Rose vestments? . . . You bet!

Gaudete in Domino semper. (Rejoice in the Lord always)

I really enjoy Gaudete Sunday, as indeed we are supposed to. What's not to like about rejoicing?!

It does make a difference having the 'proper' rose-coloured vestments. We will have beautiful flowers in church again tomorrow after a bare-looking sanctuary for the past couple of Sundays, and I'm sure we shall have some lovely joyful hymns too.

It does us all good to have this Sunday of joyful encouragement to persevere with our spiritual preparations for the arrival of Our Saviour at Christmas

It's very tempting to get out the decorations and the lights etc. etc. and get into the full swing of Christmas as many of our neighbours here seem to be doing already but we still have two more full weeks to wait. I am happy to focus on Advent for a while longer. We have our Advent wreath at home and shall light the rose-coloured candle tomorrow.

I do like the quote from Pope Benedict in the CTS Sunday Missal that introduces tomorrow's Mass (at least it does in my version of the Missal. I assume it is the same for all editions).

"What does 'the Lord is at hand' mean? In what sense must we understand this 'closeness' of God? The Church, illumined by the Holy Spirit, already at that time understood increasingly better that God's 'closeness' is not a question of space and time but rather of love: love brings people together! This coming Christmas will remind us of this fundamental truth of our faith and in front of the manger we shall be able to savour Christian joy contemplating in the newborn Jesus the Face of God who made himself close to us out of love."

NB. Photo above is of last year's wreath as we shan't light our 'rose' candle until tomorrow, although as it's past time for Vespers I suppose we could light it now.

A beautiful Mass . . .

Well, where to start? I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the special Mass at Westminster Cathedral today in Thanksgiving for the Anniversary of Pope Benedict's visit to the UK.

I say 'fortunate' but I also felt very privileged to be there. We were luck to have excellent seats with a very clear view of the altar. Not being particularly tall, to put it mildly, I was quite prepared for having to sit behind some fairly tall people, or even 'women in hats' as we were advised that the dress code was 'smart'.

We were seated for about an hour and half before Mass began and I was impressed with the reverent silence all around. Sadly, this isn't always the case, I've found, when large groups of Catholics gather.

Before the clergy processed into the cathedral we were treated to a procession of Knights (and Dames) and other dignitaries; a splendid spectacle. Instantly recognisable are the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre and the Knights of Malta. Who are the Knights in dark green uniform? Are they the Knight of St Gregory?

It's always encouraging to see so many young seminarians. They moved around the cathedral giving out programmes before Mass, smiling and courteous, naturally. A marvellous sign of hope for the future.

We were wondering about the music for the Mass; would we hear any of the new Mass settings? As it happened we were treated to Mozart's Spatzenmesse and, one of my favourites, Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus, at Holy Communion. I think I floated on air all the way back to Victoria station.

It was frustrating as I had a fantastic view to take photographs but naturally didn't as I couldn't have done it unobtrusively. Maybe I'll have to think about getting a 'serious' camera that I can use to take photos inside without using a flash. Do such things exist? I do like taking 'snaps' with my little 'point and shoot' camera but it is very basic.

I did manage to take one sneaky picture before Mass began but the external shot is one I took on my last visit.

An Armchair Pilgrim . . .

Photo Credit: Madrid11_en

I've been so busy following World Youth Day on Social Media and the live streaming on the Internet, I haven't had time to blog about it at the same time.

As one who is well past 'Youth' I nevertheless found it an amazing experience. It was so uplifting, so encouraging and so energising to see so many young people from all around the world who are enthusiastic about their faith.

I found all the liturgies very moving in different ways; from the exuberance of the opening Mass to the amazing closing Mass and of course the Vigil and Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. To see over a million youngsters in the aerodrome at Cuatro Vientos and the transformation from a jubilant carnival-like atmosphere having welcomed Pope Benedict, to a sea of silently adoring youngsters on their knees as the Blessed Sacrament was exposed in the amazing monstrance was a truly incredible sight.

I could go on and on . . . The beautiful Stations of the Cross with the transportable Pasos; the Holy Father struggling against the buffeting winds of the storm at Cuatro Vientos (it looked as if all four winds were making their presence felt); the young people so happy to be there with Pope Benedict that they seemed quite oblivious of the downpour; the beautiful singing of the Gospel at the Welcoming Liturgy by Ordinariate Deacon James Bradley etc. etc.

There are many videos, photos and blogs of the whole World Youth Day event in Madrid but it's interesting to hear some of the statistics now in the calm which has descended.

2,000,000 participants . . . 14,000 priests . . . 800 bishops . . . 192 nations . . .

Pushkin the Oratory Cat . . .

I've been asked to publicise this interview . It's not often that one is asked to promote a blog featuring an interview with a cat, albeit a very famous cat, at least in certain circles!

In any case, I'm happy to do so. Do please pop over to the Catholic Heritage blog and see for yourself.

Finally, Gaudi's famous cathedral may be used for its rightful purpose . .

Marvellous pictures are appearing on various news channels, blogs etc of the Papal Visit to Spain. Finally, the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, commonly referred to as 'Gaudi's Cathedral' to distinguish it from other great churches in Barcelona, will be able to be used to for the celebration of Holy Mass, surely it's primary function.

The Pater Familias visits Barcelona from time to time on business and has taken many photos of this amazing building. It must be one of the most visited and photographed buildings in the city, I would imagine.

The BBC has an excellent video and summary on their website here.

Changing public opinion . . .

The Holy Father's recent visit has, amongst many other positive things, helped people to see Pope Benedict as he really is and not as he is often portrayed by the sometimes negative press.

Definitely more Andrex Puppy than Rottweiler . . .

A Special Saint . . .

Several people have commented on Pope Benedict's recent remarks encouraging us all to develop a devotion to a particular saint.

I've often heard people mention that they have a devotion to a particular saint and I've always thought to myself, 'but how do you choose just one?!'

The Holy Father suggests perhaps taking our example from the saint that we are named after. A bit difficult in my case as my first name is a 'real pagan name' as my mother once remarked (why on earth did she agree to it then, I wonder?). In her defence, she did give me the best of all saints' names as a middle name - yes, you guessed it, even in our non-Catholic school, there were still quite a few girls called Mary, and more who had Mary as a second name.

Well, I would hope we all have a special devotion to Mary; so then I think maybe I should look to the Saint whose feast day falls on my birthday. In my case it's two saints - Saint Simon and Saint Jude, so I've decided to find out a bit more about them.

All I know about them really is that Simon was called 'The Zealot' and Jude is sometimes referred to as Thaddeus. Of course, we all know St Jude is the saint of desperate causes, the saint of last-resort.

They were both martyred; Simon in Persia and Jude in Armenia, although some writers say they were both martyred in Persia or that Jude died peacefully elsewhere.

One little snippet I read today says Simon was born in Cana and some accounts say he was the bridegroom at the Wedding at Cana. I'd like to think that was true.

O God, we thank you
for the glorious company of the apostles,

and especially for Simon and Jude;

and we pray that, as they were faithful

and zealous in their mission,

so we may with ardent devotion

make known the love and mercy

of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,

who lives and reigns with you

and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Footnote:

I've always had great regard for Saint Monica, whose feast day we celebrate today. As a mother, I think we can all identify with her frustration with her wayward son, St Augustine. Most parents would agree that even the best of children 'have their moments' and most of us will have shed a few tears over our offspring at some time or another but what a shining example of perseverance St Monica is to us all - it may have taken 17 years but she got there in the end! And the moral of the story is . . . keep praying and never give up.

Now that's what I call a Palm Cross!

For anyone who didn't follow the link posted by Dominic Mary in his comment on my last post, this is where it would have led you . . .

I think it might take a little bit longer to make one of these beautiful Palm Crosses. All you girls out there who like to braid your hair into French plaits probably have a head start on the rest of us! :-)

Things that struck me . . .

Ever since I first read the text of the Holy Father's address to our Bishops on their ad Limina visit I've wanted to just make a few comments.

On first reading one or two points stood out for me and I thought I'd just mention those. A bit like when meditating on a text in Lectio Divina and some word or phrase comes to mind, I was struck by the following:

If the full saving message of Christ is to be presented effectively and convincingly to the world, the Catholic community in your country needs to speak with a united voice.

Naturally this makes sense and surely no reasonable person could argue with this statement.

Why then, do we find even within our country and within our dioceses, deaneries and even parishes there sometimes seem to be several different 'voices' claiming to represent the truth? It's no wonder that some of us are confused, if one source of authority says one thing and in another place, one hears a completely different interpretation of the truth.

Make it your concern, then, to draw on the considerable gifts of the lay faithful in England and Wales and see that they are equipped to hand on the faith to new generations comprehensively, accurately, and with a keen awareness that in so doing they are playing their part in the Church's mission.

This to me is about catechesis. How can we pass on the faith 'comprehensively and accurately' if that same faith has not been taught comprehensively in the first place. There are many gifted lay people, parents, teachers and others who are in a position to help our children in the development and understanding of the faith, and who are keen to do so but they find themselves lacking the understanding themselves as a result of poor catechesis when they were young. Hopefully this is an encouragement to look critically at catechetical schemes used in schools and parishes and to ensure that our children are 'equipped to hand on the faith' to the next generation.

It is important to recognise dissent for what it is, and not to mistake it for a mature contribution to a balanced and wide-ranging debate.

And here's the crux of it:

It is the truth revealed through Scripture and Tradition and articulated by the Church's Magisterium which sets us free.

There's no argument here. This is it. Recognition of this truth is a sign of our spiritual maturity.

And a final point that struck me:

Help them (the lay faithful) to avoid any temptation to view clergy as mere functionaries but rather to rejoice in the gift of priestly ministry, a gift that can never be taken for granted.

Our priest is not just someone who is there for baptisms, weddings and funerals; to visit the sick and celebrate the sacraments. We sometimes need to be reminded that 'Father' is among us as 'alter Christus'. When you really think about it, it is quite an amazing privilege for all of us and one that I know I am guilty of sometimes taking for granted.

Pope Benedict's address covers so many important areas, I could go on and on but I think I've probably said more than enough! Please excuse my unscholarly efforts. I am just an ordinary Catholic in the pew, and a convert at that, so I'm certainly no authority!

Go forth and blog . . . .

Many Catholic bloggers have commented on the Holy Father's recent comments about the 'new media' and his encouragement to priests to embrace these new forms of communication (including blogs) and to use them in their ministry to spread the Word and to uphold the teaching of the Church. Fr Tim Finigan, as to be expected, has an excellent post on the subject.

In fact, most of the blogs that I follow have commented in some way. I won't link to all of them here but you can see what I mean by a glance at my Blog List.

I just wanted to add a few words from a different perspective. As a lay person, since I discovered the 'blogosphere', I have gained so much from reading blogs, both those of 'blogging clergy' and laity.

I have been introduced to aspects of my faith and the teaching of the Church that I doubt if I would ever have come across otherwise. I'm sure I'm not the only person who would say this, so I would like to record my thanks to all those who take the time in what is usually a very busy life to write a blog. The Holy Father, as usual, is spot-on!

If ever you feel, it's not worthwhile, your time could be better used doing something else; who reads it anyway? or any other discouraging thoughts, I assure you that there will always be someone who has gained a lot by your posting.

Finally, as well as the many excellent, learned blogs by priests, religious and laity, I also think there is a place for blogs from what I call 'simple, ordinary Catholics' like myself. Just by seeing that other people have the same struggles and difficulties, the same joys and hopes, and that they are trying to live their faith in their every day life, is also beneficial. It's good to know you're not alone.

OK, enough rambling now.

6 points regarding the recent provisions . . .

Luke Coppen of the Catholic Herald has an excellent post on his blog concerning the recent provision for personal ordinariates. (Thanks to Londoniensis for the RT on Twitter)

Summarising what Archbishop Vincent Nichols has to say, he outlines 6 points that we should understand about the new provision.

1) “It is a response, not an initiative, by the Holy See.”

2) “This is a response to those who have declared that they share the common Catholic faith and accept the Pope’s ministry as something Christ willed for the Church.”

3) “Much work now opens up, not only for those who hold such faith and will have to consider carefully the formal response of the Holy See, but also for the Catholic community.”

4) “This response does not alter our determined and continuing dedication to the pathway of mutual commitment and cooperation between the Church of England and the Catholic Church in this country.”

5) “We also need to appreciate what this moment makes clear about the mind of Pope Benedict XVI.”

6) “The Holy Father clearly believes that legitimate diversity does not threaten the unity of the Church.”

See Luke Coppen's blog for his comments on these 6 points.

It's no good, I couldn't keep away . . .

Gosh, where to start?

I must admit I've enjoyed a little break from posting but recently have just felt there are so many things I wanted to blog about - mainly our recent holiday.

We drove to Prague with some very good friends - when I say 'we' I mean the menfolk took it turns whilst we 'girls' sat in the back seat giving 'advice' !! We had a very good journey stopping overnight in Cologne on the way there and again on the return journey and had a great time.

Talk about coincidences - when the Pater Familias and number one son joined a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in May they were following in the footsteps of Pope Benedict all the way. In one of the hotels they stayed in, the Holy Father had been there the previous day.

Naturally in Prague we visited the church of Our Lady of Victory where the statue of the Infant of Prague is situated. We couldn't help but notice that there were posters outside the churches publicising the visit of Pope Benedict just a few days after us.

Friends and family reading this will recognise the Pater Familias in this shot kneeling in almost the same spot as the Holy Father would be kneeling a few days later.

The beautiful altar to Ste Thérèse- again particularly apt at this time when her relics are touring the UK.

The magnificent High Altar.

And a slightly clearer picture of 'The Infant of Prague.'

Year of the Priest . . .

I thought I'd try and get in early with a few words on the Year of the Priest.

Pope Benedict will open the special year with Vespers at the Vatican tomorrow, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the day for the sanctification of priests.

I found these excellent quotes on the Westminster Diocesan website on the vocations page.

“Heralds of the Gospel are needed, who are experts in humanity, who have penetrated the depths of the heart of the men and women of today, who share their joys and hopes, their anguishes and sorrows, but are the same time contemplatives, in love with God.”
Pope John Paul II

“A good priest is a truly human person who expresses his love for God in prayer and in love for people. These gifts are sanctified and focused through the grace of ordination when he becomes ‘a man for others’.” Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor

I wouldn't dream of trying to improve on something said by Pope John Paul II or even Cardinal Cormac. I just wanted to say 'thank you' to all our priests for answering God's call to the priesthood in the first place and for all that you do for us.

Here is a beautiful prayer for priests by St Thérèse of Lisieux- very fitting in this year when the relics of St Thérèse will be visiting various sites in England.

Prayer for Priests
by St. Thérèse of Lisieux

O Jesus, eternal Priest,
keep your priests within the shelter of Your Sacred Heart,
where none may touch them.
Keep unstained their anointed hands,
which daily touch Your Sacred Body.
Keep unsullied their lips,
daily purpled with your Precious Blood.
Keep pure and unearthly their hearts,
sealed with the sublime mark of the priesthood.
Let Your holy love surround them and
shield them from the world's contagion.
Bless their labours with abundant fruit and
may the souls to whom they minister

be their joy and consolation here

and in heaven their beautiful and
everlasting crown. Amen.

Latest from the Holy Land . . .

As the Holy Father has been too busy to text me on his latest movements, I'll have to make do with updates from 'the boys' who seem to be having a great time and a wonderful pilgrimage.

They appear to be following in the Holy Father's footsteps - literally. They checked in at Notre Dame hotel in Jerusalem yesterday after Pope Benedict himself left the same hotel in the morning.

I didn't hear on the news whether His Holiness had also been in a cable car over Mount Masada like 'the boys'! (Thanks to Danny who's been uploading photos to Facebook religiously (pun, intended!) so that I can be with them 'virtually' if not in person, and for allowing me to pinch the odd shot until the 'boys' get home and I can see their photos).

The Holy Father ended his visit today and here is a clip from the Vatican YouTube site of his final address. Poor man, can you imagine, you're all packed and ready to board the plane and you still have to stop and chat to the press. You never have that problem on a Thompsons holiday!

The Holy Father arrives in Amman . . .

I know lots of bloggers will be posting about Pope Benedict's visit to the Middle East but I thought I'd add my three ha'p'orth as, by coincidence, the paterfamilias and number one son are also off to the Holy Land on Monday on a pilgrimage with others from Surrey and Sussex. I do hope they leave the red carpet out for them when they arrive! Hopefully too, all the Holy Places will be in tip top condition having received extra special treatment in preparation for the Holy Father's visit.

This picture shows Pope Benedict being met at the airport in Amman by Jordan's King Abdullah and Queen Rania.

The BBC's David Willey says, 'the Jordanian royal couple broke protocol to greet the Pope in person. Normally the monarchs do not go to the airport to welcome visitors. '

A Jordanian army band with bagpipes and drums played the Vatican and Jordanian national anthems before the Pope and King Abdullah inspected the honour guard. More details may be found on the BBC news page here.