned on me that fasting is just that – actual fasting, like for the full 40 days. It means an actual reduction in my intake of food. It implies abstinence from meat(s) for the full 40 days. I have never truly done this before; not seriously anyway. And just like the blessed Mary Magdalene, forgiven by Our Lord Himself yet who lived a life of austere penance and mortification and, yes, fasting until He brought her to her reward; I too MUST do these things to atone for my sins. The beauty is that fasting is so much more than this. Remember, certain demons are only driven out through fasting? And yes, let’s get this one out of the way for all the haters… *Fasting should be conducted according to one’s state in life and overall physical health. Believe me, I understand. Which is why I am extraordinarily grateful that Our Lord has seen fit to give me overall excellent health and a daily life suited to what I have undertaken.
And yet in all of this, the question might arise, “What does this have to do with your conversations on grace with other guys?” Here’s how it comes back.
Have you not noticed that grace – specifically the graces of protection and greater desire to cling to Our Lord and a strengthening of cogitative and common sense powers and a deep and abiding love for the Holy Sacrifice – seem to be abounding among our ilk lo these past few years? Is it not obvious that the world has gone mad? You see the same people as I do – driving in cars, alone and wearing paper masks over their faces. You wonder as I do what was it that caused people like us immediately to take the firm stand that we would never take the poison from the moment it was announced there would be a poison to take. What brought all of us into tradition – whether it was five decades ago or just recently? What continues to bring people into tradition, for they are still coming… And I only include myself in any of this because I am cognizant of the fact that, on my own, I never would be in this place and I am filled with thanks and even joy. We know there is a bigger fight looming over the Mass. I am at peace. All of this is God’s supernatural and superabundant grace flowing in these days. Most especially, if you are a husband and father you definitely know that God’s grace is far more abundant in these days to those who call upon Him and ask for it. How else could we defend our families from what is purely the most evil and vile generation ever to roam the earth?
I especially recognize that in my attempt at fasting. I legitimately thought it would be impossible. Yet, thanks be to God, He has given me the grace such that I am not bothered. I’m only two weeks in but I already feel as though I am not doing enough because it doesn’t really “hurt” the way I thought it would. I believe He has given me the grace to do what He has asked me to do.
Today one of my nephews shared a passage from a book he’s reading that put it all in perspective. I quote the section below. It is from The Catechism Explained by Fr. Spirago. Sidenote: This book is available through Mediatrix Press. I highly encourage you to purchase it there so as to support Ryan Grant. I am sure you all know that his wife is very ill. Say a prayer for their family and for her and then give your money. Consider it almsgiving for Lent.
“The action of the Holy Spirit on the souls of men is not constant, but occasional.
p. 175
Hence the exhortation of St. Paul: “Now is the acceptable time; behold now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). Compare the parable of the vineyard where the workmen received only one summons (Matt. 20).
Times of special grace are the seasons of Lent or when a mission is being given, or the jubilee year. These times of grace are like the market-days when things are easier to obtain; with this difference, that no money is required, “Come buy wine and milk, without money, and without any price” (Is. 55:1).
Actual graces are obtained by the performance of good works, especially by prayer, fasting, and almsdeeds; and more especially by the use of the means of grace provided by the Church, by hearing of holy Mass, worthy reception of the sacraments, and attendance at sermons.”
And there it is! Grace IS more readily available to us right now! The season of Lent is a time of special grace. If I’m reading that correctly, it’s almost like there’s a mega-giveaway on grace right now. “These times of grace are like the market-days.” Not to be crass; but compare it to a super-sale at the mall if you will, but you get the point. And we see as well that these actual graces are obtained through the Lenten means (prayer, fasting, almsgiving) and also by using the grace given by Our Lord through His Church – in particular Mass and the sacraments. Go to daily Mass if you are able. You will never regret that, I promise you. Pray your rosary – all of it if you can. Confess often. Our Lord wants to shower you with grace during these days. Never more than now should we heed His own words to us:
“Ask and ye shall receive.”
And by the way, supplies never run out.
St. Robert Belarmine, pray for us!
St. Francis de Sales, pray for us!
Tagged grace, lent, TLM, traditional catholic
Yesterday I received an email from a fellow blogger with whom I correspond somewhat frequently. I asked him I if could share the story and he consented. This comes to me from Adam at the blog Pushing Rubber Downhill. Please check out his blog when you have a second.
“
“I have a nice little story for you. About 100 meters from my mountain abode is a large shrine on the side of the road to Mary. I make a habit of making the sign of the cross when passing by on foot and perhaps saying a short prayer. There is a statue of Mary in the shrine as well as candles, a crucifix and other items.
Today I was out early with the dog and the two of us stopped before the shrine. I told the dog that we had to say a prayer to Mary and he dutifully obeyed.
It was then that I saw that the statue has a red mark of blood on its forehead.
And then I saw that there was an inscription which read St Rita. So all along I have had a shrine to St Rita just next to my new house.”
My observations (which I shared with him):
Dogs are awesome. Turns out his is a border collie pup. I have a Jack Russell; but I don’t think my doggy would be so obedient (or pious). Clearly, Adam has hit the jackpot with this canine.
I live in Texas. What’s a meter? I actually remembered that at one point in grammar school in the mid-1980’s I was taught that a meter was roughly 3 feet and thus, for reference, the height of a stove. I also know from my study of all things geographic and urban planning (purely as a side interest) that most city blocks in a grid pattern are about 400 feet long. So basically, this shrine is at the end of the block. I would die, as they say, to have a Marian shrine that close. As it turns out, though, it is a St. Rita shrine.
I state again, I do not know why Our Lord gave me this devotion to this saint but I am so grateful to be able to spread that devotion. Could it be that there are so many troubled marriages these days and she is a saint for that cause? Could it be that peace within families is sorely lacking these days and she is a saint for that cause? Or could it be that she is the patron of impossible causes and – let’s face it – who doesn’t have an impossible cause right now?
Either way, pray to St. Rita and bring her your intentions. She will bring them to the Savior she loves so much and in Who’s presence she rests.
St. Rita, pray for us!
Harvey Millican's Blog: Musings of a Trad Dad 