Remember Again

Today is now nationally known as "Patriots Day" (with, I hope, some apologies to the people of Massachusetts and the original).

It is a day we wish we could forget.

It is a day we cannot forget.

Without a doubt, this will be the topic on 'blogs today. I encourage my small readership to peruse those posts which interest you. My offering on this day will be my posts from last year:

Time And Place
Remembering Flight 93
Rally Time
Images Of Hope

So many prayer intentions from this moment. Remember these if you would:

1. The souls of all who died.
2. Those who still mourn.
3. Those who seek a just solution.
4. Forgiveness toward our enemies.
5. Our enemies (didn't Someone command us to do this?).
6. The courage to continue the fight.
7. Peace.

May we honor this day in a noble and dignified manner.

Sotto Voce

I was told the news last night while at my first choir rehearsal.

I knew of his illness but never about its severity. 

The ultimate curtain call.

Brava, Maestro. 

Rest in peace.

Fifth Glorious Mystery

A most appropriate prayer for this day:

Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae: vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve.
Ad te clamamus exsules filii Hevae.
Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle.
Eia, ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte.
Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exsilium ostende.
O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria.
Amen.

++++++++++

Hail holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.
To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us.
And after this our exile show unto us the blessed Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Amen.

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Back To The Future

Mark down this date.

July 7, 2007 (and you don't think the numerologists don't get the significance of it?).

This day will be known as when the "reform of the reform" officially began.

His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, has finally issued the long awaited moto proprio allowing parish priests to use of the Mass of Pius V, more commonly known as the Tridentine Latin Mass (TLM), alongside the current Missa Novus Ordo.

In allowing the TLM to be used, it is not replacing the present form of the Mass. It allows a priest to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with this rite if there is a suitable number of the faithful who request it. The papal document removes the requirement of having the local bishop approve such a request.

Amy Wellborn at Open Book provides a good start on what this means.

Jeff Miller, the Curt Jester has a good round-up of reactions from "the ususal suspects" and a post with more implications about this.

For an excellent source of articles and posts, go no further than Gerald Augustinus at The Cafeteria Is Closed. Choose from this menu.

Jimmy Akin writes about it and also adds his own insights.

(UPDATE) Karen Hall at Some Have Hats throws in her thoughts.

There is certainly much to digest, if you visit the myriad of 'blogs that will have something to say about this, whether celebrating or critizing.

But think about this bit of irony:

Many Protestant churches have a "traditional" and "contemporary" service on the same Sunday (however you wish to define those words).

Perhaps the same idea will be coming soon to a Catholic church near you.

One More Time

It's time to add another candle to the cake.

No, don't get a fire extinguisher.

Don't get any trick candles, either.

With all the trials in my life at the moment, the last lines of Max Ehrmann's Desiderata are still my goal:

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Half In, Half Out

I don't live to 'blog nor 'blog to live. Rick Lugari, when informing me of my acceptance to the "B-Team", noted how moderate I was as a 'blogger. The number is about right.

55%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

I also mentioned a long time ago this was not going to overtake my life. I admit to having lost some interest, but I have more pressing concerns at the moment. I hope, when I get my feet under me again, I will be more consistant in posting.

Fedora doff to Julie D., the Happy Catholic.

Independence Day Reprints

My posts from last year are linked for your convenience:

Let Freedom Ring

Birth Certificate

Happy 230th. Birthday (now 231st.)

May you enjoy all the feasting and fireworks!

A Working Stiff Again

Unfortunately, it's not me; but it is a member of St. Blogs who deserves this blessing more than I.

Domenico Bettinelli has succeeded in finding new employment. Last Monday, he began his new position with the Archdiocese of Boston, MA. It is a job which fits his skills very well. I wish him the best there.

There is my example of perserverence and faith.

Solstice Songs

Got to love George Gershwin. For the first day of summer, how can you not recall these lyrics from "Porgy and Bess"?

Summertime,

And the livin' is easy

Fish are jumpin'

And the cotton is high

Your daddy's rich

And your mamma's good lookin'

So hush little baby

Don't you cry

One of these mornings

You're going to rise up singing

Then you'll spread your wings

And you'll take to the sky

But till that morning

There's a'nothing can harm you

With daddy and mamma

Standing by

Summertime,

And the livin' is easy

Fish are jumpin'

And the cotton is high

Your daddy's rich

And your mamma's good lookin'

So hush little baby

Don't you cry

But then, if you want perhaps the first song which praises the season, go here.

Man Of The Moment

His role in this day and age has been diminished and ridiculed, scorned and despised, mocked and derided.

Ask St. Joseph.

It is considered obsolete, unneeded, insignificant.

Ask God if that is untrue.

It may be "the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world," but it is this presence which provides more stablility and assurance than is realized.

Ask any child.

The world may beat down what it means, but it will never find a suitable replacement.

Ask Jesus. I don't think He could have gotten along without His two Fathers.

Neither can we.

If you haven't already, whether living or dead, thank him for his providence in your life.

Appreciation is enough of a reward.

Happy Father's Day!