Daily Rome Shot 1274 – processions and more

Posted on 21 March 2025 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Not Rome, but Norcia. A procession with a relic of St. Benedict… of Norcia, his birthplace.

One day in May, years ago by now, I was hanging around outside the Paul VI audience hall (Vatican) during a plenary of the Italian Bishops Conference waiting for my bishop to emerge, chatting with fellow journalists (I was in the press corps) and the bishops’ drivers and secretaries a couple of bishops who had simply fled the hall in desperate boredom. I had just been to a Eucharistic procession the day before for Corpus Christi held by the Teutonic College that went through the Vatican gardens, Swiss Guards carrying the canopy, … stunning. Deep in his chest one old bishop rumbled “Meno chiacchiere – più processioni. … Less jabbering – more processions.” Exactly. Let’s do REAL “Walking together” instead of all this eternal process B as in B, S as in S.

As you look at this, you will see on the right of the “cover image” of the tweet, a painting by Caravaggio of a boy pealing a piece of fruit.

I know this painting well. It used to hand in the apartment of a good friend, a distinguished art historian and great expert on Caravaggio and Velasquez. He had obtained this painting in a sale and authenticated it. He apartment was filled with great masters, many Velasquez, El Greco, Poussin, Reni, Bernini, a HUGE Artemesia, etc. I learned so much from him. When he died his widow took charge of the collection. She, clearly, has lent this to the exhibition in question. It will be a pleasure to see it. I should look her up when I am in Rome (soon). I haven’t seen her for several years. She had had a battle with cancer and various other adventures.

I have to share this…

Hard puzzle.  White to move.  There’s a mate coming up if you can find it.

NB: I’ll hold comments with solutions ’till the next day so there won’t be “spoilers” for others.

In St. Louis, Hikaru Nakamura defeated Fabiano Caruana in blitz tiebreaks to win the Champions Final of The American Cup 2025.  Alice Lee an endgame Tatev Abrahamyan. She waits for her Grand Final opponent to be determined.   In the Elimination Bracket, Levon Aronian eliminated Sam Sevian, and Irina Krush defeated Nazi Paikidze.  Today we have only the Elimination Finals: Caruana v. Aronian and Krush v. Abrahamyan.

Posted in B as in B. S as in S., SESSIUNCULA | 4 Comments

Sterile faith v. living faith

Posted on 20 March 2025 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From the pen of Bl. Ildefonso Schuster, the great liturgist and Cardinal Archbishop of Milan.

The Church, as though she feared that the very splendour of her liturgy might lead simple folk into thinking that Christianity consisted merely in holding functions and receiving the sacraments, insists continually in her Lenten formulas that we should, by our good works, give reality to what is so sublimely expressed in the liturgy. Without this personal and intimate realization, brought about by constant effort, the liturgy would become a kind of magic formula. This fact clearly explains the words of the Gospel that many who during this life hold a high place among the followers of Christ, who even prophesy and work wonders in his name, will after death be rejected and condemned by our Lord himself. Nescio vos — “I know you not — depart from me all ye that work iniquity.” It is not ritual forms nor a sterile faith, but the good deeds inspired by a living faith, that will gain for us everlasting salvation.

This is not to say that our ritual forms, our sacred liturgical worship is inconsequential.  In fact, our sacred worship, which fulfills the requirement of the virtue of Religion, is our sustenance and strength which powers our daily works, both of vocational duty and of mercy.  They each enliven the other.

Posted in Hard-Identity Catholicism | 8 Comments

Ite ad Ioseph… Go to Joseph! – UPDATED

Posted on 19 March 2025 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Try to wrap your head around the paradox in the vocation of St. Joseph.

Firstly, he was a relatively poor craftsman, a tekton, which in Greek is “builder” which can include “carpenter”.

However, consider the implications of the genealogy at the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew. Joseph was also the true heir to the Davidic throne, being descended from David’s son Solomon.  Mary was descended from David’s son Nathan.

We don’t have in Scripture a single word spoken by him.  However, we know that it was his role to name Our Lord, so for sure He at the very least spoke the word “Jesus”.

Hidden vocation and hidden thought.

The fine scripture scholar Brandt Pitre has a recording of talks he did on St. Joseph which I highly recommend: HERE.

Also, you will love Fr. Calloway’s book on Joseph.

Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father by Fr. Donald Calloway

US HERE – UK HERE

St. Joseph is a mighty intercessor.  I’ve been blessed several times by his help in times of real need and stress.  I have zero doubt that he was the one who intervened, so concretely that it’s amusing.

The Great Roman sent a couple of photos from the celebrations for St. Joseph.

There are Bignè di San Giuseppe “Frittelaro” and fritelle.  As the Romans tell it, to help support the Holy Family St. Joseph supplemented his income by selling fried pastries.

And there is a tradition of trying to climb a greased pole with has goodies at the top.

Posted in SESSIUNCULA | Tagged | 6 Comments

Daily Rome Shot 1273 – Amazing

Posted on 19 March 2025 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

The relics of the Holy Veil of Mary and the Holy Cloak of Joseph brought by St Jerome returning from Jerusalem. Normally these kept at St Anastasia al Palatino they are currently available to the veneration of the faithful at San Giuseppe al Trionfale till March 19th. These relics are seldom seen in public.

Photo from The Great Roman™.

Yesterday’s splashdown of SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon was spectacular. It was much enhanced by the participation of dolphins.

YouTube thumbnailYouTube icon

THIS TWEET LINKS TO A FASCINATING VIDEO about the people who control church music in these USA.  It is informative and DISGUSTING.  HERE

 

In chessy news… HERE

Posted in SESSIUNCULA | 6 Comments

19 March – Feast of ST. JOSEPH! – Terror of demons, Hope of the sick, Patron of the dying, Protector of Holy Church!

Posted on 19 March 2025 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Glorious St. Joseph.

Hope of the sick,
Patron of the dying,
Terror of demons,
Protector of Holy Church, 

In Rome today you eat Bigne di San Giuseppe.

Back in 2009 I made a PODCAzT – FIFTEEN YEARS AGO?!? – about the hymn sung in the Liturgy of Hours in honor of St. Joseph.

082 09-03-19 St. Joseph: a hymn dissected & sermon of Bernardine of Siena

That post eventually was augmented with photos sent by The Great Roman™ of a terrific procession in honor of St. Joseph in the streets of Rome.  HERE  Happier times.

The hymn I mentioned is is Te, Ioseph celebrent and it is in the Liber Hymnarius for 1st and 2nd Vespers for the Feast of St. Joseph.

Also of note, Fr. Hunwicke has comments about his hymn at his fine blog, HERE.

Also we listened to an indulgenced prayer written by Pope Leo XIII, Ad Te Ioseph.

Finally, we hear St. Bernardine of Siena (+1444) preach on our Patron of the Universal Church who is Patron of the dying.

Buy a Liber Hymnarius!  US HERE UK HERE

 

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Daily Rome Shot 1272

Posted on 18 March 2025 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Nice people! Great service!

Please remember me when shopping online and use my affiliate links.  US HERE – WHY?  This helps to pay for health insurance (massively hiked for this new year of surprises), utilities, groceries, etc..  At no extra cost, you provide help for which I am grateful.

In chessy news… HERE

White to move.  Mate in 4.

Posted in SESSIUNCULA | 7 Comments

Prayer request

Posted on 18 March 2025 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I ask, please, in your kindness, to raise up a prayer for my mother, who has a serious progressive ailment which makes life difficult.

Today is her 90th birthday.

Thank you.

Posted in SESSIUNCULA | 18 Comments

Daily Rome Shot 1271

Posted on 17 March 2025 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Please remember me when shopping online and use my affiliate links.  US HERE – WHY?  This helps to pay for health insurance (massively hiked for this new year of surprises), utilities, groceries, etc..  At no extra cost, you provide help for which I am grateful.

Too cool not to share…

In chessy news, … HERE

Black to move. Mate in… 6. This is not the easiest puzzle I’ve posted.

Posted in SESSIUNCULA | 2 Comments

“Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me…” The mighty Lorica of Saint Patrick

Posted on 17 March 2025 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

During these dark days, we can benefit from the use of this prayer, called the Breastplate, or Loríca of St. Patrick, “The Cry of the Deer” (Latin Lorica is pronounced lo-REE-ka).  It is said that St. Patrick (+461) sang this when an ambush was set for him so that he could not go to Tara to evangelize.  Patrick and companions were then hidden from the sight of their enemies, who thought that they were deer when they passed by.  However, some scholars date the prayer to the 8th c.  Either way, this is a mickle, puissant prayer!

The Latin word loríca means “a leather cuirass; a defense of any kind; a breastwork, parapet”.  In effect, it means “armor”.   “Loríca” is also associated with an rhythmic invocation or prayer especially for protection as when going into battle.

The Lorica of St. Patrick is rooted in an un-confused belief in the supernatural dimension of our lives, that there truly is a spiritual battle being waged for our souls.  This prayer reflects our absolute dependence on the One Three-Personed God.

One could pray this prayer each and every morning, upon arising.

On St. Patrick’s Day, instead drinking green beer, pastors of parishes should invite people to come to Church for confessions, recitation of the Rosary, Mass, Exposition, the praying of the Lorica, Benediction.  Suggest it to your priests.

Latin English
Sancti Patricii Hymnus ad Temoriam. The Lorica, Breastplate, of St. Patrick (The Cry of the Deer)

 
Ad Temoriam hodie potentiam praepollentem invoco Trinitatis,
Credo in Trinitatem sub unitate numinis elementorum.		 I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.
Apud Temoriam hodie virtutem nativitatis Christi cum ea ejus baptismi,
Virtutem crucifixionis cum ea ejus sepulturae,
Virtutem resurrectionis cum ea ascensionis,
Virtutem adventus ad judicium aeternum.		 I arise today
Through the strength of Christ’s birth with His baptism,
Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial,
Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension,
Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.
Apud Temoriam hodie virtutem amoris Seraphim in obsequio angelorum,
In spe resurrectionis ad adipiscendum praemium.
In orationibus nobilium Patrum,
In praedictionibus prophetarum,
In praedicationibus apostolorum,
In fide confessorum,
In castitate sanctarum virginum,
In actis justorum virorum.		 I arise today
Through the strength of the love of cherubim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In the prayers of patriarchs,
In the predictions of prophets,
In the preaching of apostles,
In the faith of confessors,
In the innocence of holy virgins,
In the deeds of righteous men.
Apud Temoriam hodie potentiam coeli,
Lucem solis,
Candorem nivis,
Vim ignis,
Rapiditatem fulguris,
Velocitatem venti,
Profunditatem maris,
Stabilitatem terrae,
Duritiam petrarum.		 I arise today, through
The strength of heaven,
The light of the sun,
The radiance of the moon,
The splendor of fire,
The speed of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of the sea,
The stability of the earth,
The firmness of rock.
Ad Temoriam hodie potentia Dei me dirigat,
Potestas Dei me conservet,
Sapientia Dei me edoceat,
Oculus Dei mihi provideat,
Auris Dei me exaudiat,
Verbum Dei me disertum faciat,
Manus Dei me protegat,
Via Dei mihi patefiat,
Scutum Dei me protegat,
Exercitus Dei me defendat,
Contra insidias daemonum,
Contra illecebras vitiorum,
Contra inclinationes animi,
Contra omnem hominem qui meditetur injuriam mihi,
Procul et prope,
Cum paucis et cum multis.		 I arise today, through
God’s strength to pilot me,
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to save me
From snares of devils,
From temptation of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and near.
Posui circa me sane omnes potentias has
Contra omnem potentiam hostilem saevam
Excogitatam meo corpori et meae animae;
Contra incantamenta pseudo-vatum,
Contra nigras leges gentilitatis,
Contra pseudo-leges haereseos,
Contra dolum idololatriae,
Contra incantamenta mulierum,
Et fabrorum ferrariorum et druidum,
Contra omnem scientiam quae occaecat animum hominis.		 I summon today
All these powers between me and those evils,
Against every cruel and merciless power
that may oppose my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagandom,
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of women and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man’s body and soul;
Christus me protegat hodie
Contra venenum,
Contra combustionem,
Contra demersionem,
Contra vulnera,
Donec meritus essem multum praemii.		 Christ to shield me today
Against poison,
against burning,
Against drowning,
against wounding,
So that there may come to me an abundance of reward.
Christus mecum,
Christus ante me,
Christus me pone,
Christus in me,
Christus infra me,
Christus supra me,
Christus ad dextram meam,
Christus ad laevam meam,
Christus hinc,
Christus illinc,
Christus a tergo.		 Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christus in corde omnis hominis quem alloquar,
Christus in ore cujusvis qui me alloquatur,
Christus in omni oculo qui me videat,
Christus in omni aure quae me audiat.		 Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Ad Temoriam hodie potentiam praepollentem invoco Trinitatis. I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Credo in Trinitatem sub Unitate numinis elementorum.
Domini est salus,
Domini est salus,
Christi est salus,
Salus tua, Domine, sit semper nobiscum.		 Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.
[Salvation is from the Lord,
Salvation is from the Lord,
Salvation is from Christ,
Let Your Salvation, O Lord, be with us always.]
Amen. Amen.

The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles of Gower Abbey have a Lorica of St Patrick on their Angels and Saints at Ephesus album.  US HERE – UK HERE

Concerning the translation of the Lorica, one of the most accurate translations of the original, 8th-century Old Irish is here: HERE

Another version…

 

Posted in Classic Posts, Linking Back | 2 Comments

Daily Rome Shot 1270 – slipper

Posted on 16 March 2025 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Today’s Roman Station, Santa Maria in Domnica.

Little Pope Pascal venerates the Blessed Virgin’s slipper. He was alive when this mosaic was made, so he gets a square halo.

Look! Up in the sky!

In chessy news….HERE

Black to move.  Mate… soon!

Posted in SESSIUNCULA | 3 Comments