ANNOUNCEMENT: New Trad Fasting Sodality
This sodality takes the 1917 Code of Canon Law as a minimum, but removes partial abstinence, which was instituted in 1741 as a direct attack to Lenten discipline.
Forgotten Customs of the Octave of Christian Unity
Above: the young Rev. Lewis Thomas Wattson. That all may be one: as thou, Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us. (John 17:21) Known as the “Octave of Christian Unity” as well as the “Chair of the Octave of Christian Unity” this period of time which…
Forgotten Customs of the Immaculate Conception
Above: the traditional Baile de los Seises in Spain for the Immaculate Conception. The feast of the Blessed Virgin’s Immaculate Conception is the most solemn of all those which the Church celebrates during the holy time of Advent; and if the first part of the cycle had to offer us the commemoration of some…
Post-Election: the Law of Politics is the Salvation of Souls
This past Tuesday, American Catholics – and all of those fighting for the rights for the lives of the unborn – were dealt another setback with the loss of 5 constitutional Amendments to safeguard the unborn in Montana, Kentucky, Vermont, Michigan, and California. This is similar to what happened in 2020 when the US Supreme…
Forgotten Customs of All Saints Days for Religious Orders & Nations
The saints don’t need us to honor them. Our devotion adds nothing to what they already have. When we venerate their memory, it serves us, not them. But I tell you, whenever I think of them, I feel inflamed by a tremendous yearning. . . So let us long for those who long for us.…
Forgotten Customs of Allhallowtide
Known in some places as Allhallowtide, the Vigil of All Saints, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day form a sort of triduum. While All Saints Day is still a Holy Day of Obligation, the Church’s traditions and customs have enriched all of these three days with unique and time-honored customs that we need to…
Forgotten Customs of Michaelmas
Angels are pure, created spirits. The name angel means servant or messenger of God. They are celestial or heavenly beings, on a higher order than human beings. An angel has no body and does not depend on matter for his existence or activity. They are distinct from saints, which men can become. Angels have intellect…
Forgotten Customs of St. Lawrence
While St. Lawrence is one of the greatest deacons in the Church’s history, his feastday has over time fallen into obscurity and most average Catholics are unfamiliar with the customs and practices associated with his feastday. The Feast of St. Lawrence was of such importance it was a Holy Day of Obligation for a long…
Forgotten Customs of the Precious Blood
Above: Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, with gushing blood, detail of the Ghent Altarpiece, Jan van Eyck, c. 1432. The History of the Feast According to the Traditional Catholic Calendar of 1962 and prior, July 1st is the Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. This feast was instituted for the Universal…
Forgotten Customs of Corpus Christi
Above: Corpus Christi 2021 at St. Mary’s Conshohocken, FSSP. Photo by Allison Girone. Editor’s note: this octave, consider joining the crusade of Eucharistic reparation. A great solemnity has this day risen upon our earth: a feast both to God and to men: for it is the feast of Christ the Mediator, who is present in…