Tuesday 21 September 2010

News of the World calls Benedict "People's Pope"



The other day, I mentioned the Sun's positive coverage of the papal visit. In England, the largest circulation Sunday paper is the News of the World ("Whose life can we ruin today?") As with the Sun, it is far more widely read than the broadsheets and has a significant impact on public opinion. In today's edition, the subs came up with the headline "Bene's from heaven" and the strapline "People's Pope leaves Britain with a smile on its face".

In the run-up to the visit, there were many occasions when I had to respond quietly and patiently to clergy who solemnly told me that Pope Benedict did not have much appeal to ordinary people. So it is hugely gratifying to see the News of the World characterise him as the "People's Pope". By Fr. Tim Finnigan.

Friday 17 September 2010

Pope to British politicians: "Religion is not a problem, but a vital contribution to national life"



This was the most delicate political event of Benedict XVI's trip to the United Kingdom. The Pope went to Westminster Hall to meet with 1800 British politicians, business leaders and intellectuals. Courtesy of www.romereports.com

Tuesday 7 September 2010

Papal Images for the Papal Visit

PRESS RELEASE – SEPTEMBER 8th 2010.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference have taken the inspired decision to officially appoint Papal Images as a supplier to the forthcoming visit to the UK by Pope Benedict XVI.


Papal Images has been launched to specifically offer an opportunity for photographs of the Pope prior and during the event to be down loaded direct to mobile. This is the FIRST TIME this has been offered at a live event in the UK and it reflects the way that the clergy are now embracing modern technology.


The company run by Darren Snape was formed when he observed how many times crowds of people try without success to take photos on their mobile at a live event and then are disappointed with the result.


Taken live during the four day events the papal images are immediately down loaded to purchase and available as the event closes each day as well as being shown in full at the web store. These photographs can be bought to use as a wall paper but are also a photographic record of the historic event distinct from traditional merchandize! These can then be carried around at all times on the users mobile phone picture album! Those that did not secure access to the events are also able to feel part of the occasion by securing the same images chosen from www.papal-images.com. The site has images of the Pope taken at his summer palace just a few weeks ago available now. The official papal visit web site also provides a direct link.


The Catholic Church launched a daily text service over seven years ago now widely used. Indeed Pope Benedict XVI called for priests to discover new digital possibilities in order to proclaim the Word of God and carry out their ministry. This was part of his address on World Communication Day in May of this year.





He specifically stated that " the development of new technologies and the larger digital world represents a great resource for humanity as a whole and for every individual and it can act as a stimulus to encounter and dialogue" His address encouraged priests to use this technology to encourage new pastoral possibilities. Down loading photographs of the Pope falls neatly into this category.

The number of people in the UK alone using mobile phones now approaches 16 million of which 4 million are Catholics and with 1.5 million sending photographs last year. Accordingly the take up of this offer should be high and the revenue will undoubtedly help pay for the cost of the trip whilst at the same time providing a fresh means of the clergy connecting to their congregation.


Gerry Kehoe Director of Operations for the Papal Visit at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference
states " the technology being embraced by papal-images will allow Pilgrims to obtain a high
quality photographic record of these historic events. This is an exciting opportunity and we are delighted to incorporate this into the Holy Father’s visit ”


www.papal-images.com

Contact ; Darren Snape – 07971 967771.

Wednesday 1 September 2010

Aid to the Church in Need Annual Mass and ‘Hope Without Fear’ Event, taking place at Westminster Cathedral and Hall, Ambrosden Avenue London , SW1P 1Q

Aid to the Church in Need Annual Mass and ‘Hope Without Fear’ Event, taking place at Westminster Cathedral and Hall, Ambrosden Avenue London , SW1P 1QW

on – Saturday, 16th October Mass of Our Lady (Feast of Margaret Mary Alacoque).

The day begins with Sung Latin Mass in Westminster Cathedral at 10:30am. Mass will be followed by an afternoon of talks in the cathedral hall. We are delighted to welcome some very special guests from the suffering Church in Sudan and Siberia .

Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of Tombura-Yambio, south Sudan is leading his people in south Sudan through a time of great uncertainty. Despite the country’s fragile peace agreement, he has seen his people fall victim to atrocious attacks, including crucifixion. Benefactors are helping to provide hope, funding Christian education at the Save the Saveable schools, training seminarians, Sisters and catechists, and helping priests reach Christian communities with new vehicles.


Father Michael Shields from Magadan, Siberia is a long-time friend of Aid to the Church in Need. An American from Alaska , he chose to serve in a former communist gulag camp in Magadan, Siberia . Millions died here. Father works for those who survive, ensuring their stories are told and their suffering acknowledged by the authorities. He is the author of the Aid to the Church in Need publication Martyrs of Magadan – a book that tells the stories of 15 survivors of the gulags. Earlier this year, Aid to the Church in Need paid tribute to Father Michael’s work by including him in the book Heroic Priests.

Neville Kyrke-Smith, UK Director, Aid to the Church in Need has travelled extensively in Eastern Europe and, this year, he will give an update on the help benefactors are giving to Christians in Ukraine , where he recently visited.


John Pontifex , UK Head of Press and Information, Aid to the Church in Need
will speak about suffering, faith and hope in Pakistan and how benefactors are helping to nurture this hope.


For more information please visit our Website http://www.acnuk.org/events.php/223/aid-to-the-church-in-need-annual-mass-and-hope-without-fear-event-westminster

Monday 30 August 2010

Schedule of Juventutem international gathering hosted by Young Catholic Adults (part of the Juventutem Federation)

Juventutem international gathering
A week-end hosted by Young Catholic Adults, Douai Abbey, Berkshire, England
10-12 September 2010


Friday 10 September 2010 (St Nicolas of Tolentino)
1-6pm: onwards arrival
5pm-5.50pm: Confessions – simultaneously: optional workshop on : The sacred vessels and liturgical items, by Mr Juan Tomas, FSSP.
6.00pm – 7.00pm Holy Mass in the Parish Church
7.00-7.30pm - Supper
8pm-8.45pm: 1st conference: How God is present in the Holy Eucharist, by Fr de Malleray, FSSP
9pm: Social

Saturday 11th September 2010 (Our Lady’s Saturday)
7.30am: Morning prayer (parish church)
8.00-8.30am: Breakfast
8.45am-9.30am: 2nd Conference: Explanation of the prayers of the Mass: Part 1 : From the Preparatory Prayers until the Creed, by Fr de Malleray, FSSP
11am: Sung Holy Mass, main Abbey Church
12am: Marian Procession around the extensive grounds of the Abbey at 11am (if bad weather, procession within the building).
1.00-2.00pm: Lunch in the Refectory
2.00-3.00pm: 3rd Conference: Explanation of the prayers of the Mass: Part 2 : The Offertory, by Fr de Malleray, FSSP
3.00pm-4.30pm: Optional workshop on: How to serve Low Mass, by Mr Juan Tomas, FSSP – or Free time
4.30pm-5pm: Rosary led by Mr Juan Tomas, FSSP
5.00-6.00pm: 4th Conference: Explanation of the prayers of the Mass: Part 3 : The ‘Canon’ of the Mass, by Fr de Malleray, FSSP
6.00-6.30pm: Vespers
7.00-7.30pm: Supper
7.30-9.30pm Adoration and Confession
9.30pm: Social

Sunday 18th September 2010 (16th after Pentecost)
7.30am: Morning prayer (parish church)
8am: Breakfast
9am: 5th Conference: Explanation of the prayers of the Mass: Part 4 : The Communion and Dismissal, by Fr de Malleray, FSSP
10.30am: Holy Mass
12noon: Rosary, led by Mr Juan Tomas, FSSP
1.00pm: Lunch in nearby pub

Saturday 28 August 2010

Just a Few Places left for the Juventutem Weekend Hosted by YCA

There are just a few places left for the Juventutem weekend, hosted by Young Catholic Adults the English member of the international Juventutem Federation, the meeting is just under two weeks away. Prices start at £25 per person per night (including food); there is also the option of camping available (£5 for the weekend). Please see below for details

Juventutem Conference for 18-35 Year Olds

If you are in the 18-35ish age range, there will be a Juventutem Conference led by Fr. De Malleray FSSP (head of the international Juventutem Federation) at Douai Abbey 10-12th September 2010.’ There will be a Sung Mass, a Marian Procession, Rosaries, Talks and socials.

How to Book for the retreat

From as little as 25 pounds for students (or 51 pounds for non students)per person per night. For more details, please see http://www.youngcatholicadults.co.uk/news.htm or email juventutemcatholicam@yahoo.co.uk, or ring 07908105787.


Events Open to the Public

Saturday 11th September 2010’ at 11am –Mass (the choir will be the Ensemble 1685) in the main Abbey Church followed by a Marian Procession around the extensive grounds of the Abbey at 11am (starting from the main Abbey Church).

All ages/Parishes/Church groups are warmly welcome to attend Masses and the procession. All events are organised by Young Catholic Adults (YCA).

Friday 20 August 2010

ORDER of MALTA VOLUNTEERS

ORDER of MALTA VOLUNTEERS
A CHARITY MUSIC CONCERT


Thursday 26th August 2010
ST. WILFRID’S HALL next to BROMPTON ORATORY
Doors open at 7.00pm to start at 7.30pm


Starring
Jesús León
(Sings regularly at the Royal Albert Hall)
Special Guests
Steven Maughan - Piano
Saffa Trio - Violins/Cello
Natalie Coyle - Soprano
Michał Ćwiżewicz - Violin
Matthew Conor Davies - Classical Guitar
Harriet Sasada - Soprano
Georgina Wahed - Presenter
Tickets: £25 includes refreshments
OMVmusic@hotmail.co.uk
07554 014845

Thursday 29 July 2010

Juventutem Conference at Douai Abbey 10th-12th September 2010 organised by Young Catholic Adults will be dedicated to Pope Benedict



People going to the Juventutem Conference Organised by Young Catholic Adults at Douai Abbey 10-12th September, will be encouraged to offer up their prayers for the Pope, in light of his forthcoming trip to the United Kingdom (the week after). It looks as though Pope Benedict will be in for a hard time in Britain, with threats of arrest and protest looming over the visit. The event has been full of difficulty, with pilgrims being asked to pay to see the Pope; moreover, there have been many criticisms of the way it has been organised. The British Government has had to take over much of the organisation, to save the visit from faltering badly.There are still a few places left in for people aged 18-35ish, if they would like to attend for the whole weekend.

Alternatively, there is a Sung Mass (Extraordinary Form) at 11am on Saturday 11th September in the main Abbey Church and a subsequent Marian Procession c. 12pm (again on Saturday 11th September), which are open to the general public (all ages). There will also be talks, Confession, Rosaries and Socials throughout the weekend. For more information, please see http://www.youngcatholicadults.co.uk/news.htm for more details.

Tuesday 20 July 2010

Protect the Pope.com

Protect the Pope.com is a new website which counters attacks on Pope Benedict’s reputation and integrity, and provides information and resources for Catholics to respond to incidents that constitute incitement to religious hatred.

At the launch of Protect the Pope.com Rev Nick Donnelly, a permanent deacon of Lancaster Diocese who set up the site, said:

‘Its been said that anti-Catholicism is the last acceptable prejudice, and in a way we Catholics have colluded in this by ignoring it, hoping it will go away. But the personal attacks on Pope Benedict in the run up to the Papal visit show us its not going away.

Since 2006 we’ve had the legal right to protect ourselves from religious hatred. Of course people in this country have freedom of expression, but this does not mean they have the right to create a climate of hostility and fear. It’s a question of protecting our human rights to freedom of belief and freedom of worship.’

The website gives information on the law regarding hate crime and provides Catholics with the means to report to the police incitement to religious hatred or acts of religious hatred which take place during the Holy Father’s visit. The website also has an anti-Catholicism log tied into its news feed to help raise awareness of anti-Catholic prejudice.

H/t to Fr. Tim Finnigan at http://the-hermeneutic-of-continuity.blogspot.com/

Monday 19 July 2010

SSPX Bp. Fellay claims Pope Benedict says the TLM privately

The English is rough and ready in the following but the meaning is crystal clear!

Pope Says Mass Privately Says Bishop Fellay

Bishop Fellay says, " the Holy Father celebrates the old Mass privately" and that an Italian Bishop has said he will leave the Church if he celebrates it publicly. Bishop Fellay said this in a speech at the 2010 priestly ordinations.

(Kreuz.net) Pope Benedict XVI. And his secretary George Gaenswein celebrate the old Mass. This is according to the General Superior of the Society of Pius X, Bishop Bernard Fellay, in a speech in the 8th of July in the Brazilian city of Bahia. [I wonder if the Holy Father also serves at his secretary’s Mass. That would not surprise me in the least. He is the sort of humble fellow who would do such a thing.]

You can listen to the speech on the page ‘4shared.com’ under user ‘fbmvm’.

This celebration will not be done because of inner-Church resistance against the old Mass.Msgr Fellay also mentioned in his talk an example of the battle against the Roman Rite.At a priest conference in Italy reported a priest, that his bishop had threatened to leave the church if the Pope ever publicly said the old Mass. [Arrivederci, Eccellenza Reverendissima!]

Msgr Fellay: "The Bishop leads a war against the old Mass."

Simultaneously, he sees a line of good Bishops and priests, At least the heart is in the right place said Bishop Fellay about Benedict XVI., that he has a Catholic heart and loves tradition, but suffers from a progressivist understanding.

Benedict XVI. is trying to save the Vatican Council at any price.

The Bishop also said that part of the Roman Curia and the neoconsevative led State-Secretariat have torpedoed traditional initiatives of the Pope. As an example the Bishop described the traditionally restored Trappist Abbey of Mariawald in the German Alps. The Pope had already permitted them to return to the old discipline and liturgy. Actually the secretary of State has intentionally set the Decree aside. [I believe that.]

Indeed the Bishop sees also that there are a great number of Prelates in the Curia who are well-disposed to the Society Pius X. In the Cathedral of St. Peter’s there are 20 old Masses celebrated daily. [Maybe not 20 every day, but there are quite a few.]

Three Examples for the Decline

Finally, Msgr Fellay illustrated the decline of the Church since the Vatican Council with a few examples. He cited a chancellor of the Diocese of Trier. He has made known that 80% of the priests in the diocese deny the real presence of Christ in the Host. [I doubt that.] In the Diocese Langres in north-east France every priest is entrusted with 60 parishes. [60? Prove it.]

In the United States the number of religious men and women have shrunken to 10% of their original numbers. [That can’t be right.]
Kreuz.net has the details.

And remember: Benedict XVI is the Pope of Christian Unity!
(H/t to Fr Z from WDTPRS - Fr. Z's comments are in red).

Friday 16 July 2010

English Catholic Establishment in Rebellion



H/t to Fr. Ray Blake, who speaks for a very large proportion of the Church in the UK, who are exasperated by the Catholic Establishment in this country. He states:-

"Professor Tina Beatie, Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at Roehampton University, is part of our English Catholic establishment; she is a Tablet board member! She also wrote that pro-abortion piece a few weeks ago that appeared in the establishments house paper.

Today she sends an open letter to the Pope expressing indignation at the recent clarification by the CDF on the ordination of women. She writes:

Today, I am ashamed to be Roman Catholic. It has become a Church blighted by ignorance, arrogance and the decadence of a dying regime mired in its own obsessive clinging to power.

Strong stuff eh?

There was recent interview somewhere by a senior cleric bewailing the Catholic Church being ...err Catholic. It is a bit strange that the "establishment" is in rebellion, forming a Church within a Church. The basis of Catholicism isn't proposiotional or clausal it is actually based on believing and professing "... all that the holy Catholic Church teaches, believes and proclaims to be revealed by God".
You see, what some just don't get is that Catholic just isn't Anglican. The Catholic Church just doesn't have the authority to suddenly decide to change its teaching. The Professor might well be right that many Catholic women have actually left the Church and become Anglicans, the truth is they have really stopped believing that the revelation of God is at the Church's very heart. The problem she has, and many in the establishment have, is really one of authority: ultimately, did Jesus lie when he promised to be with the Church until the end of time?"

Monday 12 July 2010

The 13th Day - Fatima Film



A year ago a new film about Fatima came out called The 13th Day. The film opened in the USA in October, and it is now available to order in the UK via Amazon!! Any film promoting Fatima seems like a good idea to me, so why not go out and buy it today!!

Wednesday 2 June 2010

Indcatholicnews.com Promotes Juventutem Retreat for Young Catholic Adults at Douai Abbey 2010



Independent Catholic News have put up a piece about the Juventutem Conference organised by Yooung Catholic Adults! To see more about Independent Catholic news goto http://www.indcatholicnews.com

Monday 31 May 2010

Book : The Catholic Priest, Image of Christ




This most important book on the priest to come out during this year of the priesthood places the beauty, charity and the sacra mentality of the priesthood in the forefront. With its 560 illustrations from all periods of art and parts of the world the author has taken an interest in all aspects of the life of the priest, obviously most particular the celebration of the Eucharist which is the heart of his very being. Covered are even the priest as a monk and the charity of the priest seen on its highest level in the giving of himself in martyrdom.

The first and principle part with texts by the Holy Father, Cardinal Medina Estivez amongst others, describes not only what the priest does, but moreover who he is. This is followed by several chapters on the holiness and charity of the priest and after two inspiring texts on the Mass several examples are given such as St Bernard, Saint Jean-Marie Vianney, not to forget outstanding priests like St Maximillian Kolbe and Bl. Ivan Ziatyk, one who died at the hands of Nazism and the other during the insane years of Stalin in Ukraine. Before the conclusion the question is asked what is a vocation.

As an added interesting element, the author desired to keep Jesus contemporary and has asked himself how the Church should present Christ’s message in art today, a clear refusal of ‘Financial art’ which often is just a mockery of Christ and at the very best only shows His Crucifixion, but not His Resurrection. The author has found inspiring and prayerful alternatives from around the world of paintings done by living artists, who work as the Holy Father requests "in a continuity with the past, but not copying it." These new canvases find themselves in good company with painters such as Fra Angelico or Zurbaran. The Irish and British Saints and Martyrs have indeed not been forgotten and can be briefly seen on the clip on You Tube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-KaU632_4M Like the Church, a truly universal book.

With its stunning and beautiful layout, this book in six languages is a masterpiece in itself. With its challenging texts and profound iconography, it emphasises the mystic, sacramental and divine aspects of the priesthood, as well as the vital importance of the priest as a man of charity. A truly positive and encouraging gift to existing priests and seminarians during these tough times to be a priest. A tribute to the many existing holy priests, who by their being and their ministry embodies 'Other Christs', but who today are unsung heroes. It also forms an excellent gift to young people to deepen their Faith or to families, as it can be read as a kind of catechism.

The author is of Danish origin, with degrees in architecture and art (Oxford Polytechnic) and holds a master of science degree in management. He is a convert and was received into the Church at Westminster Cathedral in London. He now lives with his French wife and children in Normandy, as an organiser of international art exhibitions.

The book can be purchased directly from GRACEWING : www.gracewing.co.uk
Alternatively, by sending a cheque of 40 pounds in the name of Gracewing (P&P free in Britain, please add £5 per copy for overseas postage) : GRACEWING, 2 Southern Avenue, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 OQF, England.
For all inquiries : Tel : 01568 616835 E-mail : gracewingx@aol.com
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