20 May, 2026
Chester Cathedral Organ. Organist: Jonathan Scott.
Chester Cathedral Organ.
Played by Jonathan Scott.
29 May 2021.
Available on YouTube
Text is from Wikipedia - the free encyclopædia,
unless stated otherwise.
The Choral Tradition at Chester is 900 years old, dating from the foundation of the Bendedictine Monastery.
In 1844, an Organ by Gray & Davison of London was installed in the Cathedral, replacing an instrument with parts dating back to 1626, possibly by Father Bernard Smith.
Father Bernard Smith, 1630 – 1708, was a German-born Master-Organ-maker in England in the Late-17th-Century.
The Organ was rebuilt and enlarged by Whiteley Bros. of Chester in 1876, to include harmonic flutes and reeds by Cavaillé-Coll.
It was later moved to its present position at the front of the North Transept. In 1910, William Hill and Son of London extensively rebuilt and re-voiced the Organ, replacing the Cavaillé-Coll reeds with new pipes of their own.
The Choir division of the Organ was enlarged and moved behind the Choir-Stalls on the South side. The instrument was again overhauled by Rushworth and Dreaper of Liverpool in 1969, when a new mechanism and some new pipework made to a design by the Organist, Roger Fisher, was installed; the following year, the instrument was inaugurated by Maurice Duruflé and his wife, Marie-Madeleine Duruflé.
Since 1991, the Organ has been in the care of David Wells, a Liverpudlian Organ-builder.[4]
The Organ Case was built and designed by Sir Gilbert Scott.[5]
The Organ’s four manual keyboards run through a five-octave range and its radiating concave pedal board runs through a two-and-a-half-octave range.
The key and draw stop mechanisms employ electro-pneumatic action. Its bellows are pumped electrically, which is triggered by a key at the console, thus powering the instrument.
The console labels and keys are veneered in ivory; and it has 109 pistons including fourteen generals on thirty-two memory channels.
It is tuned to a' = 440hz in equal temperament. In total, the instrument carries sixty-nine stops accounting to eighty-six ranks of pipes.
“The Power Of Mary”. Sermon By: Fr. David Howel. “A Day With Mary”. May Is The Month Of Mary.
“The Power Of Mary”.
Sermon By: Fr. David Howel.
“A Day With Mary”.
Saint Bede’s Church,
Clapham Park, London.
Available on YouTube
“When Wicked Men Blaspheme Thee, I’ll Love And Bless Thy Name”. May Is The Month Of Mary.
“I’ll Sing A Hymn To Mary”.
Available on YouTube
I'll sing a Hymn to Mary,
The Mother of my God,
The Virgin of all Virgins,
Of David’s Royal blood.
O teach me, holy Mary,
A loving song to frame,
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
To love and Bless thy name.
O Lily of the Valley,
O Mystic Rose what tree
Or flower, e’en the fairest,
Is half so fair as thee ?
O let me, though so lowly,
Recite my Mother’s fame:
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
I’ll love and Bless thy name.
O noble Tower of David,
Of gold and ivory,
The Ark of God’s Own promise,
The Gate of Heaven to me;
To live, and not to love thee,
Would fill my Soul with shame:
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
I’ll love and Bless thy name.
But in the Crown of Mary,
There lies a wondrous gem,
As Queen of all the Angels,
Which Mary shares with them;
“No sin hath e’er defiled thee”,
So doth our faith proclaim:
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
I’ll love and Bless thy name.
Fr. J. Wyze.
1825 - 1898.
Lyrics: LYRIC ADVISOR
Saint Bernardine Of Siena. Confessor. Feast Day, Today, 20 May. White Vestments.
unless otherwise stated.
Saint Bernardine of Siena.
Confessor.
Feast Day 20 May.
Semi-Double.
White Vestments.
English: Church of Saint Bernardine of Siena,
Kraków, Poland.
Български: Църква „Св. Бернард от Сиена
“ в Краков, Полша.
Polski: Kościół św. Bernardyna
w Krakowie, Polska.
Date: 26 October 2015.
Source: Own work.
Author: Vassia Atanassova - Spiritia
(Wikimedia Commons)
At this Season of The Church's Liturgical Year, when Jesus, by His Triumph, has realised His Name of Saviour, The Liturgical Cycle Celebrates The Feast of Saint Bernardine, who was consumed "by the very ardent love of The Divine Name (Jesus)" (Collect).
Born of a noble family of Siena, Italy, Saint Bernardine renounced all his possessions. He kept his Chastity intact, in spite of the dangers to which his handsome features exposed him. The Church applies to him the words of Holy Scripture: "He had it in his power to violate The Commandment of God, and he did not violate it" (Epistle).
Statue of Saint Bernardino of Siena,
Capella del Voto; Duomo; Siena, Italy.
Photo: 2005-10-11
Source: User:JoJan
Author: Antonio Raggi
(Wikimedia Commons)
"Not placing his hope in money and treasures" (ibid), he left all, to follow Christ (Gospel), and entered The Order of Saint Francis, one of whose glories he is. Travelling through towns and villages, everywhere he Preached the name of Jesus (Collect) and thereby wrought many Miracles.
Saint Peter Celestine [Editor: See yesterday’s Feast] appeared to him, to warn him of his approaching end, which came on Ascension Eve, 1444.
Let us ask God to grant us, through the intercession and merits of Saint Bernardine, a great love for the name of Jesus and, thereby, to kindle in us the flame of Divine Charity (Collect).
Mass: Os justi.
19 May, 2026
Triduum In Honour Of The Sacred Heart. In Paris At Saint-Eugène - Sainte - Cécile. 12, 13, 14 Juin 2026. Triduum en L’Honneur du Sacré Cœur.
VIVE † JÉSUS !
TRIDUUM SOLENNEL
en l’honneur du
SACRÉ CŒUR DE JÉSUS.
par l’Archiconfrérie de la Garde d’Honneur du
Sacré-Cœur de l’église Saint-Eugène–Sainte-Cécile, Paris.
Pope Celestine V. Feast Day 19 May. Reigned From 5 July 1294 — 13 December 1294. White Vestments.
English: Painting of Pope Celestine V.
Español: Pintura del Papa Celestino V.
Artist: Giulio Cessare Bedeschini.
Date: 1700.
Source: Museo de l’aquila, Italia.
Author: Giulio Cessare Bedeschini.
(Wikimedia Commons)
Text from “The Liturgical Year”.
By: Abbot Guéranger, O.S.B.
Volume: 8.
Paschal Time.
Book II.
Our Paschal Season, which has already given us the
admirable Doctor of The Church, Saint Leo, brings before us, today, the humble Saint Peter Celestine.
He was, like Leo, Sovereign Pontiff, but no sooner
was he Throned on the Chair of Peter than he left it
and returned to solitude.
Among the long list of Sainted men who compose the Venerable series of Roman Pontiffs, Our Lord would have one in whose person was to be represented the virtue of “humility”; that honour was conferred on Peter Celestine.
He was dragged from the quiet of his solitude, compelled to ascend the Throne of Saint Peter, and made to hold in his trembling hand the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Holy Hermit, whose eyes had been ever fixed on his own weakness, had then to provide for the necessities of the whole Church. In his humility, he judged himself to be unequal to so heavy a responsibility. He resigned the Tiara, and begged to be permitted to return to his dear Hermitage.
His Divine Master, Christ, had, in like manner, concealed His glory, first in thirty years of hidden life, and then, later on, under the cloud of His Passion and Sepulchre.
The sunshine of the Pasch came; the gloom was dispersed,
and the Conqueror of Death arose in all His splendour.
He would have his servants share in His triumph
and glory; but their share is to be greater or less,
according to the measure in which they have,
here on Earth, imitated His humility.
Who, then, could describe the glory which Peter Celestine receives in Heaven, as a recompense for the profound humility which made him more eager to be unknown than the most ambitious of men could be for honour and fame ?
He was great on the Pontifical Throne, and still greater
in his solitude; but his greatness, now that he is in Heaven, surpasses all human thought.
Saint Mary The Virgin Church, Combpyne Rousdon, East Devon, England. 13th-Century Church.
Saint Mary The Virgin Church,
Combpyne Rousdon, East Devon. 13th-Century Church.
Text and Illustrations: DEVON CHURCH LAND
A Mediæval Wall Painting, scratched signs against evil, a Saddle-Back Tower Roof, 17th-Century scriptural paintings with Angels and a heartfelt Victorian Altar painting . . . History and people fill this beautiful old Church, as small
as its Parish, resting in a pretty East Devon valley.
Saddle-Back Roofs on Mediæval Church Towers are rare enough anywhere in England; here in Devon, only this one exists; they are more popular in Continental Europe.
Taste, snow shedding, Tradition, all these are potential explanations, with snow shedding (look at its steep pitched Roof) likely inching ahead in some areas, but here, in Devon ?
It is very near two major Mediæval Ports; Axmouth and Lyme Regis. So, maybe a traveller brought the style back ?
Stained-Glass Angel,
Combpyne Rousdon Church,
East Devon.
The Parish was landlocked until the 20th-Century, when it merged with Rousdon, to the South; it was also very small and very poor.
“The Parishioners consist, with the exception of two Farmers, solely of poor labourers” — “Western Times Newspaper”,
2 February 1877.
Ultimately, it was probably cheaper to roof the Tower the same as the Nave and Chancel, though that steep Saddle-Back Roof gives extra height to what is, to be fair, quite a short and rough Tower.
The whole Church is small and farmer built; rough, honest, solid, probably on a Saxon footprint, and dating from the 1200s.
Ultimately, it was probably cheaper to roof the Tower the same as the Nave and Chancel, though that steep Saddle-Back Roof gives extra height to what is, to be fair, quite a short and rough Tower.
The whole Church is small and farmer built; rough, honest, solid, probably on a Saxon footprint, and dating from the 1200s.
There was a dispute about the ownership of the Church, back in 1185, which Pope Urban III got involved in; this place has history.
The Coffin family owned it back in 1166, when it was known as Combe Coffin, and then, in 1278, Sir Thomas de Pyn took over the Manor, which led to the present name change: “Combe” being Devon-ish for “Valley”.
Apart from the “Bonny-Ness” of its ragamuffin structure,
The Coffin family owned it back in 1166, when it was known as Combe Coffin, and then, in 1278, Sir Thomas de Pyn took over the Manor, which led to the present name change: “Combe” being Devon-ish for “Valley”.
Apart from the “Bonny-Ness” of its ragamuffin structure,
the Chancel and Nave probably show the pattern that most Churches in Devon had before they expanded and adapted to taste and Liturgies.
Whilst this darling was probably punched through the Chancel Wall in the 15th-Century, that carved top being a giveaway.
Why? Well, more light seems an obvious reason to us moderns, but more light equalled less heat (glazing, if there was any, being not very windproof), and light is only better if you have things to look at that need light. Books, for example.
Clergy were starting to be more literate and were being told they had to possess certain books, and then there were music books, too. Chanting really taking off in England by this time.
“Better literate” does not mean they were illiterate before, but there were (and still are) different degrees of literacy.
And Country Priests were rising up the scale from functional to technical, especially as books became more and more available and the Church authorities themselves were demanding the Clergy to “upskill”.
There was even a youth opportunity scheme where they gave a Parish to a promising lad, not yet Ordained, and the Parish Tithes were used to pay for that same lad to attend Oxford University for five to seven years; the lad had to rise through the ranks of Clergy: From Sub-Deacon, to Deacon, to Priest, as he studied.
And the evidence shows that this worked; it produced many more educated Priests fit for the times.
A very elegant Chancel Arch.
When Masons get curves right, they so definitely get them “totes au point”, especially when they frame an Altar as enchantingly as here.
It is from the 19th-Century restoration, the original Arch was about three metres (ten feet) higher, which allowed plenty of space for a Rood Loft and Rood Screen, and a painting or statue of Christ on The Cross.
Combpyne Rousdon Sanctuary.
Inside the Chancel, the Sanctuary is a mighty peaceful area, made more so by the age of its surroundings, the original Triple Lancet East Window, and the Piscina of the same age on the Right-Hand wall.
Whilst this charming Stained-Glass Window, Madonna and Child, is Victorian, and worth every Penny.
Quiet in the Church.
This ancient Church is a charm, full of age and Faith, with fascinating glimpses of people and their lives as they changed through the ages; a little Church containing the World.
A wonder that, and an absolute delight.
Saint Pudentiana. Virgin. Feast Day 19 May. White Vestments.
unless otherwise stated.
Saint Pudentiana.
Virgin.
Feast Day 19 May.
Simple.
White Vestments.
English: Saint Pudentiana.
Detail of a mosaic in the Apse of Santa Pudenziana, Rome.
Deutsch: Pudentiana, Mosaik aus Santa Pudenziana
This File: 25 October 2005.
User: Marcus Cyron
(Wikimedia Commons)
The Nave,
Basilica of Santa Pudentiana, Rome.
Photo: 13 May 2009.
Source: Own work.
Author: Welleschik
(Wikimedia Commons)
At the death of her father, she distributed all her riches to the Poor, in agreement with her sister, and she was barely sixteen years old when she died, in the Reign of Emperor Antoninus.
Her remains rest in her house, which she had converted into a Church. Her father had received Saint Peter there and she had placed it at the disposal of Pope Pius I, who Celebrated The Holy Mysteries there during “The Persecution”.
This is the “Title-Church” of Pudentiana, where The Station is held on the Tuesday in The Third Week of Lent. [“Title-Churches”, bearing as Title the name of their Founder or Foundress, were the usual Meeting Places of Christians in Rome, and became the first “Parish Churches”.]
Mass: Dilexísti.
“Saint Praxedes and Saint Pudentiana
collecting The Blood of The Martyrs”.
Artist: Giovanni Paolo Rossetti (1621).
Basilica of Santa Pudenziana, Rome.
Photo: 13 April 2010.
Source: Own work.
Author: Georges Jansoone (JoJan).
(Wikimedia Commons)
Pope Saint Celestine V. Confessor. Feast Day, Today, 19 May. White Vestments.
unless otherwise stated.
Saint Peter Celestine.
Pope and Confessor.
Feast Day 19 May.
Double.
White Vestments.
English: Painting of Pope Celestine V.
Español: Pintura del Papa Celestino V.
Artist: Giulio Cessare Bedeschini.
Date: 1700.
Source: Museo de l'aquila, Italia.
Author: Giulio Cessare Bedeschini.
(Wikimedia Commons)
Among all the Pastors to whom Jesus lovingly committed the care of His Church, Saint Peter Celestine is the one who most particularly shows forth the virtue of humility, the foundation of all Holiness [Rule of Saint Benedict. Chapter Seven] according to Saint Benedict, his father in God.
Born in 1221, he retired into the desert when hardly adolescent (Gospel), and his virtues soon drew disciples round him. Such was the origin of The Branch of The Benedictine Order, known since under the name of "The Celestines", from the name which Saint Peter took when he became Pope in 1294.
At the age of seventy-two, he had to leave his sweet solitude, received full Sacerdotal power (Introit, Epistle) and occupied The Chair of Saint Peter (Communion), which had been vacant twenty-seven months. Raised to this eminent dignity, he thought himself incapable of bearing such a burden, and, "placing humility above that elevation" (Collect), he voluntarily resigned the highest dignity.
Saint Peter Celestine.
Pope and Confessor.
Available on YouTube
He ended his days in contemplation, which his Soul craved for, and he died on 19 May 1296.
Following the example of Saint Peter Celestine, let us despise the honours of this World, in order to attain possession of the rewards promised to the humble (Collect).
Mass: Státuit.
Commemoration: Saint Pudentiana, by the Collects of the Mass “Dilexísti”.
Gospel: Ecce nos reliquimus.
18 May, 2026
Sacraments ? Sacramentals ? What Is The Difference ?
The Seven Sacraments Altarpiece.
Artist: Rogier van der Weyden (1399 — 1464).
Date: 1445.
Collection:
Source/Photographer: Web Gallery of Art.
(Wikimedia Commons)
Text is from Wikipedia - the free encyclopædia, unless stated otherwise.
A Sacrament is a Christian Rite which is recognised as being particularly important and significant.[1]
There are various views on the existence, number and meaning of such Rites. Many Christians consider the Sacraments to be a visible symbol of the reality of God, as well as a channel for God’s Grace.
Many denominations, including The Catholic Church, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Anglican, Methodist, and Reformed, hold to the definition of Sacrament formulated by Augustine of Hippo: “An Outward Sign of an Inward Grace, that has been instituted by Jesus Christ.[2][3][4][5]
Council of Trent in Santa Maria Maggiore Church,
Trent, Italy.
The Council of Trent defined the Seven Sacraments.
Date: Late-17th-Century.
Source/Photographer:
Permission: PD art
Author: Unknown.
(Wikimedia Commons)
Illustration: CHURCH OF SAINT AGNES, MINNESOTA
The following Red Text is taken from
Google AI Overview, which states that:
“AI responses may include mistakes”.
The IHS symbol in Religion is a Christogram, representing Jesus Christ. It’s an abbreviation of the Greek name of Jesus (ΙΗΣΟΥΣ, Iēsous), transliterated as IHS.
While originally signifying “Iēsous”, it has been interpreted in various ways, including “Iesus Hominum Salvator” (“Jesus, Saviour of Mankind”) and “In Hoc Signo” (“By this sign”).
Sacraments are Sacred Rituals instituted by
Jesus Christ that confer Grace and are essential
for a Christian’s relationship with God.
Sacramentals, on the other hand, are objects or actions
used by The Church to promote devotion and
spiritual growth, but do not confer Grace, directly.
The Council of Trent, the 19th-Ecumenical Council of
The Catholic Church, was held in three sessions
from 1545 to 1563 in Trent, Italy.
It was convened by Pope Paul III in response to the
Protestant Reformation and aimed to address both internal abuses within The Church and clarify Catholic doctrine
in contrast to Protestant beliefs.
It is considered a pivotal event in the Counter-Reformation, shaping the Catholic Church’s response to the
Reformation and solidifying its identity.
Key Features and Outcomes:
Doctrinal Clarification:
The Council clarified and defined Catholic doctrines,
such as the role of Faith and good works in salvation,
the Eucharist, and the Seven Sacraments, in response
to Protestant challenges.
Reformation of the Church:
The Council addressed issues of corruption within the
Clergy, including issues like absenteeism and pluralism,
and sought to improve pastoral care and education.
The Latin Vulgate:
The Council declared the Latin Vulgate
as the official Bible for The Church.
Anathema and Excommunication:
The Council issued anathemas, condemning
Protestant doctrines, and specified heretical beliefs
that would lead to excommunication.
Establishment of the Roman Catechism:
The Council commissioned the first Church-wide
Roman Catholic Catechism to aid in teaching of doctrine.
Emphasis on Tradition:
The Council emphasised the importance of both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition as Sources of Revelation.
Impact on the Counter-Reformation:
The Council of Trent is seen as a key component of the
Counter-Reformation, a period of Catholic renewal and
reform that sought to counter the Protestant Reformation.
Sacraments signify God’s Grace in a way that is outwardly observable to the participant.[5]
The Catholic Church, Hussite Church and the Old Catholic Church recognise Seven Sacraments:
Baptism;
Penance (Reconciliation or Confession);
Eucharist (or Holy Communion);
Confirmation;
Marriage (Matrimony);
Holy Orders;
Anointing of the Sick (Extreme Unction).[6][7]
The Eastern Churches, such as the Eastern Orthodox Church and Oriental Orthodox Church, as well as the Eastern Catholic Churches, recognise these as the Seven Major Sacraments.
A Sacramental is a Sacred Sign, a Ritual Act, or a Ceremony, which, in a certain imitation of the Sacraments, has a Spiritual effect and is obtained through the intercession of The Church.[1]
Sacramentals surround the Sacraments like a wreath and extend them into the everyday life of Christians.
Sacramentals are recognised by The Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Church of the East, the Lutheran Churches, the Old Catholic Church, the Anglican Churches, and Independent Catholic Churches.
In the Bible, Prayer Cloths and Holy Oil are mentioned in reference to Praying for healing.[2][3]
Holy Water is a Sacramental that the Faithful use to recall their Baptism; other common Sacramentals include Blessed Candles (given to the Faithful on Candlemas), Blessed Palms (Blessed at the beginning of the Procession on Palm Sunday), Blessed Ashes (bestowed on Ash Wednesday), a Cross Necklace (often taken to be Blessed by a Pastor/Priest before daily use), a Head-Covering/Mantilla (worn by women, especially during Prayer and Worship), Blessed Salt, and Holy Cards, as well as Christian Art, especially a Crucifix.[4][5]
Apart from those worn daily, such as a Cross Necklace or Devotional Scapular, Sacramentals such as a Family Bible, are often kept on Home Altars in Christian households.[6][7]
Ichthys emblems are Sacramentals applied to vehicles to signify that the owner is a Christian and to offer protection while driving.[8][9]
When Blessed in a Betrothal Ceremony, Engagement Rings become a Sacramental.[10]
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