Photo: the blessing of the water for Baptism at Easter Vigil. By Allison Girone. “This is my body, which is given for you . . . This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my …
Category: Holy Days & Feasts
The Annunciation and the Subtle Use of Gospels in the Old Roman Rite
Painting: Maurice Denis, “Le mystère catholique,” (1889) After a number of years experiencing the annual cycle of readings in the traditional Latin Mass, I grew aware of the manner in which it approaches Gospels in general, which is freer and …
Symeon
Now Lord, let Thy servant go in peace, Unto whom Thy promise is made good, Now mine eyes indeed have seen His face, Child promised, Savior of the world. Dim these eyes have grown as years have passed, In toils …
Candlemas: Feast of Obedience
Candlemas, as it’s called, is a twofold feast of the Presentation of Our Lord and the Purification of Our Lady, and it marks the end of the forty days of the Christmas season. It is primarily a Marian feast commemorating …
The Three Kings: Men of Faithful Fortitude
On 6 January we celebrate Epiphany, the day three kings bowed low and presented gifts to the King of kings. Many commemorate the event with different family traditions. However, our familiarity with the story may lead us to overlook important …
The Continuation of the Mystery of Christmas
By Dom Prosper Guéranger The Feast of the Epiphany is the continuation of the mystery of Christmas; but it appears on the Calendar of the Church with its own special character. Its very name, which signifies Manifestation, implies that it celebrates the …
Forgotten Customs of Christmas Time
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad before the face of the Lord: because He cometh (Psalm 95:13,11 Taken from the Offertory Verse of the First Mass of Christmas) At the first stroke of midnight on December …
Thanksgiving is the Safeguard for Humility
One of the two soldiers who had to lead him caused him all possible sufferings. He was forced to make long marches, was exposed to the rays of the sun, to the rains and the cold of the nights. His …
The Illustrated Liturgical Year for Families
It takes saints to make saints. The liturgical year of the Church is filled with quite literally a priceless array of treasures that are all oriented to make it easier for us to get to Heaven. The commemorations of the …
Veterans’ Heroism and the Glory of the Fight
On Thursday, 11 November, America honors military men and women who served their country. Veterans Day pays tribute to all veterans – those who have passed away and the 19 million living today. The 11 November date marks the end …