Another Missa Cantata on Easter Sunday

Our Schola Roffensis will be singing another Missa Cantata on Easter Sunday at St. Stanislaus Church at 1:30 p.m. We will be singing "Lux et origio" for the ordinary parts of the Mass and almost all full Gregorian propers.

Here is a sample of the Gloria from the Mass ordinary.



There will be a regular High Mass, with full choir,for Divine Mercy Sunday on the 11th of April.

Pray the Rosary on Good Friday

Imagine what might happen if every Catholic in the world would pray
a Rosary on the same day! We have an example in October of 1573,
when Europe was saved from the invasion of the mighty Turkish
fleet, by the praying of the Rosary by all Christians!

So, on Good Friday, let us all pray a Rosary for peace in the world and
the return of moral values into our communities. If possible, please
pray your Rosary between Noon and 3:00pm.

Also, please e-mail this message to every Catholic on your address list,
and ask them to pass it along to every Catholic on their lists. Let's
unite in praying one of the most powerful prayers in existence, for
these intentions, on one of the holiest days in our Church year.

SOURCE: http://www.overheardinthesacristy.net/?p=8271

The Passion According to St. John

I found this beautiful gem on the website of Musica Sacra. This is a perfect example of what a continuity of reform, tempered with the richness of Tradition, really truly is. You will find the original, Gregorian chant melody, but the words are in English. It is to be sung with three people, preferably three ordained men, or at least, three liturgical ministers whose roles are legitimate and not made up for political reasons.

Click here to view this piece.

Here is a segment of the original Latin chant for the Passion, Passio Domini Nostri Iesu Christi.

Passiontide - Bach's St. Matthew Passion

As we find ourselves confronting that hideous and blessed reality of Our Lord's passion, we should begin to place ourselves into a deeper realization of what Passiontide is about.

We are but one week away from Holy Thursday, the day upon which Our Lord gave us Himself in the Blessed Sacrament, the day upon which He gave us the priesthood, and the day upon which He was betrayed by Judas, one of his chosen Apostles. Our Lord does not prevent evil from happening to us or to Him, for if He were to intervene in every matter, He would strip us of our free will, which is the source of the sweetest discovery of God. Judas was chosen by God, elevated to his position by His divine will. However, Judas betrayed God, leading Him to that bloody death on the cross, re-enacted each and every day, upon every altar. Evil can be found everywhere, for the Evil One, the Prince of Darkness, uses our human weaknesses to attack us, weaknesses that destroy us and the Church. However, evil cannot win, for just three days after its absolute triumph, Jesus rose from the dead and ransomed our souls.

Sin and corruption are here, yes, but they are fleeting. Our Lord will not permit sin and iniquity to reign in His stead and in His name.

Below is the opening of Bach's masterful St. Matthew Passion, the translation of which is below the video.

German:
Kommt, ihr Töchter, helft mir klagen,
Sehet - Wen? - den Bräutigam,
Seht ihn - Wie? - als wie ein Lamm!
O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig
Am Stamm des Kreuzes geschlachtet,
Sehet, - Was? - seht die Geduld,
Allzeit erfunden geduldig,
Wiewohl du warest verachtet.
Seht - Wohin? - auf unsre Schuld;
All Sünd hast du getragen,
Sonst müßten wir verzagen.
Sehet ihn aus Lieb und Huld
Holz zum Kreuze selber tragen!
Erbarm dich unser, o Jesu !

English:
Come, ye daughters, share my mourning,
See ye ---(Faithful) whom? --- (Zion, et sim.) the bridegroom there,
See him --- how? --- just like a lamb!
O Lamb of God, unspotted
Upon the cross's branch slaughtered,
See ye, --- what? --- see him forbear,
Alway displayed in thy patience,
How greatly wast thou despiséd.
Look --- where, then? --- upon our guilt;
All sin hast thou borne for us,
Else we had lost all courage.
See how he with love and grace
Wood as cross himself now beareth!
Have mercy on us, O Jesus!

Si Iniquitates

The following is from the MusicaSacra YouTube channel.

The Seven Penitential Psalms - Psalm 50

Peccatoris paenitentis confessio, promissio, preces	Confession, prayer, and promise of a penitent sinner.
Renovari spiritu mentis vestrae et induere novum hominem (Eph 4:23-24)	Be renewed in the spirit of your mind and put on the new man. (Eph 4:23-24)
3 MISERERE MEI, Deus, * secundum magnam misericordiam tuam;	3 HAVE MERCY ON ME, O God, * according to Thy great mercy;
et secundum multitudinem miserationum tuarum: * dele iniquitatem meam.	and according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies: * blot out my iniquity.
4 Amplius lava me ab iniquitate mea * et a peccato meo munda me.	4 Wash me from my iniquity; * and cleanse me of my sin.
5 Quoniam iniquitatem meam ego cognosco, * et peccatum meum contra me est semper.	5 For I acknowledge my iniquity, * and my sin is always before me.
6 Tibi, soli peccavi et malum coram te feci; * ut iustificeris in sermonibus tuis, et vincas cum iudicaris.	6 Against Thee alone have I sinned and done evil in Thy sight; * that Thou mayest be justified in Thy sentence and mayest overcome when judged.
7 Ecce enim in iniquitatibus conceptus sum, * et in peccatis concepit me mater mea.	7 For behold, I was conceived in sin, * and in sin my mother conceived me;
8 Ecce enim veritatem dilexisti * incerta et occulta sapientiae tuae manifestasti mihi.	8 For behold, Thou hast loved truth, * and the uncertain and hidden things of Thy wisdom Thou hast shown me.
9 Asperges me hyssopo, et mundabor; * lavabis me, et super nivem dealbabor.	9 Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed, * Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.
10 Auditui meo dabis gaudium et laetitiam, * et exultabunt ossa humiliata.	10 Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness, * and the bones Thou hath crushed shall rejoice.
11 Averte faciem tuam a peccatis meis, * et omnes iniquitates meas dele.	11 Turn away Thy face from my sins, * and blot out all my iniquities.
12 Cor mundum crea in me, Deus, * et spiritum rectum innova in visceribus meis.	12 Create in me a clean heart, O God, * and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
13 Ne proiicias me a facie tua * et spiritum sanctum tuum ne auferas a me.	13 Cast me not from Thy presence, * and take not Thy holy spirit from me.
14 Redde mihi laetitiam salutaris tui * et spiritu principali confirma me.	14 Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, * and strengthen me with Thy spirit.
15 Docebo iniquos vias tuas, * et impii ad te convertentur.	15 I will teach the unjust Thy ways, * and the wicked shall be converted to Thee.
16 Libera me de sanguinibus, Deus, Deus salutis meae, * et exultabit lingua mea iustitiam tuam.	16 Deliver me from blood guilt, O God, the God of my salvation * , and my tongue shall extol Thy justice.
17 Domine, labia mea aperies, * et os meum annuntiabit laudem tuam.	17 Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord, * and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.
18 Quoniam si voluisses sacrificium, dedissem utique, * holocaustis non delectaberis.	18 For if Thou didst desire sacrifice, I would have indeed given it, * with a burnt offering Thou art not pleased.
19 Sacrificium Deo spiritus contribulatus, * cor contritum et humiliatum, Deus, non despicies.	19 A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit, * a contrite and humbled heart, O God, Thou shalt not despise.
20 Benigne fac, Domine, in bona voluntate tua Sion, * ut aedificentur muri Ierusalem.	20 Deal favorably, O Lord, in Thy good will with Sion * that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up.
21 Tunc acceptabis sacrificium iustitiae, oblationes et holocausta; * tunc imponent super altare tuum vitulos.	21 Then shalt Thou accept the sacrifice of justice, oblations and whole burnt offerings, * then shall they lay calves upon Thy altar.

The accompanying prayer for this psalm is directed against the sins of lust.

Oratio contra luxuriam

Prayer against lust

Pater, peccavi in caelum et coram te, et iam non sum dignus vocari filius tuus. Quid faciam miser? Non enim permanebit Spiritus tuus in homine, quia caro est. Ah! miserere mei, miserere. Quod cum tot reproborum milibus, quos hodiedum abominanda luxuriae pestis in Gehennam praecipitat, captus non sim, infinitae tuae bonitati adscribo. Ergone iterum peccabo? Iterumne pretiosissimum Sanguinem tuum, O Iesu, in ablutionem scelerum meorum effusum, amore bestialium voluptatum, conculcabo? Absit, O Iesu, absit! Obsecro te, O Fili castissimae Virginis Mariae, a spiritu fornicationis libera me. Amplius lava me ab iniquitate mea, et a peccato meo munda me. Ne proiicias me a facie tua, et Spiritum Sanctum tuum ne auferas a me!

Father, I have sinned against heaven and before Thee, and now I am not worthy to be called Thy son. What shall I, wretched that I am, do? For Thy Spirit shall not remain in man, for he is flesh. Oh have mercy on me, have mercy! I attribute to Thy infinite goodness that I am not taken along with the many thousands of the damned, who the cursed abomination of lust casts headlong into Gehenna even today. Shall I therefore sin again? O Jesus, in the love of base pleasures shall I again trample under foot Thy most precious Blood poured forth in the washing away of my sins? Far from it, O Jesus, far from it! I beseech Thee, O Son of the most chaste Virgin Mary to free me from the spirit of fornication. Wash me from my iniquities and cleanse me from my sin. Do not cast me from Thy face nor take Thy Holy Spirit from me!

How Properly To Bury the Alleluia

Dr. K wrote a piece documenting the local burying of the alleluia at Sacred Heart. Well, needless to say, the photos show a ceremony lacking any liturgical decorum. The problem with liberals is that they worship community. No - community worships God. You can see a clear comparison when you look at the photos posted below (care of New Liturgical Movement). Now, I ask you, which seems to be more sacred?

 

  

  

  

So, in the photos from Sacred Heart, we see a rabble professing faith. In these photos above, we see a sacred occurrence. The only way one could find fault with these words is if one, indeed, worships community and human abilities over the awesome omnipresence of God Almighty. This is not what we are called to do as Roman Catholics. 

On a "tying everything together" note, the poem I used in the latest Cleansing Fire video release perfectly suits the comparison set here before you. If you have not yet watched the video, please do so. The poem which is featured is also copied below for your literary delight. I believe it has been chiseled onto the heart of every liberal in the diocese. It certainly reflects their mentality.

Some keep the Sabbath going to Church --
I keep it, staying at Home --
With a Bobolink for a Chorister --
And an Orchard, for a Dome --

Some keep the Sabbath in Surplice --
I just wear my Wings --
And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church,
Our little Sexton -- sings.

God preaches, a noted Clergyman --
And the sermon is never long,
So instead of getting to Heaven, at last --
I'm going, all along.

Sounds like the liberals have a new marching prancing hymn. 

Quick, someone email Marty Haugen and tell him we need a 

tune for these lyrics. 

Media Vita in Morte Sumus

In keeping with our look at Lenten chant and polyphony, I have chosen this piece for your contemplation. It is the "Media Vita" which, according to several sources, moved St. Thomas Aquinas to tears when he heard it. The words are below - feel free to follow along as you play the video.

Media vita in morte sumus:
Quem quærimus adiutorem,
Nisi te Domine,
Qui pro peccatis nostris iuste irasceris?


Sancte Deus,
Sancte fortis,
Sancte misericors Salvator,
amaræ morti ne tradas nos.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.
Sancte Deus,
Sancte fortis,
Sancte misericors Salvator,
amaræ morti ne tradas nos.




In the midst of life, we are dying:
Whom shall we seek as a help,
If not Thee, O Lord,
Who dost rightly grow wrathful for our sins?


Holy God,
Holy Strong One,
Holy and Merciful Saviour,
Do not hand us over to a bitter death.
Our fathers hoped in Thee,
They hoped and Thou didst save them.
Holy God,
Holy Strong One,
Holy and Merciful Saviour,
Do not give us over to a bitter death.
Our fathers cried out to Thee,
They cried out and were not confounded.
Holy God,
Holy Strong One,
Holy and Merciful Saviour,
Do not hand us over to a bitter death.

The Seven Penitential Psalms - Psalm 37

Today's Penitential Psalm is that of one who prays for a removal of anger from one's life and actions. Psalm 37 focuses on our need to be humble before God, for our anger leads us into sin, sin which in turn angers Our Lord. For what angers God more than seeing his Creation succumbing to aggression, unjust war, terrorism, and violence?

Stabant omnes noti eius a longe (Lc 23:49)	All his acquaintances stood away from him. (Luke 23:49)
2 DOMINE, ne in furore tuo arguas me, * neque in ira tua corripias me,	2 O LORD, rebuke me not in Thy furor; * nor chastise me in Thy wrath.
3 quoniam sagittae tuae infixae sunt mihi, * et confirmasti super me manum tuam.	3 For Thy arrows are fastened in me: * and Thy hand hath descended upon me.
4 Non est sanitas in carne mea, a facie irae tuae; * non est pax ossibus meis a facie peccatorum meorum.	4 There is no health in my flesh in the face of Thy wrath: * there is no peace for my bones in the face of my sins.
5 Quoniam iniquitates meae supergressae sunt caput meum * et sicut onus grave gravatae sunt super me.	5 For my iniquities are gone over my head: * and are a heavy burden too heavy to bear.
6 Putruerunt et corrupti sunt cicatrices meae * a facie insipientiae meae.	6 My wounds are putrid and corrupt, * in the face of my foolishness.
7 Miser factus sum et curvatus sum usque in finem; * tota die contristatus ingrediebar.	7 I am miserable and am bowed down: * all the day long I walked in sadness .
8 Quoniam lumbi mei impleti sunt illusionibus, * et non est sanitas in carne mea.	8 For my insides are filled with mocking; * and there is no health in my flesh.
9 Afflictus sum et humiliatus sum nimis, * rugiebam a gemitu cordis mei.	9 Greatly am I afflicted and humbled: * I roared with the groaning of my heart.
10 Domine, ante te omne desiderium meum, * et gemitus meus a te non est absconditus.	10 Lord, before Thee are all my desires, * and my groaning is not hidden from Thee.
11 Cor meum conturbatum est, dereliquit me virtus mea, * et lumen oculorum meorum, et ipsum non est mecum.	11 My heart is troubled, my strength hath left me, * and the light of my eyes themselves is not with me.
12 Amici mei et proximi mei * adversum me appropinquaverunt et steterunt;	12 My friends and my neighbors * have drawn near me and stood against me.
et qui iuxta me erant, de longe steterunt, * et vim faciebant qui quaerebant animam meam.	And those who were near me stood afar: * They laid snares, those who sought my soul.
13 Et, qui inquirebant mala mihi, locuti sunt vanitates * et dolos tota die meditabantur.	13 And they that sought evil for me said wicked things, * all day long they planned deceitful things.
14 Ego autem tamquam surdus non audiebam * et sicut mutus non aperiens os suum;	14 But I, as a deaf man, heard not: * and as a dumb man not opening his mouth.
15 et factus sum sicut homo non audiens * et non habens in ore suo redargutiones.	15 And I became like one that heareth not: * and that hath no reproofs in his mouth.
16 Quoniam in te, Domine, speravi, * tu exaudies, Domine Deus meus.	16 For in Thee, O Lord, have I hoped: * Thou wilt hear me, O Lord my God.
17 Quia dixi: <>.	17 For I said, "May my enemies never rejoice over me: * when my feet stumble, they speak great things against me."
18 Quoniam ego in flagella paratus sum, * et dolor meus in conspectu meo semper.	18 For I am ready for the whip: * and my sorrow is continually before me.
19 Quoniam iniquitatem meam annuntiabo * et cogitabo pro peccato meo.	19 For I will declare my inequity: * and I will be sorry for my sin.
20 Inimici autem mei vivunt et confirmati sunt super me, * et multiplicati sunt, qui oderunt me inique.	20 But my enemies live, and are stronger that I, * and they that hate me wrongfully multiply.
21 Qui retribuunt mala pro bonis detrahebant mihi * quoniam sequebar bonitatem.	21 They that render evil for good, have humiliated me, * because I followed goodness.
22 Ne derelinquas me, Domine; * Deus meus, ne discesseris a me.	22 Forsake me not, O Lord, * my God, depart not from me.
23 Intende in adiutorium meum, * Domine, Deus salutis meae.	23 Hasten unto my help, * O Lord, God of my salvation.

And now the accompanying prayer against anger:

Oratio contra iram

Prayer against anger

Homo homini reservat iram; et a Deo quaerit medelam? In hominem similem sibi non habet misericordiam, et de peccatis sui deprecatur? Quis exorabit pro delictis illius? (Eccli 28:3-5) His verbis mihi, Domine Deus, loqueris per servum tuum filium Sirach. Et ego post hac iram aut odium contra quemquam fovere audeam? Parce, Domine, parce malitiae et pertinaciae meae, in qua hucusque perseveravi. Ex animo nunc ignosco et remitto, quidquid ullus unquam in me peccavit; supplexque oro, Domine, ne in furore tuo arguas me, neque in ira tua corripias me; utinam tamquam surdus in posterum non audiam, et sicut mutus non aperiam os meum; quando inimici mei contra me insurgunt et vim faciunt, qui quaerunt animam meam. Ne derelinquas me, Domine Deus meus, ne discesseris a me: quoniam tu es patientia mea. (Ps 70:5)

Should man reserveth anger for his fellow man and yet seek remedy from God? Should he that hath no mercy on one like himself entreat God for his own sins? Who shall obtain pardon for his sins? (Sir 28:3-5) By these words Thou hast spoken to me though Thy servant Sirach, O Lord God. And after this dare I foster anger and hate against anyone? Spare me, O Lord, spare me of my malice and stubbornness in which I have persevered even unto now. From my soul I now overlook and forgive whatever anyone has done against me. I humbly beg Thee, O Lord, do not rebuke me in Thy anger. O how would that I be like the deaf who does not hear and the mute who does not speak whenever my enemies rise up in force against me, those who seek my soul. Do not forsake me, O lord my God, do not depart from me, for Thou are my patience. (Ps 70:5)

The Seven Penitential Psalms - Psalm 31

We now turn our attention to the second of the Seven Penitential Psalms - Psalm XXXI. In this, we read a prayer for deliverance from greed. It is widely held that St. Augustine, on his deathbed, had these seven psalms held before him, that he may read them before joining his Creator. Let us now study these words with equal devotion and diligence.

David dicit beatitudinem hominis, cui Deus reputat iustitiam sine operibus (Rom 4: 6)	David declares the blessedness of the man to whom God credits justice without works. (Rom 4: 6)
1 BEATI, quorum remissae sunt iniquitates, * et quorum tecta sunt peccata.	1 BLESSED is he whose iniquities are forgiven, * and whose sins are covered.
2 Beatus vir, cui non imputavit Dominus peccatum, * nec est in spiritu eius dolus.	2 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin, * and in whose spirit there is no guile.
3 Quoniam tacui, inveteraverunt ossa mea, * dum clamarem tota die.	3 Because I was silent my bones wasted away, * as I cried out all day.
4 Quoniam die ac nocte gravata est super me manus tua, * conversus sum in aerumna mea, dum configitur spina.	4 For day and night Thy hand was heavy upon me: * I am twisted in my affliction whilst the thorn is fastened upon me.
5 Delictum meum cognitum tibi feci * et iniustitiam meam non abscondi.	5 I have acknowledged my sin to Thee, * and my guilt I have not concealed.
Dixi: <>. * Et tu remisisti impietatem peccati mei.	I said "I will confess my injustice against myself to the Lord:" * and Thou hast forgiven the wickedness of my sin.
6 Pro hac orabit ad te omnis sanctus * in tempore opportuno.	6 For this shall every one that is holy pray to Thee * in due time.
Verumtamen in diluvio aquarum multarum * ad eum non approximabunt.	Though in a flood of many waters, * they shall not reach him.
7 Tu es refugium meum, a tribulatione quae circumdedit me; * exsultatio mea, erue me a circumdantibus me.	7 Thou art my refuge, from the tribulation which surrounds me: * my joy, deliver me from those surrounding me.
8 Intellectum tibi dabo et instruam te in via hac, qua gradieris; * firmabo super te oculos meos.	8 I will give thee understanding, and I will instruct thee in the way in which thou shalt walk: * I will fix my eyes upon thee.
9 Nolite fieri sicut equus et mulus, * quibus non est intellectus.	9 Do not become like the horse and the mule, * who have no understanding.
In camo et freno maxillas eorum constringe, * qui non approximant ad te.	With bit and bridle bind them fast, * else they will not come near to thee.
10 Multa flagella peccatoris, * sperantem autem in Domino misericordia circumdabit.	10 Many are the sorrows of the sinner, * but mercy shall surround him that hopeth in the Lord.
11 Laetamini in Domino et exsultate, iusti, * et gloriamini, omnes recti corde.	11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye just, * and glory, all ye of righteous heart.

And now the accompanying prayer for this psalm:

Oratio contra avaritiam

Prayer against greed

Quid mihi est in caelo1 et a te quid volui super terram, Deus cordis mei, et pars mea Deus in aeternum? Non satiatur oculus visu, nec auri impletur auditu: satiabor, cum apparuerit gloria tua. Eheu quod tanto hactenus studio Mammonae servivi: Et quid mihi proderit, si universum mundum lucratus fuero, animae vero meae detrimentum patiar? Dormierunt somnum suum omnes viri divitiarum et nihil invenerunt in manibus suis, confitebor adversum me iniustitiam meam Domino, et tu remittes, spero, impietatem peccati mei. Pauperis in posterum miserebor, male parta restituam et tuo me servitio ferventius impendam. Tu, Domine, adiuva me, qui reples in bonis desiderium meum. (Ps 102:5)

What is mine in heaven and so what should I want on earth from Thee, O God of my heart and my portion in eternity? The eye is not satisfied, nor is the ear filled, but I shall be satisfied when Thy glory will have appeared. Oh how I have served Mammon with such zeal so far! And what will it profit me if I have gained the whole world if indeed I shall suffer the loss of my soul? All the rich have gone to their sleep and found their hands empty. I will confess to Thee, my Lord, my unjust deeds, and Thou shalt, I pray, remit the impiety of my sins. In the future I will have mercy on the poor, I shall give until it hurts and I will expend myself fervently in Thy service. Help me, O Lord, Thou who filleth my desires with good things. (Ps 102:5)

The Seven Penitential Psalms - Psalm 6

This Lent, in addition to reflecting on the humble majesty of Gregorian Chant and sacred polyphony, I should also like to focus on the Seven Penitential Psalms. These seven selections from that book of the Bible speak to the very heart of what makes us sinful creatures. I was fortunate, in my research, to have found several accompanying prayers from the 17th Century which reverently beseech Our Lord for pardon, in this, the Lent of the Church and the Wilderness of our souls. Today we reflect on the first Penitential Psalm, Psalm VI - Prayer of one chastised by God:

Nunc anima mea turbata est... Pater, salvifica me ex hora hac? (Io 12, 27)	My soul is in turmoil... Father, save me from this hour? (John 12:27)
2 DOMINE, ne in furore tuo arguas me, * neque in ira tua corripias me.	2 O LORD, do not reprove me in Thy wrath, * nor in Thy anger chastise me.
3 Miserere mei, Domine, quoniam infirmus sum; * sana me, Domine, quoniam conturbata sunt ossa mea.	3 Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am weak, * heal me, Lord, for my body is in torment.
4 Et anima mea turbata est valde, * sed tu, Domine, usquequo?	4 And my soul is greatly troubled, * but Thou, O Lord, how long?
5 Convertere, Domine, et eripe animam meam; * salvum me fac propter misericordiam tuam.	5 Turn to me, O Lord, and deliver my soul; * save me on account of Thy mercy.
6 Quoniam non est in morte, qui memor sit tui, * in inferno autem quis confitebitur tibi?	6 For who amongst the dead remembers Thee, * who of the dead will tell of Thee?
7 Laboravi in gemitu meo, lavabo per singulas noctes lectum meum; * lacrimis meis stratum meum rigabo.	7 I have suffered and wept, every night have I washed my bed * and drenched my blanket with my tears.
8 Turbatus est a furore oculus meus, * inveteravi inter omnes inimicos meos.	8 My eyes are filled with grief, * I have grown feeble in the midst of my enemies.
9 Discedite a me omnes, qui operamini iniquitatem, * quoniam exaudivit Dominus vocem fletus mei.	9 Leave me, all you who do evil, * for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping.
10 Exaudivit Dominus deprecationem meam, * Dominus orationem meam suscepit.	10 The Lord has heard my appeal, * the Lord has accepted my prayer.
11 Erubescant et conturbentur vehementer omnes inimici mei; * convertantur et erubescant valde velociter.	11 May my enemies be put to shame and come to ruin. * May they be turned away and be swiftly put to shame.

Now the accompanying prayer for the removal of pride from our lives:

Oratio contra superbiam

Prayer against pride

Humiliavit semetipsum Dominus noster Iesus Christus, factus oboediens usque ad mortem, mortem autem crucis: et ego vilissimus terrae vermiculus, ego pulvis et cinis, ego peccatorum maximus, qui millies infernum merui, non vereor me animo efferre? Propitius esto mihi, Domine: agnosco et detestor exsecrabilem arrogantiam meam. Ne, obsecro, cum superbo Lucifero eiusque adseculis in gehennae barathrum me deturbes: convertere et eripe animam meam; adiuva me et salvum me fac propter misericordiam tuam. Elegi in posterum, abiectus esse in domo Dei magis, quam habitare in tabernaculis peccatorum. (Ps 83:11)

Our Lord Jesus Christ humbled Himself, obedient unto death, even death on the Cross. And I, the most vile of worms, am but dust and ashes. I am the greatest of sinners who has merited hell a thousand times, do I not fear my soul to be carried off? Be gracious to me, O Lord. I acknowledge and detest my cursing arrogance. Do not, I beseech Thee, throw me down into the pit of Gehenna along with proud Lucifer and his servants. Turn to me and rescue my soul. Help me and save me on account of Thy mercy. I prefer to lie abject upon the threshold of the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of sinners. (Ps 83:11)

A Lent of Humility and Chant

This Lent, Cleansing Fire will be examining various pieces of Gregorian Chant and (other sacred hymns of similar style) which focus on the themes of Lent and the Passion of Our Lord, namely penitence, fear of the Lord (piety), etc. We will start our series of musical reflections with this beautiful recording of the "Attende Domine," "Hear Us, Lord."




The words are below, in both English and Latin.

R. Attende Domine, et miserere, quia peccavimus tibi.	R. Hearken, O Lord, and have mercy, for we have sinned against Thee.
Ad te Rex summe, omnium redemptor, oculos nostros sublevamus flentes: exaudi, Christe, supplicantum preces. R.	Crying, we raise our eyes to Thee, Sovereign King, Redeemer of all. Listen, Christ, to the pleas of the supplicant sinners. R.
Dextera Patris, lapis angularis, via salutis, ianua caelestis, ablue nostri maculas delicti. R.	Thou art at the Right Hand of God the Father, the Keystone, the Way of salvation and Gate of Heaven, cleanse the stains of our sins. R.
Rogamus, Deus, tuam maiestatem: auribus sacris gemitus exaudi: crimina nostra placidus indulge. R.	O God, we beseech Thy majesty to hear our groans; to forgive our sins. R.
Tibi fatemur crimina admissa: contrito corde pandimus occulta: tua Redemptor, pietas ignoscat. R.	We confess to Thee our consented sins; we declare our hidden sins with contrite heart; in Thy mercy, O Redeemer, forgive them. R.
Innocens captus, nec repugnans ductus, testibus falsis pro impiis damnatus: quos redemisti, tu conserva, Christe. R.	Thou wert captured, being innocent; brought about without resistance, condemned by impious men with false witnesses. O Christ keep safe those whom Thou hast redeemed. R.

It May be Mardi Gras . . .

 . . . but that's no reason to act like a debauched pig.

If I get word of just one Mardi Gras theme Mass, with super-soaker or not, I will declare a Crusade.

Try me. I dare you.

FYI - High Mass - Venite Adoremus

There will another High Mass at St. Stanislaus Church this Sunday at 1:30.

It's free and open to the public; however, receiving Holy Communion is restricted to practicing Catholics in the state of grace. Never a bad seat in the "Domus Dei". Accomplished choir and schola too. Vocal music is Renaissance and Gregorian chant. Incense galore. Solemnity. Majesty and grandeur all available at no charge. The only official approved Tridentine Mass in the Rochester diocese. German stained-glass windows. Wood altar rail with padded kneelers. Comfortable temperature. Where else will you see Roman-styled vestments in use in the DoR.

Families and all children welcomed. Restrooms available. A rather large narthex. Handicapped elevator. Security onsite. On-street and off-street parking. Latin-English missals provided. A very well stocked Catholic book table. You won't find "Forward in Hope" at this table folks.

Due to the start of Lent, the organ music will be cutback in keeping with the more solemn nature of the Lenten season; and no Gloria. Confessions will be heard after Mass. Stay around afterward and watch our new crew of crackerjack altar boys learn how to serve the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

C'mon you know you have been interested in attending. Hope to see many new faces at the communion rail. Leave questions in the combox and I'll answer asap.