All About the Pallium

Today, the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, the Holy Father, Benedict XVI bestowed pallia (plural of pallium) upon the newly appointed or assigned metropolitan archbishops around the world.  They are called upon to the Eternal City to receive the pallium from the hands of the pope himself to signify their unity with the Successor of St. Peter.

I was reading the interesting exchanges in the combox of Fr. Z's What Does The Prayer Really Say?  and I found an interesting discussion about the pallium.

Some of the readers commented that the pallium worn by our present pope in the mural at the Major Basilica of St. Paul's Outside the Walls.  These are the photos of the murals.

BEFORE

AFTER

I personally don't like the first pallium used by the pope which was given to him during his Installation Mass.  There are more than a nunber of times the large pallium would fall off the pope's shoulders that the it needs to be placed properly again on his shoulders.  Further, the huge pallium will be too cumbersome if he uses it on a Roman chasuble.

Critics say that Abp. Piero Marini, the former papal Master of Ceremonies, "invented" the 1st pallium that Papa Benny used.  Well, Piero Marini, being a protege of Annibale Bugnini, is known to invent things in the liturgy as we can see in the photo below.

Yup!  That IS a pallium used by JP2 and not another version of an overlay stole.  As quickly as it was used, quickly did it disappear. That pallium is not used ever since.  Goodbye to Piero Marini's "archaelogistic liturgical innovations", if there is such a term.  

Below is a photo of JP2 using the pallium similar to archbishops use today, but with the papal fanon, the gold striped linen, almost similar in shape to a mozzetta, where the pallium is resting.

As you can see the pope was in full papal regalia.  Well, not full exactly.  The tiara is not there.  I  miss the papal fanon.  The photo shows probably the only time Papa Lolek used the papal fanon and the other vestments like the dalmatic and tunicle.  Hard to say if he is wearing the maniple in this photo.  I believe he said Mass at Sta. Cecilia.  LITURGICAL EYE CANDY!

Some have suggested that the pope use the same pallium as the one he bestows upon the metropolitan archbishops every Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul and use the fanon to distinguish him as bearer of an office higher that the metropolitans and to convey the message that the archbishops are indeed united with him.  Some say that he continue using the present one and add the fanon.

Personally, I prefer the one Pope Benedict XVI uses.  And I would love to see him use the papal fanon and be clothed the same as Pope John Paul II above.

What do you think?  Which pallium do you prefer?  Do you want to see the fanon back?

By the way, other bloggers want to see the tiara back on the pope's head too.  I like to see it too.

You can read more authoritative articles about the history and present use of the pallium through the New Liturgical Movement by clicking here

The interview with Msgr. Guido Marini, the present Papal MC, regarding the design of the new pallium can be accessed here

Masses may be suspended if Flu Virus spread gets worse

Here are some excerpts from a troubling news about the reaction of Pinoy bishops to the Influenza A (H1N1) scare.  Courtesy of GMANews.tv

***

MANILA, Philippines - The Catholic Church is considering suspending Masses should the spread of the A(H1N1) flu virus become worse in the Philippines – as a "last resort."

But Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, along with some priests and parishioners, thinks the proposal unnecessary, [IT IS!!!] according to Mariz Umali in her GMA Weekend Report aired on Sunday, shortly after midnight.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines made the announcement through Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Yñiguez.

However, suspending Masses would be a "drastic measure," Yñiguez stressed in an interview with GMA's Lala Roque.

"We will have to evaluate that [the situation]... lalo na yang misa, yan ang pinakamahalagang gawaiin natin bilang mga Katoliko [especially since the Mass is our most impontant activity as Catholics]," Yñiguez said. [Then why even toy with the idea?]

In response, Duque said: "Walang gumagawa ng ganoon sa ibang bansa, kahit na yung mataas ang kanilang kaso. Kasi mild lang ito. Wala tayong problema dito kasi mild cases lang 'to. Hindi kailangan pahintuin ang pagmimisa ng mga tao."

[No other country has done that, not even those with a high incidence of flu. This is a mild flu. We don't have a problem here because our cases are mild. There's no need to stop people from going to Mass.] [PRECISELY!!!  Not even the persecutions of the Romans, the Japanese, the Communists and the Nazis stopped the faithful from celebrating the Mass!  And now this?!?!]

Fr. Ed Guarin of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Quezon City echoed the same sentiment, saying that most of the people in his church did not mind holding hands while singing "Our Father" because they were acquainted with each other. [Liturgically, holding hands or raised hand does matter.]

Earlier this month, the Church modified mass services, disallowing hand-to-mouth communion and holding hands while singing the Our Father. But these traditional practices have returned in some churches. [Is it because the faithful have more faith?]

***

Deadlier viruses have struck the world, like Ebola, SARS and even Black Death but NONE of these were met by previous Church officials with suggesting that MASS BE STOPPED!  Who benefits from Mass not being celebrated?

There is a susperstition in the Philippines that evil spirits roam the land during Good Friday because it is the only time when Mass is not offered and that as the old folks would say it "God is dead on that day."

SOOOO, if Mass is stopped...who benefits?  WHO ROAMS THE STREETS?

Some men of faith...

Lost Catholic Heritage: How a galero is used

An unnamed archbishop wearing his galero, with tassels or fiocchi, hanging by his chest, as it was properly worn.  Ahh...lost forever probably...

SNAPSHOT

Vatican II Council Father (lower right):

"Ahh..yes...Can you help me find my miter? Its white, tall, pointed..."

There is no greater love than yours: Song to the Sacred Heart

I grew up as a member of the youth arm of the Apostleship of Prayer but never was inducted or enrolled as a full fledged member.  I still pray the Morning Offering though and was able to complete the 9 First Friday devotion. This apostolate strengthened my Faith in the time when the pentecostal-charismatic-born against- Catholic movement in the Philippines was growing like a latest fashion trend that Hollywood can think of.  In fact, this is the devotion that summarizes my life as a Pinoy Catholic.  And I continously thank the Lord for introducing me to this devotion.
I remember as a young boy after school, I would walk for about 2 to 3 kilometers from home to get to our parish church.  I would arrive around 4 PM before the scheduled 5PM Holy Hour every First Friday.  I would be helping in cleaning the big church since the parish does not have a full time janitor.  That was my vow.   The parish priest was thankful for our help.  I would remove my flip flops and climb the huge side altar of our parish church to wipe the dust covering the 8 foot statues of the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart.  It was a bit of a not so usual childhood.  Instead of playing or watching cartoons at home, I chose to sweep the floor of our parish church!  Maybe it was an "abnormal childhood" but I enjoyed it and I thank God for it. Every week I would do that until I finally fulfilled my promise to Him to visit Him for nine consecutive first Fridays of the month.
Thus my devotion to the Eucharistic adoration began.
Now as a father, and a professional, I cannot keep up with the First Friday devotion  but everytime I get to a church I would find the tabernacle and the Sacred Heart picture or statue and renew my devotion.
I used to wear this badge as a member of the youth arm.

I was never invested with this since according to the officers of the AP, only adults may wear this. I still see this being worn in church by...the elderly.  Above the Sacred Heart you see the Spanish words for Apostleship of Prayer.  Immediately below the Sacred Heart is Spanish for "Thy Kingdom come."   You can see the name of Pius IX on the lower part of the front medallion and the date July 14, 1877 and 100 days.  I think this is an indulgence granted by the Blessed Pope.

I remember singing this beautiful song to the Sacred Heart entitled No Mas Amor Que El Tuyo .  This is in Spanish.  I don't know much Spanish so I relied on my folks to translate it for me.  I am sharing this with you so you can deeply appreciate the love that He has shown to us.
His Heart...the Fount and Source of Divine Love and Mercy...the Heart that loved so much but is not loved much in return.

No Mas Amor Que El Tuyo

No mas amor que el Tuyo
O corazon divino,
El pueblo Filipino,
Te da su corazon.
En templos y en hogares,
Te invoque nuestra lengua,
Tu reinaras sin mengua
De Aparri hasta Jolo.

Ha tiempo que esperamos
Tu imperio en el Oriente,
La fe de Filipinas
Es como el sol ardiente,
como la roca firme,
Inmensa como el mar.
La iniquidad no puede
Ser de estas islas duena
Que izada en nuestros montes,
Tu celestial ensena,
Las puertas de infierno
No prevaleceran.

Here is a translation in English (not sure if it's exact though)

There is no greater love than yours, O Most Sacred Heart,
so we, the Filipino people, offer you our hearts.
In our temples and in our homes, we cry out to you.
May Your kingdom stand firm from Aparri to Jolo.

Long we have hoped for Your empire in the East.
Like the sun burning bright is the faith of the Philippines,
It stands strong like a rock and fills all void like the sea.
Never shall these islands be possessed by sin,
For on our mountains is raised your heavenly sign
And the gates of Hell shall not prevail.

UPDATE:  June 15, 2012: I just got my scapular, at last!  :)

Online petition to save Catholic Churches in the Philippines

I saw this online petition asking the CBCP to stop parish priests from doing a Rembert Weakland on churches around the country. It is entitled "A Petition to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines: Please Stop the Further Defacing of Philippine Heritage Churches"

The Philippines was under Spanish rule for 333 years before it declared its independence in 1898. The influence of Catholicism in the country is so deep that some Catholic churches in the country have been declared world heritage sites because of their artistic and cultural value. One of these is San Agustin Church, which is located within the ancient city of Manila known as Intramuros. This is the only church building that miraculously was not destroyed during the bombings of American and Filipino forces during the Liberation of Manila against the Japanese in World War 2.

Now a fellow Pinoy Catholic has setup an online petition to protect such churches from being "modernized according to the reforms of Vatican II", as I would have put it or "parish priests trying to leave their marks in the church" kinda thing.

Here's an excerpt of the petition:

It must have come to your knowledge that several parish priests have taken it upon themselves to modernize and renovate heritage churches under their care without proper consultation with conservationists or representatives of agencies mandated to protect cultural and historical heritage. In their desire to "leave their mark" on the churches, parish priests have caused irreversible damage to our old churches during their short stints in their parishes.
Sadly, there have been instances where parish priests sold off priceless antiques and other church property to unscrupulous antique dealers and collectors to fund these renovations, with the treasures of the Church ending up in homes and other private collections.
In many occasions, the renovations are costly and unnecessary, and at times ostentatious. Priests and parish pastoral councils have undertaken and continue to undertake large-scale fundraising campaigns for these renovations when such funds could be put to better use, especially in a Third-world country such as the Philippines.



To all my fellow Pinoy Catholics around the world please spread the word! Save our churches from useless "wreck-novations"!

Click here to sign the petition. I hope and pray that the CBCP notices the petition.

Saint of the Day: St. Josemaria Escriva

"You saw me celebrate the holy Mass on a plain altar— table and stone, without a reredos. Both Crucifix and candlesticks were large and solid, with wax-candles of graded height, sloping up towards the Cross. The frontal, of the liturgical color of the day. A sweeping chasuble. The chalice, rich, simple in line, with a broad cup. No electric light, nor did we miss it.
And you found it difficult to leave the oratory: you felt at home there. — Do you see how we are led to God, brought closer to him, by the rigour of the liturgy?"


"Say the Holy Rosary. Blessed be that monotony of Hail Mary's which purifies the monotony of your sins!"

The NEW Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

BEFORE

AFTER

What's up with the pink lights in the sanctuary in the BEFORE Photo? A barely recognizeable crucifix? 6 small candles on the altar... overlay stoles... dimly lit sanctuary...

There is a lot of difference a beautifully decorated altar, sanctuary, retablo and even cathedra gives to the senses of the faithful. Your spirits are lifted up and you get the atmosphere of prayer all around you. The simplicity that permeated right after Vatican II led to the stripping of our altars of everything noble and sublime. Our lives must be simple yet our offerings to the Lord must be grand. Take the example of St. John Marie Vianney!

The cathedral was renovated after the havoc wreacked by Vatican II liturgists. Everything is splendid!

God bless Cardinal Vidal of Cebu for returning the sense of the sacred into the country!

Notice the altar arrangement in the AFTER Photo? Benedictine, eh?

For more photos of the cathedral go here

Ban Communion in the Hand

The practice of Communion in the Hand has brought more harm than good to the Church. In a few days, I will be launching an online petition to collect as many petitions as possible and submit them to the Holy Father to withdraw the indult granted to episcopal conferences.

It is time that we return to the most reverent form of receiving the Lord in Holy Communion, that is kneeling and on the tongue!

Obama's regular morning phone call

How's the baby count? WHAT?!?! 10,000 a day is not enough. We need more abortions!

A commentary from Fr. Z about the Rite of Blessing

I dug up this interesting post from Fr. John Zuhlsdorf of What Does The Prayer Really Say?   

He made a very good analysis of the Book of Blessings, pre- and post-Vatican II.  Here is an excerpt taken from his post.

***

A word about the blessing issue.

The new book, De Benedictionibus represents the very worst tendencies of post-Conciliar liturgical ideology and innovation. The forward in the book, explaining its theory – always read forwards! – shows the will of the compilers to destroy the distinction between invocative and constitutive blessings. The former calls God’s blessing down on a person and the later constitutes things, places, etc, as blessed. Those blessings remove things from the temporal sphere and places them in the realm of the sacred. The new book, in eliminating that distinction, eliminates the constitutive blessing. [Just as I pointed out in mymost recent post] If you read the prayers of the Book of Blessings, as the English edition is called, you will find that the prayers don’t really bless anything. They basically suggest that God might bless some who looks at the statue, the bell, the medal, without actually constituting the object as a blessed thing. 

This is a grave problem.

Rite of Blessing of Water and Salt: a revisit

I have noticed that a lot of surfers have been interested with my post about the Rite of the Blessing of Water and Salt.

It, too, started with me out of curiosity.  That is why I searched for the internet and found the older Rite of  Blessing.  Reading the text I was particularly moved at how the prayers invoke the help and protection of Almighty God against the power of the enemy.  I then compared it with the present Rite of Blessing of Water and boy was I surprised.

From the 1962 Rite has this blessing...

O God, for the salvation of mankind
You have built Your greatest sacraments on this substance of water.
Give a kindly hearing to our prayers,
and pour out the power of Your blessing on this element,
now prepared for our many kinds of purifications.
Grant that this, Your creature,
may receive power by divine grace,
in serving Your mysteries,
to drive away evil spirits, and dispel diseases.
Grant that everything in the homes or other buildings of the faithful
that is sprinkled with this water
may be freed of all uncleanness,
and be freed from harm.
Let no harmful spirit abide here,
nor breath of corruption approach,
and may all the snares of our hidden enemy vanish.
If there be anything which threatens
either the health or the peace of those living there,
may the sprinkling of this water put it to flight.
Grant that the well-being sought by calling on Your holy name
may be defended from all attacks,
through Christ our Lord.

While the new rite has this blessing...

Let us pray. Lord, holy Father, look upon us who were redeemed though your Son and were reborn at the baptismal font and grant that those who would be sprinkled by this water may be renewed in body and mind and may offer you pure service through Christ our Lord together with the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.

The difference is sooooo glaring!  In the first place, why change the prayers that are specifically aimed to call upon the help of the Lord that the water be blessed as a weapon against the enemy?  Note in the new rite of blessing of water, it does not even ask God to bless the water.

If you prefer to have your water blessed using the old ritual, you can ask you priest to do so since this ritual is valid according to the motu propio of our Holy Father, Benedict XVI.  You can find an online edition of the Rituale Romanum on this link.

Uniquely Pinoy: Feast of St. John the Baptist

Here are some of the unique ways Pinoys celebrate the Feast of St. John the Baptist in the country.

The people of San Juan City in Metro Manila celebrate the patronal feast by dousing each other and even innocent bystanders and pedestrians with water.  Yeah, that's right.  Even people dressed neatly in their office wear, walking the streets or in jeepneys or in their vehicles will be doused with water to commemorate what St. John did, baptize with water.  Those who don't want to get wet better not pass the city as those involved in the revelry are merciless in getting anyone wet.  For more, go here

Yes, that is a pig on a bike, not a Harley though.  This roast pig is part of the The Annual Parada ng Lechon (Parade of Roast Pigs) Festival celebrated by the people of Balayan, Batangas.  Roast pigs are dressed and made to sit on elaborate carriages and paraded through the streets.  For more on this uinquely Pinoy festival go here

Document Names Pius XII as Co-Conspirator Against Hitler

In continuation of the saga to prove Pius XII's silent heroism during WWII.

NEW YORK, JUNE 22, 2009 (Zenit.org).- A foundation that promotes interreligious dialogue is publishing new documents from Germany that gives evidence of Pope Pius XII's work against Hitler during World War II.

Gary Krupp, president of the New York-based Pave the Way Foundation, affirmed this Sunday in a statement to ZENIT that despite accusations of being "pro-Hitler," the Pontiff was actively opposing the Nazi leader.

The foundation acknowledged the controversy surrounding the Pope's actions during Hitler's regime, and asserted that this is a "continued source of discord between Jews and Catholics." 

Thus the organization launched a "thorough investigation to uncover documentary evidence and record eyewitness testimony" about the real story of Pius XII.

The president, himself a Jew, stated, "In the furtherance of our mission we are continuously working hard to locate and post as many documents possible of the war years in order to clarify the papacy of Pope Pius XII."

He added, "During a recent mission to Germany, along with our [foundation's] representative in Germany, Michael Hesemann, we discovered and posted many new unseen original documents on our Web site that may change the face of this entire controversy."

This evidence, the statement asserted, "seems to confirm that Pope Pius XII was an active enemy of Adolph Hitler."

Krupp explained that the Pope was "named as a co-conspirator in the assassination attempt on Hitler's life of July 20, 1944."

On the foundation's Web site, he added, is posted the image of the Kaltenbrunner Report to Adolf Hitler dated Nov. 29, 1944 on the background of the plot.

"The report specifically names Eugenio Pacelli, Pope Pius XII, as being a party in the attempt," he said.

The president also noted the online posting of the actual affidavit of Heinrich Himmler's deputy and German commander in Italy, General Karl Wolff.

He reported: "Wolff testifies that he was ordered by Hitler to plan an invasion of the Vatican to kidnap Pius XII and seize the Vatican. This kidnapping plan has been discounted by many historians because of a lack of documented proof."

Krupp said that another event that added to the controversy concerns the deportation of over 1,000 Jews who were taken from Rome and killed at the Auschwitz concentration camp.

He stated that the foundation posted the "original cable from German command in Berlin to SS headquarters in Rome, ordering the arrest of 8,000 Roman Jews to be taken, not to Auschwitz, but to the labor camp of Mauthausen."

Krupp continued: "Only a little over 1,000 were arrested after a successful papal intervention.

"We have confirmed the personal and direct action of Pope Pius XII to stop the arrests of the Jews in Rome Oct. 16, 1943. No evidence has yet turned up about why those arrested were taken to the death camp of Auschwitz rather than the labor camp."

He speculated, however, that "because of the successful papal intervention to stop arrests, the order to Mauthausen was countermanded by persons unknown and over 1,000 Jews were sent to Auschwitz to their death in retribution."

After the arrests, Krupp noted, Pius XII sent a representative to appeal for the release of the 1,000 Jews, but "he was refused admittance."

The cable suggests the possibility that "the Church believed they could rescue these 1,000 victims and negotiate their release," he affirmed.

The president reported that the Pontiff "ordered that Jews of Rome were to be given sanctuary in Church properties and Catholic homes, suspending cloister rules so that men could be admitted to convents and women to monasteries throughout Europe."   

"He literally hid over 7,000 Jews in one day," Krupp added.

He encouraged people to visit the foundation's Web site, to view the documents in order to "learn the truth and draw your own conclusions of the actions of the Holy See during the war."

***

Here is the foundation's website   http://www.ptwf.org/

My challenge to Pius XII critics remain.  Where is your documentary proof that he did NOTHING?

Snapshot: Look familiar?

Pope Paul VI wearing the so-called "Conciliar Miter" that "replaced" the Papal Tiara.

This is the inspiration for this:

Saint Thomas More

Remembering the day of St. Thomas More, one of my personal patrons.  

This prayer was written by St. Thomas More when he was imprisoned in the Tower of London

Give me the grace, Good Lord

To set the world at naught. To set the mind firmly on You and not to hang upon the words of men's mouths.

To be content to be solitary. Not to long for worldly pleasures. Little by little utterly to cast off the world and rid my mind of all its business.

Not to long to hear of earthly things, but that the hearing of worldly fancies may be displeasing to me.

Gladly to be thinking of God, piteously to call for His help. To lean into the comfort of God. Busily to labor to love Him.

To know my own vileness and wretchedness. To humble myself under the mighty hand of God. To bewail my sins and, for the purging of them, patiently to suffer adversity.

Gladly to bear my purgatory here. To be joyful in tribulations. To walk the narrow way that leads to life.

To have the last thing in remembrance. To have ever before my eyes my death that is ever at hand. To make death no stranger to me. To foresee and consider the everlasting fire of Hell. To pray for pardon before the judge comes.

To have continually in mind the passion that Christ suffered for me. For His benefits unceasingly to give Him thanks.

To buy the time again that I have lost. To abstain from vain conversations. To shun foolish mirth and gladness. To cut off unnecessary recreations.

Of worldly substance, friends, liberty, life and all, to set the loss at naught, for the winning of Christ.

To think my worst enemies my best friends, for the brethren of Joseph could never have done him so much good with their love and favor as they did him with their malice and hatred.

These minds are more to be desired of every man than all the treasures of all the princes and kings, Christian and heathen, were it gathered and laid together all in one heap.

Amen.

And here is a clip from YouTube, the martyrdom of St. Thomas More.

Selected entries from the Pastoral Letter on the Sunday Mass

The Archbishop of Manila, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, has issued a Pastoral Letter 
on the Sunday Celebration of the Eucharist entitled "“Without Sunday, We Cannot Live”.  This is posted in the website of the archdiocese and can be downloaded in pdf here.

I have posted here selected entries from the pastoral letter with my emphasis and comments (the Z Style)

***

14. The liturgical assembly is not only a collection of individuals but the gathering of God’s people called by God to exercise its royal priesthood in the offering of the sacrifice of praise.  [The priesthood of the baptised is different from the priesthood of the ordained.  WE MUST NOT CONFUSE THIS!  Only the validly ordained priest in full communion with the Church can offer the Sacrifice of the Mass, with or without the people. ] Everything in the celebration is so arranged to promote and develop an awareness of the assembly’s common dignity and purpose, its mutual relationship, and its connectedness with the whole church.

15. The Church earnestly desires that all the faithful be led to that full, conscious, and active participation [Here's the liturgical timebomb! The Latin text of Sacrosanctum Concilium is actua participatio (actual participation) NOT activa participatio or active participation.  The meaning of these words are radically different.  Active particiaption opened a floodgate of creativity and antiquarianism!] and in liturgical celebration called for by the very nature of the liturgy. Such participation by the Christian people as ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people’ (1 Peter2:9; see 2:45) is their right and duty by reason of their baptism (SC 14, RS 37).

17. As your pastors, parish priests share with you their pastoral obligation to ensure that the liturgy is celebrated authentically with due regard for liturgical norms and the needs of the faithful. [IMHO, we should just stick with the faithful observance of the liturgical norms.  If we give in to the "needs" of the faithful, that's where the trouble begins.  What it they need dancing and born-again songs in the Mass to make the celebration "livelier"?  Shall we allow it?  Liturgical norms were set for a purpose otherwise we will all have a smorgasbord of liturgies, per country, per diocese, per parish.]  Parish priests have the duty to promote the full and active participation [see this word again?] by all the people, since the liturgy is the primary and indispensable source from which the faithful derive the true Christian spirit (SC 14). Pastors are thus responsible for the instruction of the assembly
regarding their duties and roles in the celebration of the liturgy and for the proper training and formation of lay ministers [I think there is no such thing as a lay minister].

21.  The homily is done at the ambo or the chair [only bishops are allowed to give the sermon/homily at the chair] but not at the altar or the nave of the church.
[That is because in the Philippines some priests would walk around during the homily.  This can be seen on televised Sunday Masses.]

Proper vestments should at all times be worn in keeping with the liturgical norms. Liturgical vesture signifies the sacredness and dignity of the celebration in which Christ and his paschal mystery are at hand. [Overlay stoles are becoming a norm in the Philippines.  Yet there are no concrete efforts to curb this liturgical abuse]

24. When there is no deacon, a reader may carry the Book of the Gospels in front of the presiding priest in the entrance procession and lay it on the center of the altar. (GIRM, 118b, 119,120 194-5) [We do not have permanent deacons in the Philippines so only transitional deacons which are SOOO rare are assigned in parishes.  So this provision becomes a norm for a reader and an exception for a deacon.  Personally, I do not like this provision.  Only the deacon should carry the Book of the Gospels.  If there are no deacons around, let the reader carry teh Lectionary.]

25. The choir is at all times a part of the assembly. [Huh?!?  Since when was the choir not part of the assembly?  One parish I went to went as far as taking the choir out of the choir loft and placing them near the sanctuary to emphasize this point.  Duh!] It should not replace the assembly or dominate the assembly in songs that rightfully belong to them. [Yeah!  Just like in "Charismatic-Healing Masses"  Without the priest, you would think you attended a revivalist worship service.]  The members of the choir participate in the liturgical celebration like the rest of the assembly, but as choir they are also agents of active participation. They exercise their role by leading the assembly in the singing of the praises of God. (GIRM, 103)

The music director, working collaboratively with other ministers, has a particular responsibility to help select musical settings that allow the worthy celebrationof the liturgy, respecting the different nature of the texts and actions of the liturgy, the feast, and the liturgical seasons. (GIRM, 111,352,366; Sacramentum Caritatis, 42)
[Wow I hope this is followed.  Most parishes in Manila, and I mean not only in the Archdiocese sing songs not even classified Catholic.  Songs from Praise, Inc. and other "born-against" Christians are being sung in our Masses and no one is stopping them, not even their own parish priests!]

To ensure the proper exercise of the ministry of music,we strongly recommend that the members of the choir avail themselves of the formation programs offered by the Archdiocesan Music Ministry and the Institute of Music in the Liturgy. [AHA! Leaves a bitter after taste.]

28.Altar Servers
It is a proven fact that many ordained ministers developed their vocation to the priesthood because of their membership in this ministry when they were young. We therefore wish to continue the practice of reserving this ministry to young boys, in order to introduce them to the life and ministry of the Church. (Redemptionis Sacramentum) [Mabuhay Cardinal Rosales!  That'll stop the novelty of altar girls-soon-to-be-hoping-to-become-womyn-priests!]

Liturgy Coordinator
30. We should not belittle the importance of preparing thoroughly [if we keep on thinking of something to make the Mass "livelier".  Yeah you need preparation.  If you attend a Tradional Mass, the preparation rests with Mass goers not with the liturgist.] our Sunday Eucharistic celebration, if we want it to be a source of spiritual growth of our brothers and sisters and the summit to which all activities of the Church are directed. (GIRM, 111,352, RS, 39) We strongly recommend that every parish should have a liturgy coordinator designated to help and assist the pastors in the preparation and coordination of liturgical celebrations. (GIRM, 106) The
liturgy coordinator works in collaboration with the pastor and the other lay liturgical ministers.

The person to be appointed to as liturgy coordinator should have received formation through the liturgy programs of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission [See the trend?]

Parish Master of Liturgical Celebrations
31. The General Instruction on the Roman Missal (no. 106) encourages the appointment of competent ministers called Master of Ceremonies in parishes who will “oversee the
proper planning of sacred actions and their being carried out by the sacred ministers and the lay faithful with decorum, order, and devotion.” “For a liturgical celebration…to be distinguished by grace, simplicity and order,” the Ceremonial of Bishops suggests, “a master of ceremonies is needed.”  [This is am surely in support of.  The presence of a Master of Ceremonies in important liturgical celebrations even in a parish setting is very important...especially in the celebration of the TLM whiiiccchhhh unfortunately it restricted in the archdiocese.  I hope someone out there corrects me on this one.]

32. Many parish priests have attested to the great help such ministers contribute to parish liturgical celebrations as well as to the need for their necessary formation and training. Since liturgy is not only about rubrics and norms [watch out...], the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission will offer liturgical formation with the historical, theological and pastoral aspects and the spirituality of the liturgy. [ As long as it is not the brand on liturgy Annibale Bugnini or Piero Marini espouses!  We want the ones from Guido Marini (the better Marini that is), WDTPRS and the New Liturgical Movement.

Ministry for Liturgical Environment
33. The materials used for divine worship must always be worthy, beautiful and dignified. (Cf. SC, 122-124; GIRM,288) The Mother Butler Guild and in some parishes called Ladies of the Altar are tasked to take care of the vessels, vestments, and other liturgical paraphernalia. They are to ensure that these are kept clean, orderly and worthy of the divine realities they signify. [Amen!]

34. The liturgical documents have recognized the need to “seek the noble assistance of the arts and welcomes artistic expressions.” (GIRM, 289) The parish can tap the talents and skills of the members of the community who are artistically inclined. They can help in the planning and the preparation of an environment that encourages active participation [here's the word again. What encourages active participation?] and serves worthily and beautifully the dignity of worship. Their gifts of creativity, vision and the depthness to see beyond the ordinary lead the people of God to a profound experience of the sacred. [Try attending a TLM.  No need for creativity and you'll fell the profound experience of the sacred.]

39. We realize how the Church desires to nourish us with the Word of God in the Eucharistic celebration. After the council it produced a new Lectionary for the Mass that unfolds the full treasury of the Bible, so that a richer fare might be provided for the faithful at the table of God’s word. [So before the Council we do not have the richness of the Bible?]

45. The great importance of the assembly’s response and acclamation can be difficult to bring out in the short word Amen. This should be sung or at least spoken loudly both at Sunday and weekday celebrations. Musical settings that moderately prolong the Amen or repeat it, though not excessively, can help the assembly respond more adequately to the prayer. [How many Amens is appropriate?]


46. The proper gesture for the Lord’s Prayer is raised hands. [WHAT?!?!  Says who?!?! Read this commentary about this abuse here] 

The breaking of the bread is done with dignity and deliberation by the priest celebrant, if necessary with the help of a deacon or a concelebrant. (RS 73) It should never be done during the words of consecration. [Good!  Some priests act out the Words of the Institution.  Reverend Showman, eh?] Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion who
will assist at Communion should take their place in the sanctuary after the exchange of peace.

48. ? The faithful are not ordinarily to be given Communion from the tabernacle [Huh?!  Is this the "sharing of the one bread kind of thing?"]. (SC 55; Euch. Myst, nos. 31-32; GIRM 85) Serious effort should be made to observe this norm as a regular practice in our parishes rather than as the exception.

Signs of unjust discrimination or social distinction among persons at the Lord’s Table are to be avoided. When there is obvious intent of profanation, the priest and ministers should gently refuse to give Communion, avoiding the attention of the public.

Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion receive communion from the priest celebrant and receive the vessel of Communion from him.

The manner of receiving communion, whether by hand or in the mouth, is the prerogative of the communicant. [Precisely!  This means even with the  swine flu scare, we can receive it  in the mouth.] (RS 90)

The purification of vessels after communion should be done at the side table and not on the altar. (GIRM 163, 279) [Huh? Why not on the altar, by the priest?]

***

Aside from male only altar servers, I will not be too giddy about the pastoral letter.  Does not even mention the motu propio Summorum Pontificum.  The cardinal has not even addressed the response of What do you think?

UPDATE: Liturgical guidelines in Archdiocese of Jaro

Apparently, I blogged too soon.

The Archdiocese of Jaro is giving Communion in the Hand ONLY.  A news report confirms this but I have to see the circular first.

If you have similar news regarding dioceses' reactions, more particularly about liturgical restrictions, please email me.  I have gathered a number and will be posting this hopefully within the day.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary

“A son of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a man who is consumed with love and who sets on fire everything in his path. He is a man who unceasingly expends himself to light the fire of divine love in the world. Nothing stops him; he places his joy in privations, he undertakes all works for the glory of God; he embraces willingly every sacrifice, he is happy in the midst of calumnies; he exults in torments. He can think of but one thing — working, suffering, and seeking at all times the greater glory of God and the salvation of souls, to imitate Our Lord Jesus Christ.”

* St. Anthony Mary Claret *

When will they be told of their right place?

"....the chief strength of the wicked, lies in the cowardice and weakness of good men... All the strength of Satan’s reign is due to the easy-going weakness of Catholics."

Pope St. Pius X, Discourse at the Beatification of St. Joan of Arc, Dec. 13, 1908

No wonder these guys are still around...

Archbishop Emeritus Rembert Weakland

Admitted he is gay. Paid $250,000 for the silence of a man who accused him of sexual assault. Wrote the most digusting memoir where he admits to several affairs with men, crowns himself the first voluntarily “out” bishop, and argues that the Church should endorse the “physical, genital expression” of homosexuality.

Fr. Charles Curran

Publicly denounced Humanae Vitae and questions the Church's teachings on premarital sex, masturbation, contraception, abortion, homosexual acts, divorce, euthanasia, and in vitro fertilization

Fr. Edward Schillebeeckx, O.P.

Questions the Real Presence, calling it a "sign" of Christ in the bread. Questions the Resurrection of Christ as a historical and objective fact.

Fr. Richard McBrien

Compared John Paul II to Communist dictators, questioned papal supremacy and infallibility

Fr. Hans Kung

denied the Dogma of Papal Infallibility, a modern-day Martin Luther.

Fr. John Jenkins

President of the University of Notre Dame.  Honored that president, who as state senator prevented laws protecting the unborn, with an honorary doctorate in law effectively telling the whole world that it is ok for Catholics to honor mass murderers!

Let us start cleaning our own backyards, dear Holy Father!  They are causing more harm to Catholics than we ever know.  They will continue to spread their venom unless we do something about it.  If we continue to sit on our hands and do nothing about what they are doing, we are sending a message to the whole Catholic world that it is OK to live as a heretic.

I know you, dear TPC readers have more in mind.  Please comment.

Year of the Priest in the Philippines

Based on the news releases posted in the CBCP website, two dioceses have launched the Year of the Priest.

These are the Archdiocese of Davao and the Archdiocese of Jaro.  The news releases are here for Davao and here for Jaro.

Waiting for news from the other dioceses...

Liturgical guidelines regarding "swine" flu in Jaro Archdiocese

Jaro liturgy desk releases guidelines for A(H1N1) virus

ILOILO CITY, June 20, 2009—The Jaro Archdiocesan Commission on Liturgy has recently issued a circular on the guidelines of the Church for the prevention of the pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) virus.

The circular focused on the hygienic preparations that priests and lay ministers must do during the celebration of the Eucharist. [It's not lay ministers!  It's Extraordinary Ministrer of Holy Communion!  When will they get this?]

According to the guideline, priests and lay ministers must wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers before giving the Holy Communion. 

It also directed that churchgoers must refrain from physical contact especially in offering the sign of peace where a simple nod can be a good substitute gesture. [We don't need the virus to stop this.  We have Redemptionis Sacramentum.]

Released last Wednesday, the said advisory has said that the stoups have to be emptied of the Holy Water and that churchgoers are advised to just make the sign of the cross without dipping their fingers into it. [Huh?!?!]

Meanwhile, Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo [He is the current president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines] encouraged the clergies, the religious and all the faithful to follow the guidelines given by the liturgy desk of the archdiocese. 

“The Commission on Liturgy in the Archdiocese came out with an advisory to help prevent the spread of Swine Flu or Influenza AH1N1) virus for the duration of the pandemic, he said. 

“I exhort all the clergy, the religious and all the faithful of the Archdiocese of Jaro to take into consideration this advisory.” [So if it's an advisory, people can disregard it?  Just asking.]

The said circular was drafted before the first confirmed case of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus reported in Iloilo. 

Recently after the A(H1N1) outbreak reached the Philippines, Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales has instructed certain precautions to arrest the spread of the virus.

Rosales asked that the Holy Communion must be given only through hands and that holding of hands during the Lord’s Prayer must be avoided.

***

At LEAST, the archbishop did not FORCE Communion in the Hand!!!

Liturgical Abuse in the Philippines

If you think the Philippines does not have it's share of a reverend showman, well think again.  Here it is.  Play your own game of find the liturgical abuses game.

Take note:  This is not a Born-Again Revivalist-cum-Rapture Worship Service masking as a Roman Catholic Mass.  It's the other way around.

The priest in the video is Fr. Archie Guiriba, OFM.  I have heard a LOT about this priest. And in the Year of the Priest, I'd rather keep it to myself, just pray for him and his superior.

As the video will show to you, that whatever they are doing does not even resemble a Catholic Mass.

Eucharistic Adoration for the Sanctification of Priests

The picture above is the cover of the excerpt of the wonderful booklet for priests'.  It has a foreword by Claudio Card. Hummes, Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy.  It contains stories about the importance of the priesthood and spiritual motherhood of Mary.  You can find it at this link:  http://www.clerus.org/clerus/dati/2008-01/25-13/Adoration.pdf.

This is the website of the nuns of Mother Angelica of EWTN.  This is their Phoenix, Arizona monastery.  Love their website:  www.desertnuns.com

Quotes from a great saint

"All the good works in the world are not equal to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass because they are the works of men; but the Mass is the work of God. Martyrdom is nothing in comparison for it is but the sacrifice of man to God; but the Mass is the sacrifice of God for man."

*St. John Marie Vianney*

The Sacred Heart of Jesus

"Who is there who would not love this wounded Heart?  Who would not love, in return, Him who loves so much?" St. Bonaventure (d.1274)

Vocational Crisis? A video for the Year of the Priest

Wonderful video for the Year of the Priest.  I am wondering for the choice of title, though.  Share your thoughts.  Video courtesy of CNA and YouTube.

More about St. Jean Marie Vianney

I read this from the Wikipedia entry on the life of this great saint.  The words of the saint, mentioned in Bl. John XXIII's encyclical are highlighted.

Sacerdotii Nostri Primordia

In 1959, Pope John XXIII issued Sacerdotii Nostri Primordia, an encyclical on St John Vianney, praising him for several things, including:

  * his "voluntary affliction of his body" which "led him to abstain almost completely from food and from sleep, to carry out the harshest kinds of penances, and to deny himself with great strength of soul." Vianney engaged in these mortifications as penance on behalf of the sinners he ministered to: "I impose only a small penance on those who confess their sins properly; the rest I perform in their place."

  * his life of poverty, "a life that was almost completely detached from the changeable, perishable goods of this world." The encyclical points out that Vianney said "My secret is easy ... give everything away and keep nothing for yourself" and that "There are many people keeping their money hidden away while many others are dying of hunger."

  * his life of chastity. The encyclical points out that Vianney said "A soul adorned with the virtue of chastity cannot help loving others; for it has discovered the source and font of love—God."

  * his life of obedience, living in such a way that he "burned himself up like a piece of straw being consumed on fiery coals."

  * his administration of the sacrament of Penance, which Vianney took so seriously that he said: "So many crimes against God are committed that they sometimes incline us to ask God to end this world! ... You have to come to the town of Ars if you really want to learn what an infinite multitude of serious sins there are... Alas, we do not know what to do, we think that there is nothing else to do than weep and pray to God." The encyclical also notes that Vianney said: "If there were not very innocent souls to please God and make up for our offenses, how many terrible punishments we would have to suffer!" Yet, the encyclical also points out that Vianney said: "God is quicker to forgive than a mother to snatch her child from the fire."

Saint John Mary Vianney's prayer

How fitting that our dear pope, Benedict XVI, declares 2009-2010 the Year of the Priests  and entrusts the priests of the world to the patronage of St. Jean Marie Vianney and exhorts all priests to follow the simple  Cure of Ars' life.

The Saint's simplicity and dedication to his vocation is a matter not be emulated not only by priests, diocesan or religious, but by the laity as well for St. John Mary Vianney showed how to live according to one's state in life.

I once visited a blog laudemgloriae.blogspot.com, by Christine, who went on a pilgrimage to Ars. Among the beautiful photos that she took from her trip and pilgrimage are rare photos of the museum of the saint where St. John's items are displayed. His cassock and other personal items are so simple and meager while the vestments he used to celebrate Mass were splendidly trimmed with gold threads! It proves that when it comes to the Lord, St. John offers everything. How ironic that those who call for simplicity in the Liturgy are the ones who live extravagantly.

Here are the photos

 The saint's personal effects

St. Jean Marie Vianney knows excellent liturgical fashion!

You can see more of her pilgrimage by clicking here.  Please do visit Christine's blog.  Kudos Christine!

I now share to you this beautiful prayer attributed to the great saint.

I love You, O my God, and my only desire is to love You until the last breath of my life. I love You, O my infinitely lovable God, and I would rather die loving You, than live without loving You. I love You, Lord and the only grace I ask is to love You eternally....My God, if my tongue cannot say in every moment that I love You, I want my heart to repeat it to You as often as I draw breath.

The saint's incorrupt body awaiting the resurrection, lying above the main altar of the basilica dedicated in his honor.

The audacity!

The Pope summoned the bishops of Austria to Rome not as part of their ad limina visit but as part of an extraordinary visit.   They were summoned to discuss with the Pope the problems--many of their own making--in the Austrian Church.  And here are some of the problems, as elaborated by St. John's Valdosta's blog: (photo courtesy of the same blog)

Under the leadership of Bishop Ludwig Schwarz, Linz [this is the same diocese that rose up in arms when the pope appointed Msgr. Gerhard Maria Wagner as auxiliary bishop.  Msgr. Wagner is a known traditionalist and it spooked the hell out of the Austrian episcopacy.] has distinguished itself as the most un-Catholic diocese in Europe.

Among Schwarz' achievements:

• Urging businesses to fight "global warming" by "lifestyle change"

• Inviting Catholics in the diocese to a "Global Church Specialist" seminar to be addressed by Hindu "eco-feminist" Dr. Vandana Shiva

• Allowed one of his priests, Father Josef Friedl, to live openly with a woman--until the story broke worldwide and the bad publicity forced him to fire Friedl (This doesn't just happen in Austria, folks).

• Permitted a Corpus Christi procession this past week using an illicitly consecrated focaccia loaf held with tongs instead of a consecrated Host in a monstrance. (see photo below) [I think it's not only illicit, it's invalid!  No wonder the people at the back were not kneeling.  It's not Christ in the Eucharist!  This guy might be working for Sbarro or Pizza Hut.]

And as if they are egging the Pope to discipline them,  Card. Schönborn also presented in the Vatican the so-called "Initiative of the Lay Faithful" (Laieninitiative), a petition by relevant Austrian Catholics launched earlier this year, which asks for the abolition of compulsory celibacy, the return to activity of married priests, the opening of the diaconate to women, and the ordination of [married] 'viri probati'.

***

God help us!  Copycats of Luther rising from the ashes! 

Which is the one for you?

Which manner of receiving Christ's Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity is more respectful towards the Lord.  Which tells the viewer that the receiver is respecting the ONE he is about to receive, the ONE who "every knee shall bend and every tongue confess".

We may talk about a lot of things the ancient church did by citing a lot of writings of the saints regarding the subject matter.  All this documents aside, let us ask ourselves...If we stand in attention during the singing of our own national anthems...if we show proper respect for visiting heads of states or even guests at our offices or our own homes...what attitude would you show if Christ the Lord comes into you in Holy Communion?

Which do you prefer?

In the hand?

Or kneeling?

"What does it mean to receive communion in the mouth? What does it mean to kneel before the Most Holy Sacrament? What does it mean to kneel during the consecration at Mass? It means adoration, it means recognizing the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist; it means respect and an attitude of faith of a man who prostrates before God because he knows that everything comes from Him, and we feel speechless, dumbfounded, before the wondrousness, his goodness, and his mercy. That is why it is not the same to place the hand, and to receive communion in any fashion, than doing it in a respectful way; it is not the same to receive communion kneeling or standing up, because all these signs indicate a profound meaning. What we have to grasp is that profound attitude of the man who prostrates himself before God, and that is what the Pope wants." Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera

Pope Pius XII saved more Jews!

New Evidence Says Pius XII Helped Jews, Foundation to Publish 2,300 Pages of Documents (link)

NEW YORK, JUNE 15, 2009 (Zenit.org).- A foundation that promotes interreligious dialogue announced that it has more than 2,300 pages of original documents illustrating Pope Pius XII's efforts to help Jews in the face of Nazism. 

Gary Krupp, president of the New York-based Pave the Way Foundation, affirmed this today in a statement to ZENIT, and stated that the documents from the years 1940-1945 will be made available to the public for research. 

The president, himself a Jew, [AHA! WHAM BANG! Anti-Catholics and that Rabbi who spoke in the Synod of Bishops, take this!] reported that these papers, found through the organization's private research, give "strong support to the argument that Pope Pius XII -- Eugenio Pacelli -- worked diligently to save Jews from Nazi tyranny."

As a part of a private research project, the foundation found the documents in a monastery in Avellino, Italy. The foundation's statement noted the possibility that "many more vital documents could be found in larger dioceses, if researchers simply took the time to look."

Krupp continued: "Since presumed history has been the justification for hatred, vendettas and wars throughout civilized human existence, aren't the historians charged with a moral and vital responsibility to get the story straight? People are killed every day because of historical vendettas. [History is being told by Anti-Catholics disguising themselves as members of the media.] 

"A personal disappointment resulting from our research was the realization that we all have been let down by many who represent themselves as historians.' [Yeah. like DAN BROWN!!!] 

"These individuals, with private agendas, have simply failed to research the evidence of this era properly and have remained silent when the absurd fanatics manipulate the truth."

If our foundation, he said, as "amateur fact finders, can uncover so much information, how is it that the so-called historians and academic institutions have allowed the 46-year-old assessment of Pius XII to continue unchallenged, impacting the opinions and relationships of over one billion people?" [Because it easy to attack a dead guy. That's why!]

The foundation will offer these documents for worldwide historical study on its Web site.

The statement acknowledged a "universal academic response" to "reserve judgment of Pacelli until the Vatican opens the un-catalogued section of full papacy of Pius XII."

It added, "The result of this academic negligence has negatively impacted the opinions and relationships of over one billion people."

The foundation also reported its findings from research on some of the Vatican Secret Archives documents.

It noted the discovery of "many examples of the direct actions and of the pastoral ministry of Eugenio Pacelli to save Jews from Nazi tyranny" as well as "documented proof" of his "direct intercession to protect the Jews of Palestine from the Ottoman Turks in 1917 and his encouraging the idea of the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine in 1925."

The statement observed that "universal" gratitude to Pius XII was "radically changed" five years after his death, through a fictional play by Rolf Hochhuth called "The Deputy."

The foundation reported the "confirmed testimony that this play was part of a KGB plot called 'seat 12,' which was strategically planned to destroy the reputation of the Catholic Church."

This research, the foundation stated, supports the "undeniable conclusion" that "Pope Pius XII was a true hero" of World War II. [If indeed Pope Pius XII did not do much to save the Jews, why was not he questiones when he was still alive? Why did Golda Meir even bother to praise him in her eulogy of the pope? Simple common sense to me if you ask me!]

It concluded: "Quite possibly he saved more Jews than all of the world's religious and political leaders combined. Moreover, in the true spirit of heroism, he did all this with the direct threat of German rifles leveled 200 yards beneath his very windows."  



***

I am STILL waiting for the Western media to present their evidence that Pius did not do anything to save the Jews. The burden of proof has now shifted. 

Typical Catholic bashing during the Obamania. Despise the Jews, blacks, gays, you are a bigot. Despise Catholics, you are for freedom of speech and expression.

BISHOPS' EMAILS ARE HACKED!

Simply unbelievable!  Hackers are now targetting email accounts of prelates!  They are now 

Prelate's email hacked! (link)

DAVAO CITY, June 16, 2009—The Archdiocesan Secretariat has warned the people who would be receiving an electronic mail (e-mail) in the name of Archbishop Fernando Capalla from Kenya, Africa.

In an email sent to CBCPNews early this morning, the Archdiocesan Secretariat stated, “if you receive an email from Kenya, Africa , kindly disregard it. The person who sent it has corrupted the email address of the archbishop hence the message is not true.”

The scam letter narrated that Capalla went for a missionary program in Nigeria, Sweden and Kenya.

It also said that while the archbishop was on his way to the hotel in Nigeria where he stayed he was robbed and he badly needed $ 2,500 to sort-out hotel bills and to go home in the Philippines.

The content of the fraud email follows: [Take note of this.  This is important.]

“Hello, How are you doing? I am sorry I didn't inform you about my traveling for a Missionary program. It is currently held in Nigeria, Sweden and Kenya. I am presently in Nigeria. It has been a very sad and bad moment for me because I got robbed on my way to the hotel where I lodged.

My ID, Credit card, cash and other valuables I have with me got stolen, I contacted the embassy here to help me out but it will take some time to get back to me. I urgently need your financial assistance. The total sum of money that I would need would be $2,500 to sort-out my hotel bills and get myself back home.

I will appreciate your help, I promise I will pay you back upon my return, Let me know if you can assist me so that I can send you the details to use when sending the money through western union. Peace & Joy. Hope to hear from you soon. God bless. Archbishop Capalla”

The Archdiocesan Secretariat stated that they are now making some adjustments and amendments to email address of Archbishop Capalla.

Last week, the office of Pampanga Auxiliary bishop Roberto Mallari informed CBCPNews that his email address has also been hacked by one who is now soliciting money for hotel bills in London.

Alarmed by the extent the hoax has been circulated online, Mallari sent this message to his email contacts: "I was informed by friends that somebody hacked my e-mail address, saying that I am in a sorry state and stranded in London; that I was robbed and lost all my money and credit cards and also my phones etc.; that I am asking a sum of 1,430 pounds to clear my hotel bills and my ticket back home and that I am asking you to send it through Western Union Money Transfer. All of these is a hoax and not true. I am at present in the Philippines and I am doing well. I will be changing my E-mail address in a day or two and I will be forwarding it to you.”

Early last year, Surigao Bishop Antonieto Cabajog, got a call from a friend counter-checking an email allegedly sent by him asking donations for a church project. The bishop denied the solicitation and discovered that his email has also been hacked. (Mark S. Ventura)

***

My Lord!  Those are three bishops!  I might have blogged Archbishop Capalla before BUT I DEFINITELY WOULD NOT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN TO HIM!

PASS THE WORD brothers and sisters!  These predators would capitalize on your generosity to support the needs of our priests!

This might not be an isolated case for Pinoy bishops.  Any bishop or priest for that matter is an easy target!  PASS THE WORD!

Prelate urges flock to pray for our nation vs culture of death

From the CBCP website

OZAMIZ CITY, June 13, 2009—Ozamiz Archbishop Jesus A. Dosado, CM has urged the faithful of Misamis Occidental to offer special prayers for our nation and her leaders, in order that the culture of death may be overcome and a civilization of love may be advanced for the restoration of the respect for human life and the safeguarding of the family. [He was once accused of not permitting the TLM to be celebrated in his archdiocese despite Summorum Pontificum. He clarified that those asking were SSPX priests.]

In one of his homilies lately, the prelate said, “In this context, may I say something about the Reproductive Health bills. President Obama was invited to, and was given an award by, Notre Dame University, the premier [is it still?] Catholic Institution in the United States in spite of the prohibition from the Conference of Catholic Bishops of the United States and the objection of the Bishop of the place.”

President Obama is known to be the most aggressive anti-life President the United States ever had. Within days of his assumption to the Presidency he vetoed the prohibition made by his predecessor to allow funding abroad which has abortion component.

As a Senator he voted for partial birth abortion. In a speech to the Planned Parenthood last year he said, "The first thing I’d do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That’s the first thing I’d do." FOCA will do away with state laws on parental involvement, on partial birth abortion, and on all other protections. FOCA will compel taxpayer funding of abortions. FOCA will force faith-based hospitals and healthcare facilities to perform abortions.

“Now I have no business criticizing the President of the United States. But this has repercussions to our people. If nothing else, this will gladden our legislators and embolden them to push through the RH Bills. After all, there is more money here to avail of and maybe divide.” [SHOW ME THE MONEY! It's always about the money.]

But whatever happens in the US has repercussions in the world, especially in the Philippines where a Reproductive Health Bill is on the verge of getting passed. Thus the need for prayers, said the Archbishop.

“We should offer special prayers for our nation and her leaders, in order that the culture of death may be overcome and a civilization of love may be advanced for the restoration of the respect for human life and the safeguarding of the family.” Dosado concluded. (Wendell Talibong)

***

God bless Archbishop Dosado. He is an active defender of orthodoxy and his diocese is the birth place of the Catholic Faith Defenders, a very active apologetics group. Ad Multos Annos Your Grace!

Papal apology we are dying to hear!

John Paul the Great issued a number of papal apologies during his reign.  We hope that Papa Benny gives this one...

Words of Wisdom

Now here is one of the reason for my blog.

Courtesy of the wonderful blog St. John's Valdosta Blog

Sign of what's coming? Hope not!

NOW...

SOON? or WISHFUL THINKING?

Who promotes Communion in the hand?

An excerpt from an article entitled "Rethinking Communion in the Hand" by Jude A Huntz, HOMELITIC & PASTORAL REVIEW March 1997

(This argument might be accused of the logical fallacy of "guilt by association." But that argument is not necessarily false.) Those in the mainstream liturgical establishment (and their followers) who promote Communion in the hand are the same persons who, for the most part, have a distaste in general for worship of the Lord in the Holy Eucharist, and perpetual adoration in particular. [Know a LOT! Same guys who would take away the tabernacle in the main altar or sanctuary and place it on a side altar. What's a more dignified spot? The center or the side? Hmmm?] A due, strong emphasis on the personal, bodily Real Presence of Christ our God in Holy Communion is not something which modern liturgists are noted for. Indeed, they even discourage it. Our attention is to be on the community, they say. [Ah...the favorite term. MEAL OF LOVE. Sounds like Martin Luther to me if you ask.] In general, we can apply to the distorters (knowing and unknowing) of the Catholic doctrine and practice with respect to the Mass the following words of G. K. Chesterton: they are guilty of "the idolatry of the intermediate to the oblivion of the ultimate." Well, these are the promoters of Communion in the hand. And they dislike and discourage the traditional manner of reception. Why? [Yeah. Can someone please tell me why receiving it on the tongue is something to be discouraged?]

Lone Galero

It is a sight to behold really being the only cardinal's galero of the Philippines!

If St. Patrick's Cathedral of New York has four cardinals' galeros hanging from the ceiling right above the sanctuary of the cathedral, this is the lone cardinal's galero in Manila Cathedral. This is the galero of the late Rufino Cardinal Santos of Manila, the first Filipino elevated to the cardinalate. Reportedly, he is a lover of the TLM and was one of the last bishops of the Philippines to implement the liturgical reforms of Vatican II in his own diocese. Jaime Cardinal Sin is also buried in the Basilica-Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, aka Manila Cathedral, but he does not have his galero suspended as I think he did not purchase his own galero. Click on the photo to view the full size and see the galero.

For other infos on the galero, click the following:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galero
http://dappledphotos.blogspot.com/2005/11/capelli-e-galeri.html
http://orbiscatholicus.blogspot.com/2008/11/cardinals-hat-il-galero-rosso.html
http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2007/12/public-consistory-ii.html

No reason not to pray the Liturgy of the Hours

I always found an excuse or two not to pray the Liturgy of the Hours. But with the help of the Internet, I was able to find a very useful program and install it on my laptop. Go to http://universalis.com/. If you have an iPhone or iPod, which I don't (sniff!), you can download iBreviary here.