Archconfraternites can do a lot of good for parish life. They can give tithes to what needs fixing, be the overseer/caretakers for maintenance, they can lock/unlock the church, commit to the candles/flowers, etc.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Archconfraternities in the procession...
The unsecularization of the remnant is the most important sociological fact about the twenty-first century and third millennium Italy of today. These laymen act upon their religious impulse and do a lot of good in preserving what is best of their culture.Archconfraterities in the procession...
Many proud laymen in Italy belong to an "archconfraternity." Like they always say: "Siamo nati in questo tempo e dobbiamo percorrere coraggiosamente sino alla fine la via che ci e destinata."Enduring remembrance: the banners...
Such a nice touch to have banners in a procession. The idea is even biblical: "May we shout for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God set up our banners!" -Psalm 20 (19): 5
So self-confident...
While religion has been driven into the private in America, one still enjoys this public glory in Italy. While the project of remaking the world without God - the Enlightenment - has failed, fides vincit upon the ancient streets of the port of Rome!
The faithful pray...
I'm so proud of this little warrior. She was the best dressed of all the faithful! It's a tribute to parents who take the time/effort/concern to dress their kids up for church.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
The procession through the streets...
"I don't know about you guys, but as long as there's a biretta in the mix, I'm a happy camper!"
The procession through the streets...
"Why are the good vestments only seen in Italy?" you ask me. My reply: "Welcome to il belpaese!"
The procession through the streets...
Pilgrims, locals and tourists alike - thousands lined the streets.
Navy salute...
In the year 813 Muslims took this town with their armies and trashed it. This fort you see was built by the popes to protect the coast from the same menace (it was completed in 1535 by Michelangelo!).
The fleet procession...
Beaming with pride was this kid's grandfather as the two of them marveled at the sight. Proud was I to see the new generation as it had donned the Roman cassock (talare e cotta per tutti!).
The fleet procession...
The sea breeze was lovely. I just had to give the moment to God and thank Him for this glory.
The hush of the benediction...
The new bishop the port of Rome, Most Rev. Carlo Chenis, raised the reliquary in benediction.
The fleet procession...
Each of the boats sounded their horns over and over in honor of St. Fermina. It was a proud moment to be there.
The glorious moiré biretta on the prelate...
What a mighty sight: nessun compromesso: the moiré biretta lives!
St. Fermina banner in the procession...
These antique processional banners are all treasures. I sure wish we saw more of them back in the new world.
The fleet procession...
The honor guard stood at the statue with pride. It was a sunny, glorious moment.
The fleet procession...
Here one can see the statue of St. Fermina in the lead boat surrounded by a fleet of other boats for the blessing.
The fleet procession...
Here one can see the bishop at the side of the boat. To see the least, it was glorious!
Catholic nurses in the procession...
Such a lovely woman. I see so many lovley woman in Italy. At the same time I often see such headlines as these: la famiglia italiana è più vecchia...meno bimbi...più anziani...single e coppie senza figli..., etc.
The relics of St. Fermina...
The monsignor explained to me that the silver reliquary was made in the 1600s while the relic inside is a bone from the mandible of the saint.
The vestments in the procession...
The monsignor explained to me that the cope he was wearing was from the 1700s!
In front of the old papal fort...
Along the coast in Italy the popes built forts to protect the locals from Islamic attacks. Many of these forts still remain. This is the one in Civitavecchia as the procession went by.
The procession at dusk...
The thousands lined the streets and cheered for Santa Fermina, virgin and martyr.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
The quest...
"One generation shall laud thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts." Psalm 145 (144): 4
The quest...
"Has such a thing happened in your days, or in the days of your fathers? Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation." Joel 1:23
The Church is young...
"We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what deeds thou didst perform in their days, in the days of old..." Psalm 44(43): 1
The Church is young...
"...call a solemn assembly, gather the people. Sanctify the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children, even nursing infants." Joel 2:16
St. John "In Oil"
This coming Sunday is the Roman feast of St. John in Oil. This is the chapel that they built over the spot where the Romans tried to kill St. John the Evangelist by the Latin Gate. By a miracle, he was saved even though they put him in a caldron of oil (as in the Book of Daniel).
When you go to visit this chapel, first go to the Basilica di San Giovanni a Porta Latina. There ask for the key to the Oratorio di San Giovanni in Oleo e Porta Latina which is the little chapel across the street where the miracle happened. When you're done with your visit just drop the key in the mailbox.
When you go to visit this chapel, first go to the Basilica di San Giovanni a Porta Latina. There ask for the key to the Oratorio di San Giovanni in Oleo e Porta Latina which is the little chapel across the street where the miracle happened. When you're done with your visit just drop the key in the mailbox.
St. John "In Oil"
When the Romans caught St. John in Rome they were indignant and under compulsion to kill Christians. Pilgrims now make their way to this altar to pray over the spot where they tried to kill St. John.
St. John "In Oil"
Growing indignation against Christians is not new. It seems to go in cycles. Here's a fresco of them trying to kill St. John in boiling oil.
Beauty in Catholic Rome...
There are two beauties in Rome: the exterior of every building in which we see and then the interior treasures in which only some see.
Urbis et Orbis Lingua...
Welcome to the Pontifical Polish College in Rome! This is where the young bishop, Karol Wojtyla, used to stay when he'd visit Rome back in the day (during the Council, etc.).
The revered colours: weaned by the Church...
The end is yet to be at the time appointed. Until then, have team spirit for your team - the Church - and endow this same zeal to your kids.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
A day trip in the Castelli...
When you're in Rome and looking for some fresh air, take a train from Roma Termini or take a bus from the end of metro line A to the Castelli Romani!
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Traditions of Roman Rite...
It would be great to see more of these old world Catholic traditions in the new world. Here we can see the craftsmanship with the hand-painted candles until the 1960s with the advent of the decal-sticker. 
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