It was eight years ago today.
Just after dawn my friend Dan (now ordained) let me out of the car near Georgetown and left for the airport.
I walked over to the White House and saw the moving vans, which made me giggle with excitement: "Eight years of Slick Willy have ended," was my only thought.
In the freezing rain I watched the inauguration and parade with a proud smile as I had voted for G.W. with my pro-life vote.
But during the parade groups of masked crazed left-wing youth made attempts to charge the police lines and break through. This was especially difficult on families with young children who were trying to keep warm and enjoy the moment. The police were overwhelmed.
In front of F.B.I. headquarters - I watched with my own eyes - as these crazed youth with masks covering their faces hoisted down the American flag and hoisted it back up upside down.
As we watched silently from across the street a man in front of me shouted: "Go back to Russia you Reds!" Police and securty were too busy on the parade route to stop these dogs. Today, eight years later, these dogs rejoice.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
What a canon and a gentiluomo look like...
Canons and papal knights abound in Catholic Italy at Pontifical Mass. Let's have the same in America, too...
Coastline near Rome: January of 2009...
The winter sun in and near Rome is simply spectacular/blinding.
Have hope: eyes fixed on the reward...
"Since this power, therefore, cannot be of human origin, divine faith can alone enable us to understand that the keys of the kingdom of Heaven are deposited with the Church (Matt. 16:19), that to Her has been confided the power of remitting sins (John 20:23), of denouncing excommunication (1 Cor. 5:3), and of consecrating the real Body of Christ (Luke 22:19); and that Her children have not here a permanent dwelling, but look for one above."
-Catechism of the Council of Trent
"I Believe the Holy Catholic Church"
-Catechism of the Council of Trent
"I Believe the Holy Catholic Church"
Masonic Italy: that old secular media...
Some things never change in the old world (or in this broken world).
Yesterday Italian newspapers noted that the oldest Facebook group (fan club) for the Pope has only 45 members. Maintained by a Croatian, the name of the group is "Viva il papa Benedetto XVI." The news outlets boasted that this was proof that the "approval rating" for the Pope is now at its lowest.
In a rage, I joined the group after reading the article. This afternoon, membership is at 580.
If you're on Facebook then join this group and stick it in the face of the media pundits who then pointed out that an anti-Pope Italian group on Facebook had 4,835 members.
Join here: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=684230887&ref=profile#/group.php?gid=40607914746&ref=mf
Yesterday Italian newspapers noted that the oldest Facebook group (fan club) for the Pope has only 45 members. Maintained by a Croatian, the name of the group is "Viva il papa Benedetto XVI." The news outlets boasted that this was proof that the "approval rating" for the Pope is now at its lowest.
In a rage, I joined the group after reading the article. This afternoon, membership is at 580.
If you're on Facebook then join this group and stick it in the face of the media pundits who then pointed out that an anti-Pope Italian group on Facebook had 4,835 members.
Join here: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=684230887&ref=profile#/group.php?gid=40607914746&ref=mf
Monday, January 19, 2009
Luca's world: the glorious antique mitre...
Just glorious (!) and it's a crying shame we don't see more mitres like this anymore.
These two treasures, of inestimable value, belong to a private collection (Luca, our friend, is the owner). Both belonged to the famous Cardinal Siri of Genova (see his arms on the gold one).
Magnificent to now see these mitres in use again, at long last (thanks Luca and Bishop Oliveri!).
The good guys: Bishop Mario Oliveri...
One of the finest bishops on the European continent...the good guys have to be noticed!
http://www.diocesialbengaimperia.it
New Years Day A.D. 2009...
This one is for the fam. Yours truly trying to look cool in the Swiss Alps.
Actually, New Years Eve was the first snowfall I'd seen in 5 years! And New Year's Day with the kids in the Alpine hills was the greatest of blessings (a family of eight with their dad and friends).
Prayers asked for Fr. Foster...
The brass wrote and asked for prayers for Fr. Reggie Foster, famed American latinist of the Popes.
It has been reported that he is "gravely ill" and "unconscious" in a Rome hospital.
Let us pray.
It has been reported that he is "gravely ill" and "unconscious" in a Rome hospital.
Let us pray.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity...
Starts today, ut omnes unum sint...
For The Conversion Of Non-Catholics
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to bring back into the unity of the Church all that stray, and to lead all unbelievers to the light of the Gospel, we beseech Thee to hear us, O Lord.
Ut omnes errantes ad unitatem Ecclesiae revocare et infideles universos ad Evangelii lumen perducere digneris: te rogamus, Domine, audi nos.
-From the Raccolta, p. 496.
For The Conversion Of Non-Catholics
That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to bring back into the unity of the Church all that stray, and to lead all unbelievers to the light of the Gospel, we beseech Thee to hear us, O Lord.
Ut omnes errantes ad unitatem Ecclesiae revocare et infideles universos ad Evangelii lumen perducere digneris: te rogamus, Domine, audi nos.
-From the Raccolta, p. 496.
Feast of Sant' Antonio Abate: blessing of animals...
This afternoon in Italy many parishes are having the blessing of pets, for the feast of St. Anthony of the Desert.
Why the chasuble sometimes varies in shape...
Confusing for many, but it's just an evolution. The chasuble became so decorated (and thus heavy) that in some areas it then began to shrink (so to thus free the arms, etc.).
What is wrong with this picture?
One word: clutter. Second word: jungle.
The consecrated altar mensa is to be free of all objects.
The consecrated altar mensa is to be covered in linen.
The gradine, as seen in the photo behind the altar, is to hold the flowers and candles.
The altar of sacrifice is consecrated (the sense of the sacred must be learned again).
Donations: pecuniary generosity...
All generosity counts. But pecuniary generosity (along with prayers!) counts a little extra!
Many thanks to the two beautiful souls who sent yours truly donations for Christmas! This was in answer to my appeal made just before Christmas and it made a big difference - thank you! These two blessed souls shine and I carry their private intentions in my heart to the tombs of the blessed Apostles.
The cancelling of debt is a big deal. It's expensive to live in Europe and and now the tourist industry is in a huge slump. Thank you to all for your support!
Union of prayers and much love from the Holy City,
JPSonnen
406 St. Peter St.
St. Paul, MN 55102
Many thanks to the two beautiful souls who sent yours truly donations for Christmas! This was in answer to my appeal made just before Christmas and it made a big difference - thank you! These two blessed souls shine and I carry their private intentions in my heart to the tombs of the blessed Apostles.
The cancelling of debt is a big deal. It's expensive to live in Europe and and now the tourist industry is in a huge slump. Thank you to all for your support!
Union of prayers and much love from the Holy City,
JPSonnen
406 St. Peter St.
St. Paul, MN 55102
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The Obamination: a new age...
Our first New Age prez will soon be. New Agers are a dime a dozen, but now they are being elected to rule us.
See here and be informed:
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/interelg/documents/rc_pc_interelg_doc_20030203_new-age_en.html#5%20JESUS%20CHRIST%20OFFERS%20US%20THE%20WATER%20OF%20LIFE
See here and be informed:
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/interelg/documents/rc_pc_interelg_doc_20030203_new-age_en.html#5%20JESUS%20CHRIST%20OFFERS%20US%20THE%20WATER%20OF%20LIFE
Albenga-Imperia: a fine Italian diocese to join...
Many wonderful American clergy feel called to serve abroad in Italy, but think of only Rome.
Know that another lovely diocese is that of Albenga-Imperia, on the Ligurian coast. The bishop there, as seen in this photo taken earlier this month, speakes English and has been there for almost 20 years. It's a new diocese having been founded in 1973 and it's never too late to join.
A big thanks to a dear and sweet friend of mine (hi, Magdalen!), for having taken this photo and for having shared it along with others.
And thanks to the nice Italian who sent this link: http://blog.messainlatino.it/2009/01/alfine-le-foto-della-straordinaria.html.
Hearty congrats to the two Francescos, our Rome friends, now ordained to the Holy Priesthood.
Back when they even made the tickets beautiful...
Everything was so professional back in the day; like wedding invitations today.
And is this not a beautiful ticket (and who knew a ticket could be this beautiful)?
The tickets today are brown, and yellow and red and blue and ugly.
Millions of pilgrims and others hold on to their tickets as a souvenir. Let's make a return to the nice tickets of old, Salesians.
Treasures found in Rome: old photo album...
Old priests die and old treasures like this end up in the used book racks.
Cardinal Cushing sponsored this pilgrimage in 1962. Kardinal Krol and other Polish Americans seen with the most revered icon in all of Poland in the Holy Father's private library in the Apostolic Palace. The order in the white still to this day are the caretakers of this icon.
Notice the nice "Pius Decimus" carpet they got rid of the next year (after it having been there for 50 years!). B-16, bring it back (or commission a new one)!
Catholic culture: ever young (it's timeless)...
Some things a person has to be taught. Parents have to teach their kids, or the kids won't get taught. In the old days the nuns were there, but now they're gone.
A part of a classical education is that the children are taught to read music. And each kid should learn an instrument, too. Make your homes places of song and praise to the Lord.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Finis Vitae: death...
Courage.
Grace, peace, mercy. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit...
In quiet listen to the In Paradisum of the Gabriel Faurรฉ Requiem op. 48 and give it to the Lord.
What have I in Heaven? and besides thee what do I desire upon earth? (Psalm 72:25).
John Sonnen is dead...
I only met him three times, but he was a fine man, a staunch Catholic and a WWII hero. And I guess I'm a bit like him (he was my grandfather's cousin)...I just wonder if it was his desire to be cremated (which has never in the history of the world been Christian custom).
John Stewart Sonnen: 1913-2008
Faithful to the End
Sonnen, John Stewart
Born February 2, 1913 in St. Paul, MN.
Died January 5, 2008 in St. Paul, MN.
John grew up at Rice and Como in St. Paul and attended Cathedral Grade School. He graduated from Mechanic Arts High School in 1931. He attended the University of Minnesota, working toward a degree in Journalism. He was a member of the Cathedral congregation, then St. Mark's Catholic Church, and finally Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He co-managed his father's grocery store as of 1933 and took over ownership of the store at Fairview and Selby in the 1940's. The store later moved to Selby and Griggs. After selling the store in 1962, he worked for Leslie Paper Company, Minneapolis, as a dispatcher. He then worked for Home Federal Savings and Loan in Minneapolis. He most enjoyed his work as a real estate appraiser. He retired in 1978. John volunteered for the U.S. Army in 1943. He was a corporal in the U.S. Army's "Fightin' Five Niner Seven," serving as an intelligence non-commissioned officer in the European Theater from 1944-1946. Throughout his life, John was active in the community. He volunteered for such organizations as the Grocers Association, the St. Paul Winter Carnival, the Merriam Park Community Council, Minnesota Historical Society, and the MN Territorial Pioneers. He was a student of history, his family's genealogy, and current affairs. He enjoyed playing golf. He had fond memories of spending time with friends and family at the cabin in Frontenac, MN. He followed the Minnesota Twins and Timberwolves with great interest. He wrote engaging accounts about his life. His published articles included ‘Swanberg Summers' (a reminiscence of his summers as a boy at the family's cabin in Cross Lake, MN) and ‘Out of the Attic' (excerpts from letters between John and his wife Georgiana during WWII). Preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Georgiana Kippels Sonnen and his second wife of 13 years, Marion Lindorfer. Survived by his children, Stuart Sonnen (Regina), Kiki Sonnen (Michael Samuelson), Mark Sonnen (Ellen Witkowsky) and Marcy Sonnen Leland (Thomas) and grandchildren, Eric, Trisha, Edward, Andrew and Kyle; other extended family members and by many friends. Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM Wednesday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Randolph at Albert St., St. Paul. Luncheon and reception to be held at the church immediately following Mass. Visitation from 4 PM to 8 PM Tuesday at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Ave., St. Paul. Private interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, the Minnesota Historical Society or Holy Spirit Parish. Willwerscheid Funeral Home & Cremation Service 651-228-1006.
John Stewart Sonnen: 1913-2008
Faithful to the End
Sonnen, John Stewart
Born February 2, 1913 in St. Paul, MN.
Died January 5, 2008 in St. Paul, MN.
John grew up at Rice and Como in St. Paul and attended Cathedral Grade School. He graduated from Mechanic Arts High School in 1931. He attended the University of Minnesota, working toward a degree in Journalism. He was a member of the Cathedral congregation, then St. Mark's Catholic Church, and finally Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He co-managed his father's grocery store as of 1933 and took over ownership of the store at Fairview and Selby in the 1940's. The store later moved to Selby and Griggs. After selling the store in 1962, he worked for Leslie Paper Company, Minneapolis, as a dispatcher. He then worked for Home Federal Savings and Loan in Minneapolis. He most enjoyed his work as a real estate appraiser. He retired in 1978. John volunteered for the U.S. Army in 1943. He was a corporal in the U.S. Army's "Fightin' Five Niner Seven," serving as an intelligence non-commissioned officer in the European Theater from 1944-1946. Throughout his life, John was active in the community. He volunteered for such organizations as the Grocers Association, the St. Paul Winter Carnival, the Merriam Park Community Council, Minnesota Historical Society, and the MN Territorial Pioneers. He was a student of history, his family's genealogy, and current affairs. He enjoyed playing golf. He had fond memories of spending time with friends and family at the cabin in Frontenac, MN. He followed the Minnesota Twins and Timberwolves with great interest. He wrote engaging accounts about his life. His published articles included ‘Swanberg Summers' (a reminiscence of his summers as a boy at the family's cabin in Cross Lake, MN) and ‘Out of the Attic' (excerpts from letters between John and his wife Georgiana during WWII). Preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Georgiana Kippels Sonnen and his second wife of 13 years, Marion Lindorfer. Survived by his children, Stuart Sonnen (Regina), Kiki Sonnen (Michael Samuelson), Mark Sonnen (Ellen Witkowsky) and Marcy Sonnen Leland (Thomas) and grandchildren, Eric, Trisha, Edward, Andrew and Kyle; other extended family members and by many friends. Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM Wednesday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Randolph at Albert St., St. Paul. Luncheon and reception to be held at the church immediately following Mass. Visitation from 4 PM to 8 PM Tuesday at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Ave., St. Paul. Private interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, the Minnesota Historical Society or Holy Spirit Parish. Willwerscheid Funeral Home & Cremation Service 651-228-1006.
In your pity pray for his soul.
And the Father hears your prayers...
That giant liberal barque, the Minneapolis Star, is going under...
"The Star Tribune filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection one week after failing to negotiate concessions with its unions."
http://www.twincities.com/ci_11465572?nclick_check=1
"The Star Tribune filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection one week after failing to negotiate concessions with its unions."
http://www.twincities.com/ci_11465572?nclick_check=1
Fr. John Sonnen: back from the dead...
Anita, thank you very much for having sent me this little treasure. So, do I really look like him?
Friends, pray for the soul of Rev. John T. Sonnen and may he pray for all of us still here in the contest.
And pray for the father of Anita from Rosiclare, Ill. who received this card back in the day!
The Faith lives: enjoy Catholic culture...
On a lovely country road in the middle of nowhere, Liguria.
And in the olive groves above yours truly almost got killed by a green snake and that's no joke.
What cardinals wear...
Those of us who grew up in sacristies can identify most any after shave from an old amice on a sacristy counter at fifty yards.
English Leather and Old Spice will always be my favorite as that's what I grew up with.
What cardinals drink...
After your big lunch in Rome just try a small glass of this juice, made in Catholic Hungary...
Vatican City Manger scene...
To all of those who would have liked to have been in the Vatican City for Christmas to see the manger scene, here it is.
On Monday morning they already started to tear it down, after the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
Pius XII: wartime hero...
Blessed Father, thank you for your voice of peace. May Your soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
From a Rome Palace: the house chapel...
There are two Romes: the outsides and the insides. We tourists see the outsides, and the churches. But here's a window peek into a house chapel as seen from the piazza in front of the old Jesuit Collegio Romano.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Dominicans in Rome: carry the flaming torch...
Such a witness, this is the most seen Dominican in Rome. He lives at the Sts. Dominic and Sixtus convent and has worked in the Vatican for years. He always looks sharp as he wears his habit with cappa and is a witness to the nations.
Pio XII: Santo Subito (Pius XII: Saint Immediately)...
This is the proof: his word.
Meanwhile, what has Israel been doing the last several days to poor Moslem and Christian kids (in Gaza)?
Raise Him to the altars now for His sanctity, heroic virtues and cry for peace and in your face to those bigots who have smeared His name and honorable record.
Tacitus: the ultimate Rome read...
Read the annals of Imperial Rome while roaming the cobbled streets of Rome...and live the past (past is prologue)!
Charles Borromeo: Cardinal at 22 and dead at 46...
Some pundits wail that today is the worst time in the Church's history, yet they evidently know nothing of the Church's history.
Read what the Milan See was like when Charles Borromeo arrived on the scene...it's great fun.
From the desk of Pius X: http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/stc10001.htm
Read what the Milan See was like when Charles Borromeo arrived on the scene...it's great fun.
From the desk of Pius X: http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/stc10001.htm
What is wrong with this picture?
One word: clutter.
This is what they call "decorations for Advent."
Second word: stupid.
Where does one start? Ferns? Plastic candles? A crusty stump on the altar? Goofy violet trim, bowl of water on the floor, sloppy outdoor carpet runer on lumber, credence table mess atop altar of sacrifice, cord for sombody to trip over, rocks and branches/plants on the ground, etc.?
Rent a dumpster, strip this mess out and fire whoever is in charge. Then dress the altar in its starched linen and place the magnificent matching cross and candle sticks (that were commissioned for this altar by famed artists and paid for by the faithful) in the center.
Romans (Romani)...
From San Nicola in Carcere, Rome. These are laymen. We need more laymen to take an interest. It's a grace, so pray for this. Average, normal, holy men. They teach the young boys and help to inspire vocations. Leadership, service and honor.
1930s haircut in Rome...
This is winter in Rome...and a nice walk after a nice haircut.
Dad always taught us boys to have a part in our hair, to comb it to one side and to make a trip to the barber often. Cherished moments spent between fathers and sons is often at the barber shop, together. Thanks, dad!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Pius XII on holiday in Onano, near Rome...
Onano, a little town near Viterbo, just north of Rome, is where the future Pope Pius XII spent each and every summer of his life until 1909.
Some news doesn't get reported, but last December 21 there was a nice conference there to honor Pius XII on the fiftieth anniversary of his passing. The Cardinal Secretary of State, Tarcisio Card. Bertone, was present as the guest of honor.
See the site for Onano here: http://www.comune.onano.vt.it/index.php?T1=9101
Some news here: http://www.lastampa.it/_web/cmstp/tmplrubriche/giornalisti/grubrica.asp?ID_blog=242&ID_articolo=77&ID_sezione=524&sezione=
And the Lord bless the Gran Maestro, the l'Infante di Spagna Don Carlos di Borbone for his support of Pius XII, of blessed, holy and happy memory.
Some news doesn't get reported, but last December 21 there was a nice conference there to honor Pius XII on the fiftieth anniversary of his passing. The Cardinal Secretary of State, Tarcisio Card. Bertone, was present as the guest of honor.
See the site for Onano here: http://www.comune.onano.vt.it/index.php?T1=9101
Some news here: http://www.lastampa.it/_web/cmstp/tmplrubriche/giornalisti/grubrica.asp?ID_blog=242&ID_articolo=77&ID_sezione=524&sezione=
And the Lord bless the Gran Maestro, the l'Infante di Spagna Don Carlos di Borbone for his support of Pius XII, of blessed, holy and happy memory.
De Matrimonio Christiano: Human Life International...
Christians, support the pro-life and pro-family efforts of Human Life International: http://www.hli.org/.
May the Lord reward them for their labors.
May the Lord reward them for their labors.
Pontifical University students: Rome's best library...
Students, the finest little (and relevant/up to date!) library is that of the Rome office of Human Life International. This library is just a quick minute walk from the Vatican and was founded and has been maintained by the great Msgr. Ignacio Barreiro, STD.
A great place to study and/or to find the right books. Thanks, Msgr.!
Vita Umana Internazionale
Piazzale Gregorio VII, 22 (ring number four as it's marked)
Rome
A great place to study and/or to find the right books. Thanks, Msgr.!
Vita Umana Internazionale
Piazzale Gregorio VII, 22 (ring number four as it's marked)
Rome
Feast of St. Hilary...
"Drawing confidence from God's kindness to undertake the office of a wise man, though it is an office beyond our powers, we intend so far as we can (pro nostro modulo) to set forth the truth professed by the Catholic faith, and to eliminate errors opposed to it. For, if I may use the words of Hilary, 'I am conscious that I owe it to God as the chief office or duty of my life that my every word (omnis sermo meus) and perception (sensus) should speak of Him.'"
-St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa contra Gentiles, Bk.I, ch. II, in Opera omnia s. Thomae Aquinatis (Rome, 1968), p. 6.
-St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa contra Gentiles, Bk.I, ch. II, in Opera omnia s. Thomae Aquinatis (Rome, 1968), p. 6.
Classici Cristiani: Catechismo Tridentino...
Italiani:
Dovete comprare questo libro: il Catechismo Romano (decretato dal Concilio Tridentino).
Stampato da Edizioni Cantagalli - Siena (nell'Aprile 1996).
E' il catechismo ad uso dei parroci pubblicato dal Papa S. Pio V per decreto del Concilio di Trento.
http://www.edizionicantagalli.com/
Dovete comprare questo libro: il Catechismo Romano (decretato dal Concilio Tridentino).
Stampato da Edizioni Cantagalli - Siena (nell'Aprile 1996).
E' il catechismo ad uso dei parroci pubblicato dal Papa S. Pio V per decreto del Concilio di Trento.
http://www.edizionicantagalli.com/
Summorum Pontificum: ambiguity?
Sometimes we just think of the preconciliar Roman rite, but it's going to have to be spelled out as just too many others have not gotten it...
Here's a bit of a list:
La Liturgia Romana
La Liturgia Ambrosiana
La Liturgia Gallicana
La Liturgia Mozarabica
La Liturgia Lionese
La Liturgia Domenicana
La Liturgia Francescana
La Liturgia dei Carmelitani
La Liturgia dei Premonstratensi
La Liturgia dei Certosini
La Liturgia dei Cistercense...
Il Rito Benedettino, etc.
Here's a bit of a list:
La Liturgia Romana
La Liturgia Ambrosiana
La Liturgia Gallicana
La Liturgia Mozarabica
La Liturgia Lionese
La Liturgia Domenicana
La Liturgia Francescana
La Liturgia dei Carmelitani
La Liturgia dei Premonstratensi
La Liturgia dei Certosini
La Liturgia dei Cistercense...
Il Rito Benedettino, etc.
The Reformation: four saints to know...
Get a copy of Alban Butler's Lives of the Saints and read and know of these four key players:
-St. Charles Borromeo
-Pope St. Pius V
-St. Philip Neri
-St. Ignatius of Loyola
-St. Charles Borromeo
-Pope St. Pius V
-St. Philip Neri
-St. Ignatius of Loyola
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
When did Italy lose the Faith?
This blog has always been positive.
But the truth is, Italy has lost the Faith. The anomaly (deviation from the common rule) is the Italian family (dad, mom and kids) that darkens the door of a church, let alone on a Sunday.
It would take a long book to annotate the many and sometimes complicated reasons for this. Some blame the advent of TV. Others the sixties (1968). Some the Risorgimento (1870) or the Renaissance or Fascism or Communism or even Vatican Council II.
But, only since our own modern era (the early eighties some kid once told me), has Italy been officially not Catholic (non-Catholic) because until then, in the Statuto Albertino, Italy defined herself as a Catholic nation:
"Art. 1. - La Religione Cattolica, Apostolica e Romana รจ la sola Religione dello Stato. Gli altri culti ora esistenti sono tolleraticonformemente alle leggi." (The Catholic religion, Apostolic and Roman is the sole religion of the State...).
To read the Lo Statuto Albertino see here:http://www.quirinale.it/costituzione/Preunitarie-testi.htm
But the truth is, Italy has lost the Faith. The anomaly (deviation from the common rule) is the Italian family (dad, mom and kids) that darkens the door of a church, let alone on a Sunday.
It would take a long book to annotate the many and sometimes complicated reasons for this. Some blame the advent of TV. Others the sixties (1968). Some the Risorgimento (1870) or the Renaissance or Fascism or Communism or even Vatican Council II.
But, only since our own modern era (the early eighties some kid once told me), has Italy been officially not Catholic (non-Catholic) because until then, in the Statuto Albertino, Italy defined herself as a Catholic nation:
"Art. 1. - La Religione Cattolica, Apostolica e Romana รจ la sola Religione dello Stato. Gli altri culti ora esistenti sono tolleraticonformemente alle leggi." (The Catholic religion, Apostolic and Roman is the sole religion of the State...).
To read the Lo Statuto Albertino see here:http://www.quirinale.it/costituzione/Preunitarie-testi.htm
The Palazzo Pacelli...
Today the Hotel Tiziano is housed in the elegant eighteenth century Pacelli Palace. It's a nice hotel and a great location (although loud with the busy street). Located on the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 110...
http://www.tizianohotel.it/Home_En.html
http://www.tizianohotel.it/Home_En.html
Monday, January 12, 2009
Lloyd George on why Latin in the rites...
Listen to what a modern statesman has to say on this subject of using a dead tongue for the language of worship.
"There is no Church," says Lloyd George, "that has made a surer and deeper search into human nature. Roman Catholics conduct their worship in the language of worship. Their Church utilizes every means of taking people beyond everyday interests; the language of commerce and of everyday occupation is left outside, and the people are taught the language of worship. That shows a shrewd, deep insight into the human mind."
- The Mass by Fr. Joseph Dunney, p. 38.
This is a fine textbook for all Catholic youth. The above quote is just a taste and get your copy here: http://www.angeluspress.org/.
"There is no Church," says Lloyd George, "that has made a surer and deeper search into human nature. Roman Catholics conduct their worship in the language of worship. Their Church utilizes every means of taking people beyond everyday interests; the language of commerce and of everyday occupation is left outside, and the people are taught the language of worship. That shows a shrewd, deep insight into the human mind."
- The Mass by Fr. Joseph Dunney, p. 38.
This is a fine textbook for all Catholic youth. The above quote is just a taste and get your copy here: http://www.angeluspress.org/.
Swiss Guard Barracks: the canteen...
Lodging is in this garrison. In this room is the old refectory. The paintings are from 1939. The flag was used between 1963 - 1978.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Most Holy Father, bring back this one, too...
Get this treasure out of the museum and use it again, Holy Father, we youth of the world implore You!
Papal thrones are baaaaack...
For thirty years these thrones were not seen. In 1978 Pope John Paul II decided not to use them and they were put in the Lateran Palace museum. Even John Paul I used them.
But tradition is baaaaack and the B16 busted them out, had them refurbished, and now they can be seen again with the Pope enthroned in them at long last.
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