The Voice of... Pope Leo XIII (Part XV)

On 18th September, 1896, Pope Leo XIII issued his Encyclical Letter Apostolicae Curae regarding the nullity of Anglican Orders:

"25. But the words which until recently were commonly held by Anglicans to constitute the proper form of priestly ordination namely, "Receive the Holy Ghost," certainly do not in the least definitely express the sacred Ordel of Priesthood (sacerdotium) or its grace and power, which is chiefly the power "of consecrating and of offering the true Body and Blood of the Lord" (Council of Trent, Sess. XXIII, de Sacr. Ord. , Canon 1) in that sacrifice which is no "bare commemoration of the sacrifice offered on the Cross" (Ibid, Sess XXII., de Sacrif. Missae, Canon 3)."

"26. This form had, indeed, afterwards added to it the words "for the office and work of a priest," etc.; but this rather shows that the Anglicans themselves perceived that the first form was defective and inadequate. But even if this addition could give to the form its due signification, it was introduced too late, as a century had already elapsed since the adoption of the Edwardine Ordinal, for, as the Hierarchy had become extinct, there remained no power of ordaining."

"27. In vain has help been recently sought for the plea of the validity of Anglican Orders from the other prayers of the same Ordinal. For, to put aside other reasons when show this to be insufficient for the purpose in the Anglican life, let this argument suffice for all. From them has been deliberately removed whatever sets forth the dignity and office of the priesthood in the Catholic rite. That "form" consequently cannot be considered apt or sufficient for the Sacrament which omits what it ought essentially to signify."

The Lure of a Traditional Vocation

by Andrew Cano

Greetings everyone! My name is Andrew Cano and I have recently been approved to be a regular blogger on both the FSSP vocations blog and the Traditional Vocations blog. It is my hope to provide a weekly post on each site. For now, please allow me to write a simple reflection that I will post on both blogs as I have not had the time to properly research any topic but am eager to get to work.

I am a 30-year-old faithful Catholic who is a member of the Archdiocese of Miami Traditional Latin Mass Community in Miami, Florida, in the United States. In my previous life, I was a seminarian for four years for the Diocese of Charleston (South Carolina) and completed two years of pre-theology and two years of theology studies at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. While I enjoyed my time in seminary for the most part and hope to touch upon my formation frequently in future posts, the theme I want to reflect on in this introductory post is whether my vocation would have best been fulfilled had I chosen to pursue it in an environment in which the Mass is celebrated according to the Extraordinary Form and where traditional discipline and regulations are still followed.

I ask myself this question because I now almost exclusively attend Mass in the Extraordinary Form and really only attend the Novus Ordo when I must fulfill an obligation and no Tridentine Mass is available. I do not question the validity of the Novus Ordo as it has been officially promulgated through the authority of the Holy Father but I simply find myself in love with the old rite and do pray for it to one day be restored as the Ordinary Form of the Mass. Furthermore, I am very much drawn to the traditions of the Church, especially the strict guidelines enforced in traditional formation programs, such as that of the FSSP.

Unfortunately for me, my affinity for these traditions had not yet been achieved when I pursued the priesthood and, thus, I chose the more contemporary seminary formation. While I had the privilege of being in an orthodox diocese (at least among the leadership) and in a relatively orthodox seminary, over the years I realized that I simply was not satisfied. In particular, the lax environment that developed during my years in seminary was very hurtful to my vocation. While I do not want to go into details to avoid scandal and because a new administration at my seminary has now created a much more fruitful atmosphere, suffice it to say that a major issue that I observed in seminary was that our "modern" approach failed to challenge men to properly develop into holy priests. While the men I was in formation with certainly did not live sinful lives, the fact of the matter was that it seemed that our superiors were not concerned with challenging us to change our lives. Rather, it seemed acceptable to enter and complete formation having achieved little more than completing the academic requirements necessary to obtain the necessary degrees. Unfortunately, even our once stringent academic standards became lax as men complained about not having enough time to pray because of their studies although they found a lot of time to spend off-campus in a variety of activities that were not inherently sinful but, in my opinion, grossly inappropriate for one preparing to become a priest.

Therefore, it is refreshing to know that there are still groups within the Church who have extremely high expectations for their priests and have developed strict formation programs aimed at forming holy priests in accordance with the traditions of the Church. Such programs, rather than suppressing one's individuality, serve to remind seminarians that they are preparing for a new life. Once a man prostrates himself before God and his bishop at ordination, that prostrating must symbolize his death to the world and rebirth as a priest. In order to reach this goal, he must have completed (survived?) a period of intense scrutiny that only a traditional formation program can offer. It is with great regret that I say I did not have the privilege of being part of such a program and, partly as a result, it is why I write this as a layman rather than a priest.

Thus, it is with great hope that, as one who once nurtured a vocation, I can assist others in finding theirs through my writings. Furthermore, I hope that my posts help convince young men everywhere that they must seek out a community which truly challenges them to leave the world behind and form them into holy priests well-prepared to fight the great evil that pervades our society today. For such young men reading this, be assured of my prayers on such a journey.

God blesss!!!

The Voice of... Pope Leo XIII (Part XIV)

On 29th June, 1896, Pope Leo XIII issued his Encyclical Letter Satis Cognitum regarding the Unity of the Church to the Patriarchs, Primates, Archbishops, Bishops, and other Ordinaries in Peace and Communion with the Apostolic See:

"14. But if the authority of Peter and his successors is plenary and supreme, it is not to be regarded as the sole authority. For He who made Peter the foundation of the Church also "chose, twelve, whom He called apostles" (Luke vi., 13); and just as it is necessary that the authority of Peter should be perpetuated in the Roman Pontiff, so, by the fact that the bishops succeed the Apostles, they inherit their ordinary power, and thus the episcopal order necessarily belongs to the essential constitution of the Church. Although they do not receive plenary, or universal, or supreme authority, they are not to be looked as vicars of the Roman Pontiffs; because they exercise a power really their own, and are most truly called the ordinary pastors of the peoples over whom they rule."

"But since the successor of Peter is one, and those of the Apostles are many, it is necessary to examine into the relations which exist between him and them according to the divine constitution of the Church. Above all things the need of union between the bishops and the successors of Peter is clear and undeniable. This bond once broken, Christians would be separated and scattered, and would in no wise form one body and one flock. "The safety of the Church depends on the dignity of the chief priest, to whom if an extraordinary and supreme power is not given, there are as many schisms to be expected in the Church as there are priests" (S. Hieronymus, Dialog, contra Luciferianos, n. 9). It is necessary, therefore, to bear this in mind, viz., that nothing was conferred on the apostles apart from Peter, but that several things were conferred upon Peter apart from the Apostles. St. John Chrysostom in explaining the words of Christ asks: "Why, passing over the others, does He speak to Peter about these things?" And he replies unhesitatingly and at once, "Because he was pre eminent among the Apostles, the mouthpiece of the Disciples, and the head of the college" (Hom. lxxxviii. in Joan., n. 1). He alone was designated as the foundation of the Church. To him He gave the power of binding and loosing; to him alone was given the power of feeding. On the other hand, whatever authority and office the Apostles received, they received in conjunction with Peter. "If the divine benignity willed anything to be in common between him and the other princes, whatever He did not deny to the others He gave only through him. So that whereas Peter alone received many things, He conferred nothing on any of the rest without Peter participating in it" (S. Leo M. sermo iv., cap. 2)."

Consecration of FSSP Seminary Chapel

On March 3, 2010, the new seminary chapel of the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter, the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul, was consecrated. Below are some photos of the consecration. More will follow over the next few days.











(The Seminary will be posting pictures of the consecration ceremony online in the coming days.)

Further links:

• NLM: FSSP Chapel Consecration
• NLM: Preview of the new FSSP Seminary Chapel
• NLM: Consecration - Preliminary Photos
  
• FSSP North American District: Seminary Chapel Photo Gallery
• Lincoln Journal Star: Chapel consecrated in Denton Wednesday
  
• Transalpine Redemptorists at home: New Church of Sts. Peter and Paul
• Rorate Cæli: Cardinal Levada's Sermon
  
• Athanasius contra mundum: Cardinal Levada's Sermon - commentary
  
• Katholisches Magazin: Weihe der Seminarkirche in den USA (German language
• EXVLTET.net: Kirchweihe bei FSSP (German language)

Note: videos of the ceremony are also currently available on gloria.tv:

• Aspersion of the Exterior of the Church
• Aspersion of the Interior of the Church
• Anointing of the Walls
• Purification of the Altar
• Consecration of the Altar
• Deposition of the Relics, or as one video:
  
• Consecration (3 hours 13 minutes)
• Pontifical Mass (1hr 30mins)
  

(photos: Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer)

Do I have a vocation? Monastery di San Benedetto...

by Alfiero Pirani

How do I know if I have a monastic Vocation? These are photos and video interviews, that start to answer that question, from young American Monks in Norcia, Italy:

american Roman Catholic Monks in Italy, following the Rule of St. Benedict of Nursia.

Founded in 1998, Rome , Italy, transferred to Norcia (Nursia) in the Umbria region in 2000. Recently Celebrating regular 'Extra-Ordinary' Form of the Roman Rite.

The Inspiration for the New Monastery

1. The restoration of man by the worship of God;
2. The radical gift of self to Jesus Christ in the monastic way of life according to the Rule of St. Benedict: Nihil amori Christi praeponere (RB 4:21);
3. The common life of brothers as described in the Acts of the Apostles (they were of one heart and one mind);
4. Full monastic observance, including vigils and fasting;
5. The integration of prayer, study and work;
6. Liturgical life:
   • Divine Office as prescribed in the Rule
   • Mass and Office in Latin, sung in Gregorian chant;
7. Love of the Church:
   • Cultivation of the attitude sentire cum ecclesia;
   • Drinking deeply from the streams of the living tradition;
   • Fidelity to the Magisterium, filial devotion to the Holy Father;
   • A truly "catholic", i.e. universal spirit, acquired from studying in Rome, at the heart of the Church;
8. Apostolic work, our contribution to the new evangelization: intellectual, clerical and manual work in the service of the universal Church; pastoral care of the Basilica of San Benedetto, Norcia;
9. Marian consent: openness to the will of God after the model of Mary's fiat.

For More Information, Please Contact:
Very Rev. Cassian Folsom, O.S.B., Prior

Address:

Monastero di San Benedetto
Via Reguardati, 22
06046 Norcia (PG)
http://osbnorcia.org

Dedication of Seminary Chapel

Wednesday 3 March: 4pm-9pm UK time: watch live the Solemn Dedication of the FSSP seminary Chapel in the U.S.A. by Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz, with Cardinal Levada and dozens of clergy in choir.

Please pray for the spiritual success of the Dedication of the Chapel of Sts Peter and Paul at our US seminary, on Wednesday 3rd March. Fr de Malleray, FSSP will be there, bringing the prayers of many British faithful for more holy priests.

• You may read the booklet of consecration here: www.fsspolgs.org/chapel_consecration.pdf.
• See pictures of various stages of construction here: www.fsspolgs.org/chapel.html.
• Watch ceremony live from 4PM (UK time) on EWTN (Sky Channel 589): www.ewtn.com/tv/NAAdv0310.asp.

The Voice of... Pope Leo XIII (Part XIII)

On 10th July, 1895, Pope Leo XIII issued his Encyclical Letter Permoti Nos to the Bishops of Belgium regarding Social Conditions in Belgium:

"8. In the meantime, the present situation is so serious that a remedy for it should not be delayed. That remedy should begin with the calming of men's minds. Therefore, Venerable Brothers, address the Catholics in Our name and warn them to refrain completely from all controversy and argumentation on these issues, whether at meetings or in newspapers and similar publications. More especially, urge them to stop blaming each other, and not to anticipate the judgment of the lawful government. Then let them all with united brotherly minds strive with you to devote their greatest attention and effort to achieving their goal. The clergy should lead the way since it is especially characteristic of them to be wary in the face of novel opinions, to soothe and unite men's minds in the name of religion, and to recall the duties of Christian citizens."

Minor Orders and Subdiaconate Ordination in Wigratzbad

by Martin Bürger

A few weeks ago, the Bishop of Chur, Vitus Huonder, was at Wigratzbad, Germany - site of the Seminary of the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter - to confer Minor Orders and the Subdiaconate on four individuals. Here are some pictures from the ceremony:

Prayers at the Foot of the Altar:

The Candidates for Minor Orders:

Final photo in front of the Sühnekirche:

A large series of pictures is provided by the FSSP on their website.

(tr. from EXSVLTET.net)

The Voice of... Pope Leo XIII (Part XII)

On 6th January, 1895, Pope Leo XIII issued his Encyclical Letter Longinqua to the Archbishops and Bishops of the United States on Catholicism in that Country:

"18. Towards these objects much may be contributed by those who have devoted themselves to writing, and in particular by those who are engaged on the daily press. We are aware that already there labor in this field many men of skill and experience, whose diligence demands words of praise rather than of encouragement. Nevertheless, since the thirst for reading and knowledge is so vehement and widespread amongst you, and since, according to circumstances, it can be productive either of good or evil, every effort should be made to increase the number of intelligent and well-disposed writers who take religion for their guide and virtue for their constant companion. And this seems all the more necessary in America, on account of the familiar intercourse and intimacy between Catholics and those who are estranged from the Catholic name, a condition of things which certainly exacts from our people great circumspection and more than ordinary firmness. It is necessary to instruct, admonish, strengthen and urge them on to the pursuit of virtue and to the faithful observance, amid so many occasions of stumbling, of their duties towards the Church. It is, of course, the proper function of the clergy to devote their care and energies to this great work; but the age and the country require that journalists should be equally zealous in this same cause and labor in it to the full extent of their powers. Let them, however, seriously reflect that their writings, if not positively prejudicial to religion, will surely be of slight service to it unless in concord of minds they all seek the same end. They who desire to be of real service to the Church, and with their pens heartily to defend the Catholic cause, should carry on the conflict with perfect unanimity, and, as it were, with serried ranks, for they rather inflict than repel war if they waste their strength by discord. In like manner their work, instead of being profitable and fruitful, becomes injurious and disastrous whenever they presume to call before their tribunal the decisions and acts of bishops, and, casting off due reverence, cavil and find fault; not perceiving how great a disturbance of order, how many evils are thereby produced. Let them, then, be mindful of their duty, and not overstep the proper limits of moderation. The bishops, placed in the lofty position of authority, are to be obeyed, and suitable honor befitting the magnitude and sanctity of their office should be paid them. Now, this reverence, "which it is lawful to no one to neglect," should of necessity be eminently conspicuous and exemplary in Catholic journalists. For journals, naturally circulating far and wide, come daily into the hands of everybody, and exert no small influence upon the opinions and morals of the multitude."

Meet the Franciscans of the Immaculate (Inspired by Saint Pio and Saint Maximilian Kolbe)

by Taylor Marshall


I've recently learned of an impressive new order of Franciscans by the name "Franciscans of the Immaculate."

A special thanks to Fr. Joseph Michael Mary, FI for explaining to me the mission and charism of the Franciscans of the Immaculate.

Their founder, Fr. Stefano Manelli was a spiritual son of Saint Padre Pio. While still in his mother's womb Saint Pio blessed him. Manelli also received his first confession and first Holy Communion from Saint Pio as a young boy. When he was twelve years old he told St. Pio that he wanted to join him in the Capuchin Franciscans. However, Saint Pio told him not to do so. Instead, he was to become a Conventual Franciscan as it was there that our Lady had his sufferings waiting for him.

During his years as a Conventual Francsican, Father Stefano learned about Saint Maximilian Kolbe and the great Marian renewal that he led within the Franciscan Order. Inspired inspired by this, Father Stefano wanted to begin a renewal based on the example of Saint Maximilian Kolbe.

Father Stefano, with the permission of Saint Pio and his Conventual superior, instituted a separate observance within the Conventuals in 1970. Around 1989 the superiors of the Conventuals no longer desired this separate observance, and asked the friars to abandon their particular pattern of piety modeled on that of Saint Maximilian Koble for the common observance of the Conventuals.

At that time, Pope John Paul II of blessed memory learned about this state of affairs and asked that the documents of the separate observance be brought to him for his consideration. After reading the document called the Traccia, which is the Marian plan of Franciscan life lived by the Franciscans of the Immaculate, the Pope said that "this way of life is too precious for the Church to loose. Since they do not want you, I will separate you." In 1990, the friars became a Diocesan Institute and then in 1998 John Paul II elevated the Franciscans of the Immaculate to a religious institute of Pontifical Rite, which means the friars are directly under the Holy See.

The main aspect of their religious life is best understood by the Marian Vow. The friars make a canonical vow called the Marian Vow by which they give themselves totally to the Blessed Virgin Mary as Her property and possession. With that, in the spirit of Saint Maximilian Kolbe and Saint Francis of Assis, they seek to make her known and loved that she may bring souls to Jesus in the quickest way possible.

Here are some other links on the FI which you may have already seen:

• Franciscans of the Immaculate in America
• Franciscans of the Immaculate in Australia
• AirMaria
• Mary Victrix

I am especially grateful to Fr. Joseph Michael Mary, FI for for sharing this information with me.

(reproduced from Canterbury Tales)

Invocation 2010

Invocation 2010 is a UK national festival aimed at young men and women aged 16-35, who are looking to deepen their relationship with Christ, discern God’s will for their lives and perhaps be open to the possibility of a vocation to the priesthood or religious life.

This year's event is taking place from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 July at St Mary's College, Oscott (near Birmingham).

For more information see the website at www.invocation.org.uk

Papa Stronsay Bookshop

Support the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer; buy a book from the Papa Stronsay Bookshop!

We announce the opening of the
Papa Stronsay Bookshop.
We have many doubles and seconds of good books
that we will offer to our readers
for a donation towards the monastery.

The bookshop front will be from this blog address:
www.papastronsaybookshop.blogspot.com

Papa Stronsay Bookshop
will be of interest to book buyers and browsers alike.