Our Lady’s Words: “I Am The Immaculate Conception”.
Sermon by Fr. Timothy Finigan. “A Day With Mary” at the Church of Our Lady of The Rosary, Blackfen, London.
Saturday, 15 February 2014.
Available on YouTube
16 April, 2026
The Sedia Gestatoria Of Pope Pius IX. Donated By The Catholics Of Naples.
The Sedia Gestatoria Of Pope Pius IX.
Donated By The Catholics Of Naples.
All Illustrations: LITURGICAL ARTS JOURNAL
This Article was written by John Paul Sonnen for
“Liturgical Arts Journal”, which can be read in full
HERE.
Over the years, more than one version of the Sedia Gestatoria was created. That being said, the most popular version was possibly the one that belonged to Blessed Pope Pius IX [Editor: “Pio Nono”].
The Sedia Gestatoria was designed with great thought and included a built-in step for persons to kneel in obeisance. Two long pieces of wood were inserted, one on either side, for the designated “Sediari” men to carry it in balance and unison. The rich Crimson Velvet and Golden Filigree tool-work make for a regal appearance.
Of course, it had a Liturgical role as well. Always elegant in appearance, it accoutred the Papal Liturgies with noticeable and impressive elegance.
HERE.
Over the years, more than one version of the Sedia Gestatoria was created. That being said, the most popular version was possibly the one that belonged to Blessed Pope Pius IX [Editor: “Pio Nono”].
It was donated to him in 1871 by the Clergy and people of Naples in the twenty-sixth year of his Pontificate.
It saw service for many years from 1871-1978. The last Pope to make use of it was Pope John Paul I.
The Sedia Gestatoria was designed with great thought and included a built-in step for persons to kneel in obeisance. Two long pieces of wood were inserted, one on either side, for the designated “Sediari” men to carry it in balance and unison. The rich Crimson Velvet and Golden Filigree tool-work make for a regal appearance.
Of course, it had a Liturgical role as well. Always elegant in appearance, it accoutred the Papal Liturgies with noticeable and impressive elegance.
At such Liturgies, all who gather should be especially rapt in God through the contemplation of Celestial things. When people visit the Vatican to Worship with the Pope, their minds should be so raised to God, transfixed and enraptured and aided by the beauty and Solemnity of the Rites and their trappings.
Below are images of two other similar versions that were also used:
Below are images of two other similar versions that were also used:
15 April, 2026
Traditional Pontifical Vespers With Robert Cardinal Sarah At The Cathedral Basilica Of Philadelphia. Friday, 21 November 2025.
Text and Illustrations: DURANDUS INSTITUTE
Friday, 21 November 2025.
Available on YouTube
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
A once-in-a-lifetime event with the
Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship.
Friday, 21 November 2025.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul,
1723 Race Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.
The Durandus Institute Web-Site can be found
“Fantasia On A Theme Of Thomas Tallis”. Composer: Vaughan Williams.
“Fantasia On A Theme Of Thomas Tallis”.
Composer: Vaughan Williams.
BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Davis,
at Gloucester Cathedral, where, in 1910, it was played and conducted for the first time by the Composer,
Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Available On YouTube
Text: BING
Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis is a One-Movement String Orchestral Work that re-imagines a 16th-Century English theme with lush, modal harmonies and innovative orchestration.
Text: WIKIPEDIA
Kathleen Ferrier. “What Is Life ?” And, “Art Thou Troubled ?”
Kathleen Ferrier.
“What Is Life ?”
and
“Art Thou Troubled ?”
Available on YouTube
Recorded in 1946.
Kathleen Ferrier ~ much beloved English Contralto ~
born on 22 April 1912, in Lancashire, England,
and died 8 October 1953.
Two favourites first heard on my grandmother’s knee.
Audio with photo montage.
14 April, 2026
How Did This Painting Survive The English Reformation ?
How Did This Painting Survive
The English Reformation ?
Available on YouTube
In this video, Alan Barton gives a tour of Saint
Mary’s Mediæval Church, Thornham Parvam, Suffolk.
It is a small, simple, Church that contains a
masterpiece, a Mediæval Altarpiece, a panel
painting called the Thornham Parva Retable.
Dating from the 1330s, the painting miraculously
survived the English Reformation and the Dissolution
of the Monasteries in the reign of King Henry VIII.
Zephyrinus read about this captivating Church in a wonderful Article on “Once I Was A Clever Boy”; a must-read Blog, and one of Zephyrinus’s favourite Blog reads, available
“Only You”. Sung By: The Flying Pickets.
“Only You”.
Sung By: The Flying Pickets.
Available on YouTube
A Little Levity To Lighten Your Day . . .
“Now Is The Winter Of Our Discount Tent”.
(With apologies to Mr. Shakespeare).
Illustration: ANDREW SKURKA
Saint Tiburtius. Saint Valerian. Saint Maximus. Martyrs. Feast Day 14 April. Red Vestments.
Text is from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal,
unless otherwise stated.
Saints Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus.
Martyrs.
Feast Day 14 April.
Simple.
Red Vestments.
The Burial of Saint Valerian and Saint Tiburtius.
Artist: Amico Aspertini (1474–1552).
Date: 1504.
Current location: Oratorio di Santa Cecilia, Bologna, Italy.
Source/Photographer: Image from Web Gallery of Art
(Wikimedia Commons)
Saint Valerian, the husband of Saint Cecilia, Tiburtius,
his brother, and Maximus, their executioner, who was converted at the sight of their courage, united in 229 A.D.
their Martyrdom to that of the Crucified Christ and shared
the Glory of Jesus, Risen Again.
Mass: Out of Paschaltide. Sapiéntiam.
Mass: In Paschaltide. Sancti tui.
Epistle and Gospel of The Mass: Protexisti.
Mass: Out of Paschaltide. Sapiéntiam.
Mass: In Paschaltide. Sancti tui.
Epistle and Gospel of The Mass: Protexisti.
Saint Justin. Martyr. Feast Day 14 April. Red Vestments.
unless otherwise stated.
Saint Justin.
Martyr.
Feast Day 14 April.
Double.
Red Vestments.
English:
Saint Justin.
Martyr.
Deutsch:
Justin der Märtyrer (auch: Justin der Philosoph).
Phantasieporträt aus dem 16. Jahrhundert.
Date: 16th-Century.
Source: Saint Justin dans André Thevet,
Author: André Thévet (1502–1590).
(Wikimedia Commons)
The most illustrious at that time was Saint Justin, born at Nablus (Samaria), about 100 A.D.
As a pagan philosopher, he examined the teaching of the pagan philosophical systems and only found error and false wisdom; for human intelligence rejecting Supernatural Light soon goes astray (Epistle, Gradual).
Saint Justin then studied the Word of The Crucified God and became a Christian. Seeing in reason a precious auxiliary of Faith, he opened at Rome the first school of Christian Philosophy and there taught “the eminent science of Jesus Christ” (Collect).
He became celebrated especially by the two Apologies which he had the courage (Gospel) to address successively to the persecuting Emperors Antoninus and Marcus Aurelius (Introit).
An edict of Antoninus mitigated the persecution. Marcus Aurelius, on the contrary, caused Saint Justin to be scourged and condemned him to death. He died a Martyr on 13 April, about 162 A.D.
“Let us conform to the teaching of the Blessed Martyr, Justin” (Postcommunion) “so that we may remain firm in The Faith” (Collect).
Mass: Narravérunt.
Commemoration: Of the Feria, in Lent.
Commemoration: Of the Holy Martyrs Tilburtius and Companions.
The following Text is from Wikipedia - the free encyclopædia.
Justin Martyr, known as Saint Justin (100 A.D. – 165 A.D.), was an Early-Christian Apologist, and is regarded as the foremost interpreter of the Theory of the Logos in the 2nd-Century A.D.
Saint Justin then studied the Word of The Crucified God and became a Christian. Seeing in reason a precious auxiliary of Faith, he opened at Rome the first school of Christian Philosophy and there taught “the eminent science of Jesus Christ” (Collect).
He became celebrated especially by the two Apologies which he had the courage (Gospel) to address successively to the persecuting Emperors Antoninus and Marcus Aurelius (Introit).
An edict of Antoninus mitigated the persecution. Marcus Aurelius, on the contrary, caused Saint Justin to be scourged and condemned him to death. He died a Martyr on 13 April, about 162 A.D.
“Let us conform to the teaching of the Blessed Martyr, Justin” (Postcommunion) “so that we may remain firm in The Faith” (Collect).
Mass: Narravérunt.
Commemoration: Of the Feria, in Lent.
Commemoration: Of the Holy Martyrs Tilburtius and Companions.
The following Text is from Wikipedia - the free encyclopædia.
Justin Martyr, known as Saint Justin (100 A.D. – 165 A.D.), was an Early-Christian Apologist, and is regarded as the foremost interpreter of the Theory of the Logos in the 2nd-Century A.D.
He was Martyred, alongside some of his students, and
is considered a Saint by the Roman Catholic Church,
the Anglican Church, and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Most of his works are lost, but two Apologies and a Dialogue did survive.
Most of his works are lost, but two Apologies and a Dialogue did survive.
The First Apology, his most well-known Text, passionately defends the morality of the Christian Life, and provided various ethical and philosophical arguments to convince the Roman Emperor, Antoninus, to abandon the persecution of the fledgling Sect.
Further, he also indicates, as Saint Augustine did regarding the “True Religion” that pre-dated Christianity, that the “seeds of Christianity” (manifestations of the Logos acting in history) actually pre-dated Christ’s Incarnation.
Further, he also indicates, as Saint Augustine did regarding the “True Religion” that pre-dated Christianity, that the “seeds of Christianity” (manifestations of the Logos acting in history) actually pre-dated Christ’s Incarnation.
13 April, 2026
Unexpected Visit By Zephyrinus To The Outer Hebrides, Scotland, For A Wedding. Perkins And Jeeves Got The Week Off And Went Fishing. Local Constabulary Still Investigating Missing Salmon, Prawns, Clams, Caviar.
A sudden Invitation from an old family friend to attend
his daughter’s wedding in The Hebrides, Scotland, meant Zephyrinus took The Night Train from London Euston
to Stornaway, Scotland, on The Caledonian Sleeper.
Of course, Perkins and Jeeves got the week off and went fishing. Local Constabulary still investigating missing Salmon, Prawns, Clams, Caviar.
Illustration: PINTEREST
The Horse-Less Carriage. Auburn. Cord. Duesenberg. Art-Deco.
1935 Duesenberg II Model SJ Torpedo Phaeton.
This beautiful reproduction Duesenberg is powered
by a Ford 5.8 litre, fuel-injected, V8 engine, and
three-speed automatic transmission.
A fantastic example that is now fitted with
modern conveniences to include air conditioning,
power windows, AM/FM/CD changer audio system,
power steering, and power-assisted disc brakes !!!
Additional features include the dual cowls with
individual windshields, authentic chrome brightwork,
chrome horns, fog lamps, side-mounted spare tires, machine-turned metal surfaces, spotlights, disappearing convertible top design with unique curved rear trunk.
Text and Illustration: CLASSIC AND COLLECTOR CARS
Illustration:
Auburn Cord Duesenberg
Automobile Museum Orientation Film.
Available On YouTube
Illustration:
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum,
1600 S Wayne Street,
Auburn,
Indiana 46706.
Tel: (260) 925-1444.
E-Mail: info@automobilemuseum.org
Web-Site: HERE
Zephyrinus Returns On The Magnificent Queen Mary And The Great Western Railway (Locomotive: King George V) From The Big Apple.
Illustration: PINTEREST
Not forgetting, of course, a wonderful sailing
across the Atlantic on the Queen Mary . . .
Postcard of the Cunard White Star RMS "Queen Mary".
Date:: Circa 1936.
Source: Postcard Mid-1930s.
Author: Cunard White Star Line.
(Wikimedia Commons)
Acerbicness Rules O.K.
Winston Churchill.
Photograph by Yousuf Karsh, 1941.
Illustration: BRITANNICA.COM
“I am enclosing two tickets
to The First Night of my new Play.
Bring a friend.
If you have one”.
(George Bernard Shaw to Winston Churchill)
************************
“Cannot possibly attend First Night.
Will attend Second Night.
If there is one”.
(Winston Churchill to George Bernard Shaw)
Saint Hermenegild. Martyr. Feast Day 13 April. Red Vestments.
unless otherwise stated.
Saint Hermenegild.
Martyr.
Feast Day 13 April.
Semi-Double.
Red Vestments.
English: The Triumph of Saint Hermenegild
Español: Triunfo de San Hermenegildo (1654),
por Francisco de Herrera.
Latin: Triunfo de san Hermenegildo.
Ioannes de Herrera pinxit.
Polski: Triumf św. Hermenegilda (?), 1654, Prado.
Suomi: Francisco de Herreran maalaus Pyhän Hermengildin voitto vuodelta 1654. Barokin taiteessa pyrittiin luomaan voimakas koristeellinen vaikutelma.
Français: Le Triomphe d'Hermenegild, par Francisco de Herrera le Jeune (1654), Musée du Prado, Madrid. Léovigild, le roi arien des Wisigoths conquiert le royaume des Suèves, "catholiques" (christianisme nicéen), au Nord-Ouest de l'Espagne. Il écrase la révolte de son fils Herménégild,
converti par l’évêque Léandre de Séville. Herménégild, fait prisonnier à Cordoue et ayant refusé d'abjurer
le catholicisme, est exécuté et Léandre exilé.
Artist: Francisco de Herrera The Younger
Date: 1654.
Current location: Prado, Madrid.
(Wikimedia Commons)
Hermenegild, son of the King of The Visigoths, in Spain, married the daughter of the Frankish King of Austrasia, and was converted to Catholicism, his family being Arian. His father, in his anger, threw him into a dungeon and, in the night of Easter, caused an Arian Bishop to take Communion to him.
But “God did not abandon him in his prison” (Epistle). Hermenegild sacrificed to The Love of God the love of his father, and of his own life (Gospel), and indignantly repelled the heretical Bishop.
Put to death on 13 April 586 A.D., he shared the triumph of Christ, Who "in The Kingdom of God, gave him The Royal Sceptre" (Epistle). His father died recommending the Martyr's brother, Recarede, to bring back the Nation to The True Faith. Thus, Spain became Catholic.
"Following the example of Saint Hermenegild, who preferred Heavenly Royalty to Earthly Royalty, let us despise perishable possessions and only seek the Eternal ones" (Collect).
Mass: Out of Paschaltide. In virtúte.
Mass: In Paschaltide. Protexisti.
Commemoration and Last Gospel of the Feria in Lent.
12 April, 2026
Stephen Travers. Australian Artist.
The Stairs of Montmartre, Paris.
Sketched by Stephen Travers.
Illustration: FACEBOOK - STEPHEN TRAVERS
This Post was inspired by an Article on
FACEBOOK - RICHARD HAWKER
The following Text is from SORTRA.COM
Australian artist Stephen Travers had always desired to paint, but had subdued it every day for twenty-five years. He took up drawing and painting when his daughter won a year’s scholarship at the Julian Ashton Art School.
Australian artist Stephen Travers had always desired to paint, but had subdued it every day for twenty-five years. He took up drawing and painting when his daughter won a year’s scholarship at the Julian Ashton Art School.
After taking a couple of introductory TAFE Cert IV Fine Arts subjects in drawing and painting in 2006 and 2007, which provided some enforced structure and input, he left classes to focus on the subjects that always captured his imagination.
He devoted himself in painting the light, colour, shape, and texture, of the Australian natural environment. In 2015, he took the step of leaving regular employment to work full-time at his art.
Today, we share some of his sketches that he drew during his trip to Paris. You will love the way he transformed the iconic places of Paris in Black-and-White portraits.
Votive Masses. All Of Which Can Be Requested Of Your Parish Priest (Pastor). Including A Votive Mass In Time Of Pestilence (Such As Coronavirus).
Pope Saint Zephyrinus.
(Papacy 199 A.D. - 217 A.D.).
Date: 24 March 2006 (original upload date).
Source: Transferred from en.wikipedia;
Original uploader was Amberrock at en.wikipedia;
transferred to Commons by
User:Sreejithk2000 using CommonsHelper.
Author: Not Known.
(Wikimedia Commons)
Text from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal,
unless stated otherwise.
Votive Masses, which may be said on certain Feast Days of Semi-Double or Simple Rite, and on certain Ferias, have been instituted to meet the wishes of The Faithful and satisfy Private Devotion.
The ordinary Votive Masses, as also the ordinary Masses for The Dead, may not be said on Greater Ferias, except on those of Advent.
The ordinary Votive Masses, as also the ordinary Masses for The Dead, may not be said on Greater Ferias, except on those of Advent.
Examples of Votive Masses,
which can be requested of the Parish Priest, or Pastor,
by The Faithful,
include:
Votive Mass of Jesus Christ The High Priest;
Votive Mass of The Holy Trinity;
Votive Mass of The Holy Angels;
Votive Mass of Saint Joseph;
Votive Mass of Saints Peter and Paul;
Votive Mass of all The Holy Apostles;
Votive Mass of The Holy Ghost;
Votive Mass to obtain The Grace of The Holy Ghost;
Votive Mass of The Blessed Sacrament;
Votive Mass of The Holy Cross;
Votive Mass of The Passion;
Votive Mass of The Blessed Virgin Mary;
Votive Mass for Papal Election;
Votive Mass on the Anniversary of a Pope;
Votive Mass for the Consecration of a Bishop;
Votive Mass on the Anniversary of a Bishop;
Votive Mass of Ordination;
Votive Mass for The Sick;
Votive Mass for a dying Person;
Votive Mass for the Propagation of The Faith;
Votive Mass against The Heathen;
Votive Mass for the Removal of Schism;
Votive Mass in Time of War;
Votive Mass for Peace;
Votive Mass in Time of Pestilence;
Votive Mass of Thanksgiving;
Votive Mass for the Forgiveness of Sins;
Votive Mass for Pilgrims and Travellers;
Votive Mass for Any Necessity;
Votive Mass for a Happy Death;
Votive Mass of The Sacred Heart;
Votive Mass of The Holy Name;
Votive Mass of The Precious Blood;
Votive Mass of Christ The King;
Votive Mass of The Holy Family;
Votive Mass of The Immaculate Conception;
Votive Mass of The Seven Sorrows;
Votive Mass of All Saints;
Votive Mass of Any Canonised Saint
(even if not mentioned in The Universal Calendar).
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