Terri's Passion

JMJ+D

In loving memory of Terri Schiavo, this post will remain on top for the rest of the day. Please visit her website here.

Teresa Marie Shiavo died on March 31, 2005. A time when we remember Our Lord’s Passion and Death, we also witnessed the death-by-starvation of a disabled woman who relied only on the very basic means of survival - food and water.

During the same time, we saw our beloved Pope John Paul II’s feeding tube removed due to his imminent death. By the patience he showed us through the suffering of old age and illness, he taught the world that life is precious even to the very end and that nobody can take away life at any stage. We witnessed simultaneously the removal of Terri’s feeding tube upon the instructions of her estranged husband. And Terri was not even terminally ill.

The means of ending Terri’s life was deliberate. The husband of Terri saw no reason for her to live because she was in a “vegetative state” and so he ordered the removal of her life line - food and water. But on March 2004, Pope John Paul II stated that “the removal of feeding tubes from people in vegetative states is immoral, and that no judgment on their quality of life could justify such "euthanasia by omission." The Pope said even the medical terminology used to describe people in so-called "persistent vegetative states" was degrading to them. He said no matter how sick a person was, "he is and will always be a man, never becoming a ‘vegetable’ or ‘animal.’" (Illinois Right to Life)

On June 15, 2005, Terri’s autopsy revealed severe brain damage from dehydration which tells us that prior to her death, her brain was still functioning to some degree that we will never know. It also tells us that her death was slow and extremely painful. May the memory of Terri move us to proclaim the value of life from conception to natural death.

Also visit Dory's Blogger's Best for Terri.

Vatican Remembers John Paul II

JMJ+D

The Vatican will lead a prayer vigil on the evening of April 2, the day of Pope John Paul II's death. Then on April 3, the Holy Father will celebrate Mass to commemorate the first year anniversary of John Paul's going home to the Lord.

Sunday, April 2:

8:30 p.m. - Prayers accompanied with Marian songs and the reading of texts of Karol Wojtyla.

9:00 p.m. - Cardinal Ruini will lead the Rosary and the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, will appear at the window of his study to join in the Rosary. During the prayer, passages will be read taken from John Paul II's apostolic letter "Rosarium Virginis Mariae" and other of his magisterial texts.

9:37 p.m. - the time of John Paul II's death, Benedict XVI will address the faithful present and will conclude the prayer with the apostolic blessing.

Monday, April 3:

5:30 p.m. - Benedict will preside over a Mass marking the first anniversary of John Paul II's death, celebrated in St. Peter's Square.

(Zenit)

***

On another note, there may be another miracle attributed to John Paul's intercession. This time, it's a man from the United States who is reportedly cured from an incurable liver infection.

Italy Welcomes Afghan Convert

JMJ+D

Italy has welcomed Abdul Rhaman who sought asylum from his country's persecution for converting to Christianity. Pope Benedict sought an appeal for Rhaman's release to a country who would take him. God bless Pope Benedict!

VATICAN CITY, MAR 25, 2006 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls released the following declaration to journalists today:

"Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano, in the name of the Holy Father Benedict XVI, has written a letter to Hamid Karzai, president of Afghanistan, regarding the fate of the Christian convert Abdul Rahman, who is risking the death penalty.

"The letter, which bears the date of March 22, states that the Pope's appeal is inspired by 'profound human compassion,' by 'firm belief in the dignity of human life and by respect for every person's freedom of conscience and religion.'

"Cardinal Sodano goes on: 'I am certain, Mr. President, that dropping the case against Mr. Rahman would bestow great honor upon the Afghan people and would raise a chorus of admiration in the international community. It would then contribute in a most significant way to our common mission to foster mutual understanding and respect among the world's different religions and cultures."

Laetare Sunday

JMJ+D

Today is Laetare Sunday (the Fourth Sunday of Lent). The Holy Father is wearing the traditional Rose-colored vestments. The only other time this is worn is on Gaudete Sunday or the third Sunday of Advent. Why rose or pink? It serves as a reminder that we are halfway through a penitential season.

The fourth Sunday in Lent (Mid-Lent) derives its Latin name from the first word of the Mass text, "Laetare Jerusalem" (Rejoice, O Jerusalem). It is a day of joy within the mourning season. The altars may be decorated with flowers, organ playing is permitted, and the priests may wear rose-colored vestments instead of purple. The reason for such display of joy is explained in a sermon by Pope Innocent III (1216):

"On this Sunday, which marks the middle of Lent, a measure of consoling relaxation is provided, so that the faithful may not break down under the severe strain of Lenten fast but may continue to bear the restrictions with a refreshed and easier heart."[31]

As a symbol of this joy the popes used to carry a golden rose in their right hand when returning from the celebration of Mass. Pope Leo IX (1051) calls this custom an "ancient institution." Originally it was a single rose of natural size, but since the fifteenth century it has consisted of a cluster or branch of roses wrought of pure gold and set with precious stones in brilliant workmanship by famous artists. The popes bless it every year, and often they confer it upon churches, shrines, cities, or distinguished persons as a token of esteem and paternal affection. In case of such a bestowal, a new rose is made during the subsequent year.

The meaning and symbolism of the golden rose is expressed in the prayer of blessing. It represents Christ in the shining splendor of His majesty, the "flower sprung from the root of Jesse." From this ecclesiastical custom Laetare Sunday acquired its German name, Rosensonntag (Sunday of the Rose).

(Intermirifica) (Image from AP Photo)

New Fishers Of Men

JMJ+D

Here are some images of the creation of some of the Cardinals on Friday, March 24, 2006. On Saturday, they received their rings from the Holy Father- Check out the design!

The images below are Cardinals Diwisz, Rosales, Levada, Zen, Dery and O'Malley (AP Photos).

Vatican, Mar. 24 (CWNews.com) - Pope Benedict XVI today raised 15 prelates to the College of Cardinals, telling them: "I am counting on you to tell the world that 'God is love.'" (EWTN)

The Feast Of The Annunciation

JMJ+D

This great festival takes its name from the happy tidings brought by the angel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary, concerning the incarnation of the Son of God. It commemorates the most important embassy that was ever known: an embassy sent by the King of kings, performed by one of the chief princes of his heavenly court; directed, not to the kings or emperors of the earth, but to a poor, unknown, retired virgin, who, being endowed with the most angelic purity of soul and body, being withal perfectly humble and devoted to God, was greater in his eyes than all the sceptres in the world could make a universal monarch. Indeed God, by the choice which he is pleased to make of a poor virgin, for the accomplishment of the greatest of all mysteries and graces, clearly demonstrates that earthly diadems, dignities, and treasures are of no consideration with him; and that perfect humility and sanctity alone constitute true greatness. God, who is almighty, can do all things by himself, without making use of the concurrence of creatures. More here.

The Consistory

JMJ+D

CLICK HERE FOR SLIDESHOW.

MORE PHOTOS OF THE CONSISTORY HERE.

Read the Holy Father's homily here.

May God bless and strengthen our 15 new Cardinals!

Benedict's Hands

JMJ+D

The hands of the Pope are to...

Reach out to his flock;

Greet in the peace of Christ;

Bless the children;

And pray for the whole world.

Rooney's Views On Papacy

JMJ+D

U.S. Ambassador's View of Benedict XVI
Interview With Francis Rooney

ROME, MARCH 22, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI has so far shown a "great and open pastoral ability" in addition to theological rigor, says the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See.

In this interview with ZENIT, Ambassador Francis Rooney talked about the first year of this pontificate, the forthcoming consistory this Friday, and interreligious dialogue with Islam, among other issues.

Q: The consistory will produce two new U.S. cardinals. What does that tell you?

Rooney: This is an important moment in the papacy of Benedict XVI, and also for America. We are pleased to see Archbishops William Levada and Sean O'Malley elevated to the College of Cardinals; though we were not completely surprised given their positions within the Church's hierarchy. They are men of fine reputation, who have worked long and hard on behalf of the Church, often in difficult circumstances and on very complicated issues. We read their appointment as a vote of confidence by the Holy Father in the Catholic Church in America.

Q: The consistory comes near the end of the first year of this pontificate. What has struck you the most about Benedict XVI?

Rooney: Pope Benedict XVI has surprised much of the world, turning out to be quite a different person than media headlines portrayed him to be nearly a year ago. Media had focused on his reputation as an enforcer of doctrine; but in addition to his theological rigor, he has displayed a great and open pastoral ability and has shown himself to be a gifted teacher, consistently clear and bold in his communications. On the occasions that I have met with the Holy Father, he was generous and appreciative of the U.S.-Holy See relationship. The world has warmed to him, and has been struck by the power of his mind and the gentle clarity of his faith.

Read the rest here.

(Zenit)

Symbolum Apostolorum: The Apostles' Creed

JMJ+D

Pope Benedict may be making some changes to liturgy in order to make use of more Latin.

And so we present...

Latin Lesson # 6

CREDO in Deum Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae.
I BELIEVE in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Et in Iesum Christum, Filium eius unicum, Dominum nostrum,
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.

qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine,
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus, descendit ad inferos,
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead.

tertia die resurrexit a mortuis, ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis, On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.

inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos.
From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem, vitam aeternam. Amen.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

)))) Listen

(Courtesy of Ecclesiastical Latin)

A Song For St. Joseph

JMJ+D

In honor of the beloved Saint Joseph, a patron of St. Peter's Helpers,

we present you with this song:

O GOOD SAINT JOSEPH
(sung to the tune of “O Danny Boy”)

Click here to play music

1. O Good St. Joseph
You obeyed the Father
To take and care
For Mary as your wife.

Your love for God
Enabled you to listen
And contemplate
The Word that gave you life.

Refrain:

O Silent Saint
O patient dear St. Joseph
Help us to hear
And know the will of God.

And when it’s time
To leave this earthly dwelling
Then may you take us
To thyself in holiness.


2. Glorious St. Joseph
Blessed is your fatherhood
You held the Infant Jesus
In your arms.

You taught Him all
You showered Him
With endless love
And He made you
The patron of the Church.

Refrain:

O Silent Saint
O patient dear St. Joseph
Help us to hear
And know the will of God.

And when it’s time
To leave this earthly dwelling
Then may you take us
To thyself in holiness.

Then may you bring us
To the Good Lord Himself.

Lyrics composed by St. Peter's Helpers © 2006

Music courtesy of Contemplator

St. Joseph

JMJ+D

March 19th marks the official feast day of St. Joseph but since it fell on a Sunday this year, the Church commemorates his feast day today.

St. Joseph was an ordinary manual laborer although descended from the royal house of David. In the designs of Providence he was destined to become the spouse of the Mother of God. His high privilege is expressed in a single phrase, "Foster-father of Jesus." About him Sacred Scripture has little more to say than that he was a just man-an expression which indicates how faithfully he fulfilled his high trust of protecting and guarding God's greatest treasures upon earth, Jesus and Mary.

The darkest hours of his life may well have been those when he first learned of Mary's pregnancy; but precisely in this time of trial Joseph showed himself great. His suffering, which likewise formed a part of the work of the redemption, was not without great providential import: Joseph was to be, for all times, the trustworthy witness of the Messiah's virgin birth. After this, he modestly retires into the background of holy Scripture. Read the rest at Catholic Culture here.

Memorare to St. Joseph

Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary,

that never was it known that anyone who implored your help

and sought your intercession were left unassisted.
Full of confidence in your power I fly unto you and beg your protection.
Despise not O Guardian of the Redeemer

my humble supplication,

but in your bounty, hear and answer me.

Amen.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Act of Consecration to St. Joseph

O dearest St. Joseph, I consecrate myself to your honor

and give myself to you,

that you may always be my father,

my protector and my guide in the way of salvation.
Obtain for me a greater purity of heart

and fervent love of the interior life.
After your example may I do all my actions

for the greater glory of God,

in union with the Divine Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
O Blessed St. Joseph, pray for me,

that I may share in the peace and joy of your holy death.

Amen.

~~~

"Of all the people I have known with a true devotion and particular veneration for St. Joseph, not one has failed to advance in virtue; he helps those who turn to him to make real progress. For several years now, I believe, I have always made some request to him on his feast day, and it was always been granted; and when my request is not quite what it ought to be, he puts it right for my greater benefit."
— St. Teresa of Avila

Image of St. Joseph from here.

Remembering Terri

JMJ+D

Lord Jesus, you were condemned to death by Pilate;
Have mercy on your daughter Terri, who was condemned to die by starvation.

Lord Jesus on your way to Calvary, You did not speak;
Have mercy on your daughter Terri, who could not speak.

Lord Jesus, on the Cross, You thirsted;
Have mercy on your daughter Terri who longed for a drink.

Jesus, remember us when You come into Your Kingdom;
May the memory of your daughter Terri help us to build your Kingdom on earth.

It was during Lent of 2005 that we witnessed the slow death of Terri Schiavo. On March 18, 2005, her feeding tube was removed and thirteen days later, on March 31, 2005 she died of dehydration. In the spirit of the Lenten season, a time when we remember the Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus, let us remember in prayer our sister in Christ, Terri Shiavo and continue to fight for the culture of life.

Pope Benedict said "human beings, irrespective of the conditions in which they live and of the capacities they are capable of expressing, possess unique and extraordinary worth from the very beginning of their existence to the moment of natural death." He encouraged all people to “assume the dignity that God wished for us – which is an intrinsic part of this life.” Read his entire message here.

Everyone is invited to participate in the Blogburst for Terri from March 18-24, 2006. Learn more about her story at Terri Schiavo Foundation.

The Shamrock And The Blessed Trinity

JMJ+D

When St. Patrick went to try to convert the pagans in Ireland, he focused on the Trinity. One of the most famous symbols of the Trinity, inadequate, of course, as is every symbol of a profound mystery, was St. Patrick's use of the shamrock. One shamrock, three leaves on the one stem, yet only one shamrock. This was a poor example, but the best he could do, for three persons in one God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Many, many years later, never having forgotten that, when the Irish wrote their constitution in 1927 it began, "In the name of the Most Holy Trinity from whom is all authority and to whom, as our final end, all actions both of men and states must be referred." Why did St. Patrick teach the Trinity to people who had hardly, at best, heard of the one true God? Because there was raging at that day what was called the Arian heresy, a denial of the divinity of Christ, one of the most pernicious, enduring heresies through all the ages.

We have it all over again today. You read magazine articles, you read about various seminars in which they are debating the divinity of Christ. Once you deny the divinity of Christ, everything falls apart. What are we receiving when we receive Holy Communion? We say we receive the totality of Christ, body and soul, humanity and divinity. We say that Christ is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, true God, true man. Christ said this about himself when he was teaching here on earth. He said, "I and the Father are one. Who sees me sees the Father. As the Father has sent me, I also send you. Going therefore teach all nations, baptizing them [How? In my name? No. In the Father's name? No.] in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." The reality of the Trinity was so crucial that Christ died because of his preaching. As soon as Christ said to the enemies of the day, "the Father and I are one," he was signing his own death warrant.

(Cardinal O'Connor's homily on Trinity Sunday)


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Here are some good links for today's feast day:

A brief biography of the Patron Saint of Ireland

from the one and only Irish and Dangerous.

Confessions of St. Patrick. Hat tip to Nunblog.

Video of The History of St. Patrick's Day.

St. Patrick's Prayer

This day I call to me:

God's strength to direct me,

God's power to sustain me,

God's wisdom to guide me,

God's vision to light me,

God's ear to my hearing,

God's word to my speaking,

God's hand to uphold me,

God's pathway before me,

God's shield to protect me,

God's legions to save me.

(From My School Online)

Fourteenth Station: Jesus Is Laid In The Tomb

JMJ+D

FOURTEENTH STATION

Jesus is laid in the tomb

V/. Adoramus te, Christe, et benedicimus tibi.

R/. Quia per sanctam crucem tuam redemisti mundum.

From the Gospel according to Matthew 27:59-61

Joseph took the body, and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock; and he rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb, and departed. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the sepulchre.

MEDITATION

Jesus, disgraced and mistreated, is honorably buried in a new tomb. Nicodemus brings a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight, which gives off a precious scent. In the Son’s self-offering, as at his anointing in Bethany, we see an “excess” which evokes God’s generous and superabundant love. God offers himself unstintingly. If God’s measure is superabundance, then we for our part should consider nothing too much for God. This is the teaching of Jesus himself, in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5:20). But we should also remember the words of Saint Paul, who says that God “through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ everywhere. We are the aroma of Christ” (2 Cor 2:14ff.). Amid the decay of ideologies, our faith needs once more to be the fragrance which returns us to the path of life. At the very moment of his burial, Jesus’ words are fulfilled: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (Jn 12:24). Jesus is the grain of wheat which dies. From that lifeless grain of wheat comes forth the great multiplication of bread which will endure until the end of the world. Jesus is the bread of life which can satisfy superabundantly the hunger of all humanity and provide its deepest nourishment. Through his Cross and Resurrection, the eternal Word of God became flesh and bread for us. The mystery of the Eucharist already shines forth in the burial of Jesus.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, in your burial you have taken on the death of the grain of wheat. You have become the lifeless grain of wheat which produces abundant fruit for every age and for all eternity. From the tomb shines forth in every generation the promise of the grain of wheat which gives rise to the true manna, the Bread of Life, in which you offer us your very self. The eternal Word, through his Incarnation and death, has become a Word which is close to us: you put yourself into our hands and into our hearts, so that your word can grow within us and bear fruit. Through the death of the grain of wheat you give us yourself, so that we too can dare to lose our life in order to find it, so that we too can trust the promise of the grain of wheat. Help us grow in love and veneration for your Eucharistic mystery – to make you, the Bread of heaven, the source of our life. Help us to become your “fragrance”, and to make known in this world the mysterious traces of your life. Like the grain of wheat which rises from the earth, putting forth its stalk and then its ear, you could not remain enclosed in the tomb: the tomb is empty because he – the Father – “did not abandon you to the nether world, nor let your flesh see corruption” (Acts 2:31; Ps 16:10 LXX). No, you did not see corruption. You have risen, and have made a place for our transfigured flesh in the very heart of God. Help us to rejoice in this hope and bring it joyfully to the world. Help us to become witnesses of your resurrection.

All:

Pater noster, qui es in cælis:
sanctificetur nomen tuum;
adveniat regnum tuum;
fiat voluntas tua, sicut in cælo, et in terra.
Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie;
et dimitte nobis debita nostra,
sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris;
et ne nos inducas in tentationem;
sed libera nos a malo.

Quando corpus morietur, fac ut animæ donetur paradisi gloria. Amen.

By Cardinal Ratzinger from Vatican. Image from Youth 2000.

Thirteenth Station: Jesus Is Taken Down From The Cross

JMJ+D

THIRTEENTH STATION

Jesus is taken down from the Cross and given to his Mother

V/. Adoramus te, Christe, et benedicimus tibi.

R/. Quia per sanctam crucem tuam redemisti mundum.

From the Gospel according to Matthew 27:54-55

When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe, and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” There were also many women there, looking on from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him.

MEDITATION
Jesus is dead. From his heart, pierced by the lance of the Roman soldier, flow blood and water: a mysterious image of the stream of the sacraments, Baptism and the Eucharist, by which the Church is constantly reborn from the opened heart of the Lord. Jesus’ legs are not broken, like those of the two men crucified with him. He is thus revealed as the true Paschal lamb, not one of whose bones must be broken (cf. Es 12:46). And now, at the end of his sufferings, it is clear that, for all the dismay which filled men’s hearts, for all the power of hatred and cowardice, he was never alone. There are faithful ones who remain with him. Under the Cross stand Mary, his Mother, the sister of his Mother, Mary, Mary Magdalen and the disciple whom he loved. A wealthy man, Joseph of Arimathea, appears on the scene: a rich man is able to pass through the eye of a needle, for God has given him the grace. He buries Jesus in his own empty tomb, in a garden. At Jesus’s burial, the cemetery becomes a garden, the garden from which Adam was cast out when he abandoned the fullness of life, his Creator. The garden tomb symbolizes that the dominion of death is about to end. A member of the Sanhedrin also comes along, Nicodemus, to whom Jesus had proclaimed the mystery of rebirth by water and the Spirit. Even in the Sanhedrin, which decreed his death, there is a believer, someone who knows and recognizes Jesus after his death. In this hour of immense grief, of darkness and despair, the light of hope is mysteriously present. The hidden God continues to be the God of life, ever near. Even in the night of death, the Lord continues to be our Lord and Saviour. The Church of Jesus Christ, his new family, begins to take shape.PRAYER
Lord, you descended into the darkness of death. But your body is placed in good hands and wrapped in a white shroud (Mt 27:59). Faith has not completely died; the sun has not completely set. How often does it appear that you are asleep? How easy it is for us to step back and say to ourselves: “God is dead”. In the hour of darkness, help us to know that you are still there. Do not abandon us when we are tempted to lose heart. Help us not to leave you alone. Give us the fidelity to withstand moments of confusion and a love ready to embrace you in your utter helplessness, like your Mother, who once more holds you to her breast. Help us, the poor and rich, simple and learned, to look beyond all our fears and prejudices, and to offer you our abilities, our hearts and our time, and thus to prepare a garden for the Resurrection.

All:

Pater noster, qui es in cælis:
sanctificetur nomen tuum;
adveniat regnum tuum;fiat voluntas tua,
sicut in cælo, et in terra.
Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie;
et dimitte nobis debita nostra,
sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris;
et ne nos inducas in tentationem;
sed libera nos a malo.

Vidit suum dulcem Natummorientem, desolatum,cum emisit spiritum.

By Cardinal Ratzinger from Vatican.

Twelfth Station: Jesus Dies On The Cross

JMJ+D

TWELFTH STATION
Jesus dies on the Cross


V/. Adoramus te, Christe, et benedicimus tibi.
R/. Quia per sanctam crucem tuam redemisti mundum.

From the Gospel according to John 19:19-20

Pilate also wrote a title and put it on the Cross; it read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews”. Many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek.

From the Gospel according to Matthew 27:45-50,54

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” That is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “This man is calling Elijah”. And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him”. And Jesus cried again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit”. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe, and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”


MEDITATION

In Greek and Latin, the two international languages of the time, and in Hebrew, the language of the Chosen People, a sign stood above the Cross of Jesus, indicating who he was: the King of the Jews, the promised Son of David. Pilate, the unjust judge, became a prophet despite himself. The kingship of Jesus was proclaimed before all the world. Jesus himself had not accepted the title “Messiah”, because it would have suggested a mistaken, human idea of power and deliverance. Yet now the title can remain publicly displayed above the Crucified Christ. He is indeed the king of the world. Now he is truly “lifted up”. In sinking to the depths he rose to the heights. Now he has radically fulfilled the commandment of love, he has completed the offering of himself, and in this way he is now the revelation of the true God, the God who is love. Now we know who God is. Now we know what true kingship is. Jesus prays Psalm 22, which begins with the words: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Ps 22:2). He takes to himself the whole suffering people of Israel, all of suffering humanity, the drama of God’s darkness, and he makes God present in the very place where he seems definitively vanquished and absent. The Cross of Jesus is a cosmic event. The world is darkened, when the Son of God is given up to death. The earth trembles. And on the Cross, the Church of the Gentiles is born. The Roman centurion understands this, and acknowledges Jesus as the Son of God. From the Cross he triumphs – ever anew.


PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, at the hour of your death the sun was darkened. Ever anew you are being nailed to the Cross. At this present hour of history we are living in God’s darkness. Through your great sufferings and the wickedness of men, the face of God, your face, seems obscured, unrecognizable. And yet, on the Cross, you have revealed yourself. Precisely by being the one who suffers and loves, you are exalted. From the Cross on high you have triumphed. Help us to recognize your face at this hour of darkness and tribulation. Help us to believe in you and to follow you in our hour of darkness and need. Show yourself once more to the world at this hour. Reveal to us your salvation.

All:

Pater noster, qui es in cælis:
sanctificetur nomen tuum;
adveniat regnum tuum;
fiat voluntas tua, sicut in cælo, et in terra.
Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie;
et dimitte nobis debita nostra,
sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris;
et ne nos inducas in tentationem;
sed libera nos a malo.

Fac me vere tecum flere,
Crucifixo condolore,
donec ego vixero.

By Cardinal Ratzinger from St. Justin the Martyr. Image from St. Justin the Martyr.

Eleventh Station: Jesus Is Nailed To The Cross

JMJ+D

ELEVENTH STATION

Jesus is nailed to the Cross

V/. Adoramus te, Christe, et benedicimus tibi.

R/. Quia per sanctam crucem tuam redemisti mundum.

From the Gospel according to Matthew 27:37-42

And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus the King of the Jews”. Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right hand and one on the left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the Cross”. So also the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the Cross and we will believe in him”.

MEDITATION

Jesus is nailed to the Cross. The shroud of Turin gives us an idea of the unbelievable cruelty of this procedure. Jesus does not drink the numbing gall offered to him: he deliberately takes upon himself all the pain of the Crucifixion. His whole body is racked; the words of the Psalm have come to pass: “But I am a worm and no man, scorned by men, rejected by the people” (Ps 22:7). “As one from whom men hide their faces, he was despised... surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” (Is 53:3f.). Let us halt before this image of pain, before the suffering Son of God. Let us look upon him at times of presumptuousness and pleasure, in order to learn to respect limits and to see the superficiality of all merely material goods. Let us look upon him at times of trial and tribulation, and realize that it is then that we are closest to God. Let us try to see his face in the people we might look down upon. As we stand before the condemned Lord, who did not use his power to come down from the Cross, but endured its suffering to the end, another thought comes to mind. Ignatius of Antioch, a prisoner in chains for his faith in the Lord, praised the Christians of Smyrna for their invincible faith: he says that they were, so to speak, nailed with flesh and blood to the Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ (1:1). Let us nail ourselves to him, resisting the temptation to stand apart, or to join others in mocking him.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, you let yourself be nailed to the Cross, accepting the terrible cruelty of this suffering, the destruction of your body and your dignity. You allowed yourself to be nailed fast; you did not try to escape or to lessen your suffering. May we never flee from what we are called to do. Help us to remain faithful to you. Help us to unmask the false freedom which would distance us from you. Help us to accept your “binding” freedom, and, “bound” fast to you, to discover true freedom.

All:

Pater noster, qui es in cælis:sanctificetur nomen tuum;adveniat regnum tuum;fiat voluntas tua, sicut in cælo, et in terra.Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie;et dimitte nobis debita nostra,sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris;et ne nos inducas in tentationem;sed libera nos a malo.
Sancta mater, istud agas,Crucifixi fige plagascordi meo valide.

By Cardinal Ratzinger from Vatican. Image from St. Patrick Church.

Novena To St. Joseph

JMJ+D

Nine-day Novena to St. Joseph begins today. His feast day is officially on March 19 but because it falls on a Sunday, the liturgical calendar has it on Monday, March 20.

Tenth Station: Jesus Is Stripped Of His Garments

JMJ+D

TENTH STATION

Jesus is stripped of his garments

V/. Adoramus te, Christe, et benedicimus tibi.

R/. Quia per sanctam crucem tuam redemisti mundum.

From the Gospel according to Matthew. 27:33-36

And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull), they offered him wine to drink, mingled with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there.


MEDITATION

Jesus is stripped of his garments. Clothing gives a man his social position; it gives him his place in society, it makes him someone. His public stripping means that Jesus is no longer anything at all, he is simply an outcast, despised by all alike. The moment of the stripping reminds us of the expulsion from Paradise: God’s splendour has fallen away from man, who now stands naked and exposed, unclad and ashamed. And so Jesus once more takes on the condition of fallen man. Stripped of his garments, he reminds us that we have all lost the “first garment” that is God’s splendour. At the foot of the Cross, the soldiers draw lots to divide his paltry possessions, his clothes. The Evangelists describe the scene with words drawn from Psalm 22:19; by doing so they tell us the same thing that Jesus would tell his disciples on the road to Emmaus: that everything takes place “according to the Scriptures”. Nothing is mere coincidence; everything that happens is contained in the Word of God and sustained by his divine plan. The Lord passes through all the stages and steps of man’s fall from grace, yet each of these steps, for all its bitterness, becomes a step towards our redemption: this is how he carries home the lost sheep. Let us not forget that John says that lots were drawn for Jesus’s tunic, “woven without seam from top to bottom” (Jn 19:23). We may consider this as a reference to the High Priest’s robe, which was “woven from a single thread”, without stitching (Fl. Josephus, a III, 161). For he, the Crucified One, is the true High Priest.


PRAYER

Lord Jesus, you were stripped of your garments, exposed to shame, cast out of society. You took upon yourself the shame of Adam, and you healed it. You also take upon yourself the sufferings and the needs of the poor, the outcasts of our world. And in this very way you fulfil the words of the prophets. This is how you bring meaning into apparent meaninglessness. This is how you make us realize that your Father holds you, us, and the whole world in his hands. Give us a profound respect for man at every stage of his existence, and in all the situations in which we encounter him. Clothe us in the light of your grace.

All:

Pater noster, qui es in cælis:
sanctificetur nomen tuum;
adveniat regnum tuum;
fiat voluntas tua, sicut in cælo, et in terra.
Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie;
et dimitte nobis debita nostra,
sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris;
et ne nos inducas in tentationem;
sed libera nos a malo.

Fac ut ardeat cor meum
in amando Christum Deum,
ut sibi complaceam.

By Cardinal Ratzinger from Vatican. Image from St. Dunstan Parish.

Friday Reminders

JMJ+D

Gentle Reminders...

~ Friday abstinence from meat.

~ Attend the Stations of the Cross in your parish.

~ Please pray and do some penance for others.

~ Please also pray for the sick especially for the Pope's brother, Msgr. Georg Ratzinger who is recovering from a heart ailment.

Ninth Station: Jesus Falls The Third Time

JMJ+D

NINTH STATION

Jesus falls for the third time

V/. Adoramus te, Christe, et benedicimus tibi.

R/. Quia per sanctam crucem tuam redemisti mundum.

From the Book of Lamentations. 3:27-32

It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Let him sit alone in silence when he has laid it on him; let him put his mouth in the dust - there may yet be hope; let him give his cheek to the smiter, and be filled with insults. For the Lord will not cast off for ever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love.

MEDITATION

What can the third fall of Jesus under the Cross say to us? We have considered the fall of man in general, and the falling of many Christians away from Christ and into a godless secularism. Should we not also think of how much Christ suffers in his own Church? How often is the holy sacrament of his Presence abused, how often must he enter empty and evil hearts! How often do we celebrate only ourselves, without even realizing that he is there! How often is his Word twisted and misused! What little faith is present behind so many theories, so many empty words! How much filth there is in the Church, and even among those who, in the priesthood, ought to belong entirely to him! How much pride, how much self-complacency! What little respect we pay to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where he waits for us, ready to raise us up whenever we fall! All this is present in his Passion. His betrayal by his disciples, their unworthy reception of his Body and Blood, is certainly the greatest suffering endured by the Redeemer; it pierces his heart. We can only call to him from the depths of our hearts: Kyrie eleison – Lord, save us (cf. Mt 8: 25).

PRAYER

Lord, your Church often seems like a boat about to sink, a boat taking in water on every side. In your field we see more weeds than wheat. The soiled garments and face of your Church throw us into confusion. Yet it is we ourselves who have soiled them! It is we who betray you time and time again, after all our lofty words and grand gestures. Have mercy on your Church; within her too, Adam continues to fall. When we fall, we drag you down to earth, and Satan laughs, for he hopes that you will not be able to rise from that fall; he hopes that being dragged down in the fall of your Church, you will remain prostrate and overpowered. But you will rise again. You stood up, you arose and you can also raise us up. Save and sanctify your Church. Save and sanctify us all.

All:

Pater noster, qui es in cælis:
sanctificetur nomen tuum;
adveniat regnum tuum;
fiat voluntas tua, sicut in cælo, et in terra.
Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie;
et dimitte nobis debita nostra,
sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris;
et ne nos inducas in tentationem;
sed libera nos a malo.

Eia mater, fons amoris,
me sentire vim doloris
fac, ut tecum lugeam.

By Cardinal Ratzinger from Vatican. Image from Two Hearts Design.

Eight Station: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem

JMJ+D

EIGHTH STATION

Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem who weep for him

V/. Adoramus te, Christe, et benedicimus tibi.

R/. Quia per sanctam crucem tuam redemisti mundum.

From the Gospel according to Luke. 23:28-31

Jesus turning to them said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never gave suck!’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us’; and to the hills, ‘Cover us’. For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”


MEDITATION

Hearing Jesus reproach the women of Jerusalem who follow him and weep for him ought to make us reflect. How should we understand his words? Are they not directed at a piety which is purely sentimental, one which fails to lead to conversion and living faith? It is no use to lament the sufferings of this world if our life goes on as usual. And so the Lord warns us of the danger in which we find ourselves. He shows us both the seriousness of sin and the seriousness of judgement. Can it be that, despite all our expressions of consternation in the face of evil and innocent suffering, we are all too prepared to trivialize the mystery of evil? Have we accepted only the gentleness and love of God and Jesus, and quietly set aside the word of judgement? “How can God be so concerned with our weaknesses?”, we say. “We are only human!” Yet as we contemplate the sufferings of the Son, we see more clearly the seriousness of sin, and how it needs to be fully atoned if it is to be overcome. Before the image of the suffering Lord, evil can no longer be trivialized. To us too, he says: “Do not weep for me, weep for yourselves... if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”.


PRAYER

Lord, to the weeping women you spoke of repentance and the Day of Judgement, when all of us will stand before your face: before you, the Judge of the world. You call us to leave behind the trivialization of evil, which salves our consciences and allows us to carry on as before. You show us the seriousness of our responsibility, the danger of our being found guilty and without excuse on the Day of Judgement. Grant that we may not simply walk at your side, with nothing to offer other than compassionate words. Convert us and give us new life. Grant that in the end we will not be dry wood, but living branches in you, the true vine, bearing fruit for eternal life (cf. Jn 15:1-10).

All:

Pater noster, qui es in cælis:
sanctificetur nomen tuum;
adveniat regnum tuum;
fiat voluntas tua, sicut in cælo, et in terra.
Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie;
et dimitte nobis debita nostra,
sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris;
et ne nos inducas in tentationem;
sed libera nos a malo.

Tui Nati vulnerati,
tam dignati pro me pati,
pœnas mecum divide.

By Cardinal Ratzinger from Vatican. Image from Franciscans of San Damiano.

Seventh Station: Jesus Falls A Second Time

JMJ+D

V/. Adoramus te, Christe, et benedicimus tibi.

R/. Quia per sanctam crucem tuam redemisti mundum.

From the Book of Lamentations. 3:1-2,9,16

I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of his wrath; he has driven and brought me into darkness without any light. He has blocked my way with hewn stones, he has made my paths crooked. He has made my teeth grind on gravel, and made me cower in ashes.


MEDITATION

The tradition that Jesus fell three times beneath the weight of the Cross evokes the fall of Adam – the state of fallen humanity – and the mystery of Jesus’ own sharing in our fall. Throughout history the fall of man constantly takes on new forms. In his First Letter, Saint John speaks of a threefold fall: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life. He thus interprets the fall of man and humanity against the backdrop of the vices of his own time, with all its excesses and perversions. But we can also think, in more recent times, of how a Christianity which has grown weary of faith has abandoned the Lord: the great ideologies, and the banal existence of those who, no longer believing in anything, simply drift through life, have built a new and worse paganism, which in its attempt to do away with God once and for all, have ended up doing away with man. And so man lies fallen in the dust. The Lord bears this burden and falls, over and over again, in order to meet us. He gazes on us, he touches our hearts; he falls in order to raise us up.


PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, you have borne all our burdens and you continue to carry us. Our weight has made you fall. Lift us up, for by ourselves we cannot rise from the dust. Free us from the bonds of lust. In place of a heart of stone, give us a heart of flesh, a heart capable of seeing. Lay low the power of ideologies, so that all may see that they are a web of lies. Do not let the wall of materialism become unsurmountable. Make us aware of your presence. Keep us sober and vigilant, capable of resisting the forces of evil. Help us to recognise the spiritual and material needs of others, and to give them the help they need. Lift us up, so that we may lift others up. Give us hope at every moment of darkness, so that we may bring your hope to the world.

All:

Pater noster, qui es in cælis:
sanctificetur nomen tuum;
adveniat regnum tuum;
fiat voluntas tua, sicut in cælo, et in terra.
Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie;
et dimitte nobis debita nostra,
sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris;
et ne nos inducas in tentationem;
sed libera nos a malo.

Quis non posset contristari,
Christi matrem contemplari,
dolentem cum Filio?

By Cardinal Ratzinger from Vatican. Image from Ixeh.net

The Kyrie and The Gloria Patri

JMJ+D

Latin Lesson #5

The Kyrie

The Kyrie is actually Greek but the hymn is used in the Latin Mass or Novus Ordo Mass and sung immediately after the Introit.

Kyrie Eleison Lord Have Mercy

Christe Eleison Christ Have Mercy

Kyrie Eleison Lord Have Mercy

)))) Listen

(Adoremus) Image from Sancta Liturgia

THE GLORIA PATRI

GLORIA Patri, et Fílio, et Spíritui Sancto

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit

Sicut erat in princípio et nunc et semper

As it was in the beginning is now

et in saécula sæculórum. Amen.

and will be forever. Amen.

)))) Listen

From here

Sixth Station: Veronica Wipes the Holy Face

JMJ+D

SIXTH STATION

Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

V/. Adoramus te, Christe, et benedicimus tibi.

R/. Quia per sanctam crucem tuam redemisti mundum.

From the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. 53:2-3

He had no form or comeliness that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

From the Book of Psalms. 27:8-9

You have said, “Seek my face”. My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek”. Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Cast me not off, forsake me not, O God of my salvation.

MEDITATION

“Your face, Lord, do I seek. Hide not your face from me” (Ps 27:8-9). Veronica – Bernice, in the Greek tradition – embodies the universal yearning of the devout men and women of the Old Testament, the yearning of all believers to see the face of God. On Jesus’ Way of the Cross, though, she at first did nothing more than perform an act of womanly kindness: she held out a facecloth to Jesus. She did not let herself be deterred by the brutality of the soldiers or the fear which gripped the disciples. She is the image of that good woman, who, amid turmoil and dismay, shows the courage born of goodness and does not allow her heart to be bewildered.

“Blessed are the pure in heart”, the Lord had said in his Sermon on the Mount, “for they shall see God” (Mt 5:8). At first, Veronica saw only a buffeted and pain-filled face. Yet her act of love impressed the true image of Jesus on her heart: on his human face, bloodied and bruised, she saw the face of God and his goodness, which accompanies us even in our deepest sorrows. Only with the heart can we see Jesus. Only love purifies us and gives us the ability to see. Only love enables us to recognize the God who is love itself.

PRAYER

Lord, grant us restless hearts, hearts which seek your face. Keep us from the blindness of heart which sees only the surface of things. Give us the simplicity and purity which allow us to recognize your presence in the world. When we are not able to accomplish great things, grant us the courage which is born of humility and goodness. Impress your face on our hearts. May we encounter you along the way and show your image to the world.

All:
Pater noster, qui es in cælis:sanctificetur nomen tuum;
adveniat regnum tuum;fiat voluntas tua, sicut in cælo, et in terra.
Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie;
et dimitte nobis debita nostra,
sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris;
et ne nos inducas in tentationem;
sed libera nos a malo.

Pro peccatis suæ gentisvidit Iesum in tormentiset flagellis subditum.

By Cardinal Ratzinger from Vatican. Image from St. Brigids Church

Angelus Message on 1st Sunday of Lent

Lent a Time to "Struggle Against the Spirit of Evil"

VATICAN CITY, MARCH 5, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave today before reciting the midday Angelus with people gathered in St. Peter's Square.

* * *

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Last Wednesday we began Lent and today we celebrate the first Sunday of this liturgical time, which stimulates Christians to commit themselves to a journey of preparation for Easter. The Gospel reminds us today that, after being baptized in the Jordan River, Jesus -- moved by the Holy Spirit that rested on him, revealing that he was the Christ -- went for forty days into the Judean wilderness where he resisted the temptations of Satan (cf. Mark 1:12-13).

Following their teacher and Lord, Christians also enter spiritually in the Lenten wilderness to face with him "the struggle against the spirit of evil." The image of the wilderness is a very eloquent metaphor of the human condition. The book of Exodus narrates the experience of the people of Israel that, after having come out of Egypt, wandered in the Sinai desert during 40 years, before reaching the Promised Land. During this long journey, the Jews experienced all the force and insistence of the tempter that led them to lose confidence in the Lord and to turn back; but, at the same time, thanks to the mediation of Moses, they learned to listen to the voice of the Lord, who was calling them to become his holy people.

Upon meditating this passage of the Bible, we understand that to fulfill our life in freedom it is necessary to surmount the test that freedom itself implies, that is, temptation. Only if liberated from falsehood and sin, can the human person, thanks to the obedience of faith that opens him to truth, find the full meaning of his existence and have peace, love and joy. Precisely for this reason, Lent is a favorable time for a careful revision of life in recollection, prayer and penance. The spiritual exercises, which as is traditional, will take place from this afternoon until next Saturday here, in the Apostolic Palace, will help me and my collaborators of the Roman Curia enter with greater awareness in this characteristic Lenten climate.

Dear brothers and sisters, while I ask you that you support me with your prayers, I assure you of my prayer before the Lord so that, for all Christians, Lent will be an occasion of conversion and of a more courageous impulse to holiness. Let us invoke for this reason the maternal intercession of the Virgin Mary.

(Zenit)

Fifth Station: Simon The Cyrene Helps Jesus

JMJ+D

FIFTH STATION

The Cyrenian helps Jesus carry the Cross

V/. Adoramus te, Christe, et benedicimus tibi.

R/. Quia per sanctam crucem tuam redemisti mundum.

From the Gospel according to Matthew. 27:32; 16:24

As they went out, they came upon a man of Cyrene, Simon by name; this man they compelled to carry his cross. Jesus told his disciples, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

MEDITATION

Simon of Cyrene is on his way home, returning from work, when he comes upon the sad procession of those condemned – for him, perhaps, it was a common sight. The soldiers force this rugged man from the country to carry the Cross on his own shoulders. How annoying he must have thought it to be suddenly caught up in the fate of those condemned men! He does what he must do, but reluctantly. Significantly, the Evangelist Mark does not only name him, but also his children, who were evidently known as Christians and as members of that community (cf. Mk 15:21).

From this chance encounter, faith was born. The Cyrenian, walking beside Jesus and sharing the burden of the Cross, came to see that it was a grace to be able to accompany him to his crucifixion and to help him. The mystery of Jesus, silent and suffering, touched his heart. Jesus, whose divine love alone can redeem all humanity, wants us to share his Cross so that we can complete what is still lacking in his suffering (cf. Col 1:24). Whenever we show kindness to the suffering, the persecuted and defenceless, and share in their sufferings, we help to carry that same Cross of Jesus. In this way we obtain salvation, and help contribute to the salvation of the world.

PRAYER

Lord, you opened the eyes and heart of Simon of Cyrene, and you gave him, by his share in your Cross, the grace of faith. Help us to aid our neighbours in need, even when this interferes with our own plans and desires. Help us to realize that it is a grace to be able to share the cross of others and, in this way, know that we are walking with you along the way. Help us to appreciate with joy that, when we share in your suffering and the sufferings of this world, we become servants of salvation and are able to help build up your Body, the Church.

All:
(Our Father)
Pater noster, qui es in cælis:sanctificetur nomen tuum;
adveniat regnum tuum;fiat voluntas tua, sicut in cælo,
et in terra. Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie;
et dimitte nobis debita nostra,
sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris;
et ne nos inducas in tentationem;sed libera nos a malo.

Quis est homo qui non fleret,matrem Christi si videretin tanto supplicio?

By Cardinal Ratzinger from Vatican

Be Not Afraid To Love God

JMJ+D
A little boy hugs Pope Benedict XVI in today's audience with Christian entrepreneurial association in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican. The Holy Spirit moved this child to embrace the Holy Father, as if telling the world, "I love the Pope, I love God, be not afraid!

Hat tip to Thomas and photo courtesy of AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano

[Update] Video Clip courtesy of Teresa Benedetta

75 Years of Vatican Radio

JMJ+D

Yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI visited the Vatican Radio station and delivered his live address. Read more about it here or listen here.

The Beginning of the Idea

To speak about the birth of Vatican Radio and the twelfth of February, 1931, is easy enough. However, it's more difficult to portray the ambience, the atmosphere, and the sense of excitment that permeated that momentous occasion.

Guglielmo Marconi, the great scientist who had for years been celebrated in the world's newspapers, approached the 12th of February with fear; in fact he was almost trembling as he realized the import of the endeavor he was about to undertake for the Supreme Pontiff. Upon the arrival of His Holiness Pope Pius XI, Mr. Marconi genuflected and humbly kissed the ring of the Successor of Peter. Pope Pius nodded paternally, smiled, and placed his hand on Marconi's shoulder in a manner which was almost an embrace. One could continue to explain the beginning moments of Vatican Radio in this manner, but the moment is better conveyed through the exact words of those present on that splendid day sixty-five years ago on the Vatican Hill.

On February 12, 1931, the Marquis Marconi spoke these historical words:
I have the highest honor of announcing that in only a matter of seconds the Supreme Pontiff, Pope Pius XI, will inaugurate the Radio Station of the Vatican City State. The electric radio waves will transport to all the world his words of peace and blessing.

Read more on The Founding of Vatican Radio.

Photo of Guglielmo Marconi with Pope Pius XI, 1931 from Radio Marconi

[Update] Pope's Address on Vatican Radio

A "Great Family Which Has No Borders"

VATICAN CITY, MARCH 3, 2006 (Zenit.org). - Here is a translation of the extemporaneous address Benedict XVI gave today on Vatican Radio on the occasion of the broadcasting station's 75th anniversary. * * *

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

My heartfelt greetings to all men and women, listeners of Vatican Radio, to whom I wish the peace and joy of the Lord. It is a great joy for me to be here. We are conscious that 75 years ago, Pope Pius XI inaugurated Vatican Radio, thus giving a voice to the Holy See, beyond that, to the Church and to the Lord -- a voice with which to truly apply the Lord's commandment: "Proclaim the Gospel to all creatures to the ends of the earth."

Meanwhile, as I am seeing, in these 75 years the technology has been very much perfected. Today the voice of Vatican Radio can reach all parts of the world, and many homes and -- as has been emphasized -- there is also a beautiful reciprocity, not only in speaking about, but also in receiving answers, in an authentic dialogue to understand, respond to and build the family of God.

It seems to me that this is the meaning of a means of communication such as this one: To help build this great family which has no borders, in which all feel themselves brothers and sisters in the multiplicity of cultures and languages, and in this way represent a force for peace. I would like to hope that all those who are listening to me at this moment may feel really involved in this great dialogue of truth. In the media world, as we know, there is no lack of opposing voices.

It is, therefore, particularly important that this voice exist, which really wishes to be at the service of truth, of Christ, and in this way, at the service of peace and reconciliation in the world. I wish that those working here may be effective instruments of this great work of peace of the Lord. I thank you for everything you do, day after day, and also perhaps, night after night. I wish that the listeners may also be involved in this great dialogue, and become in turn witnesses of truth, and a force of peace in the world.

Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Mother

JMJ+D

FOURTH STATION

Jesus meets his Mother

V/. Adoramus te, Christe, et benedicimus tibi.

R/. Quia per sanctam crucem tuam redemisti mundum.

From the Gospel according to Luke. 2:34-35,51

Simon blessed them and said to Mary his mother: “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed”. And his mother kept all these things in her heart.

MEDITATION

On Jesus’ Way of the Cross, we also find Mary, his Mother. During his public life she had to step aside, to make place for the birth of Jesus’ new family, the family of his disciples. She also had to hear the words: “Who is my mother and who are my brothers?... Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is brother, and sister and mother” (Mt 12:48-50). Now we see her as the Mother of Jesus, not only physically, but also in her heart. Even before she conceived him bodily, through her obedience she conceived him in her heart. It was said to Mary: “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son. He will be great and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David” (Lk 1:31ff.). And she would hear from the mouth of the elderly Simeon: “A sword will pierce through your own soul” (Lk 2:35). She would then recall the words of the prophets, words like these: “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he was like a lamb that is led to slaughter” (Is 54:7). Now it all takes place. In her heart she had kept the words of the angel, spoken to her in the beginning: “Do not be afraid, Mary” (Lk 1:30). The disciples fled, yet she did not flee. She stayed there, with a Mother’s courage, a Mother’s fidelity, a Mother’s goodness, and a faith which did not waver in the hour of darkness: “Blessed is she who believed” (Lk 1:45). “Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Lk 18:8). Yes, in this moment Jesus knows: he will find faith. In this hour, this is his great consolation.

PRAYER

Holy Mary, Mother of the Lord, you remained faithful when the disciples fled. Just as you believed the angels incredible message – that you would become the Mother of the Most High, so too you believed at the hour of his greatest abasement. In this way, at the hour of the Cross, at the hour of the world’s darkest night, you became the Mother of all believers, the Mother of the Church. We beg you: teach us to believe, and grant that our faith may bear fruit in courageous service and be the sign of a love ever ready to share suffering and to offer assistance.

All:
(Our Father)
Pater noster, qui es in cælis:sanctificetur nomen tuum;
adveniat regnum tuum;fiat voluntas tua, sicut in cælo,
et in terra.Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie;
et dimitte nobis debita nostra,
sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris;
et ne nos inducas in tentationem;sed libera nos a malo.

Quæ mærebat et dolebatpia mater, cum videbatNati pœnas incliti.

By Cardinal Ratzinger from Vatican. Image from St. Dunstan Parish.