Gregorian Chant. Sung by: The Choir
of the Monks of Fontgombault Abbey, France.
Choeur des moines de l’abbaye
Notre Dame de Fontgombault.
Available on YouTube
17 April, 2026
Saint Anicetus. Pope And Martyr. Feast Day, Today, 17 April. Red Vestments.
unless otherwise stated.
Saint Anicetus.
Pope and Martyr.
Feast Day 17 April.
Simple.
Red Vestments.
The Martyrdom of Pope Anicetus.
Frescoes by Antonio Circignani, called Pomarancio.
Chapel of Sant'Aniceto e Beata Vergine della Clemenza,
Palazzo Altemps, Roma.
Date: 20 April 2001.
Source: Own work.
Author: Torvindus
(Wikimedia Commons)
The Paschal Cycle surrounds The King of Martyrs, Whose triumph it celebrates, with a bevy of Saints who "followed Him bearing their Crosses and who, having lost their lives for His sake," found the life of which Jesus, Risen Again, is the model (Gospel).
Saint Anicetus, Invested with full Sacerdotal power (Introit), succeeded Pope Saint Pius I as Pope. He governed The Church from 150 A.D. to his death in 168 A.D. and took such a part in The Sufferings of Christ (Epistle) that, although he did not shed his blood for The Faith, he was given the Title of Martyr.
He preserved his flock from the heresies of Valentinus and Marcion and "filled with The Consolations of Jesus, he was enabled, in turn, to console those who suffered" (Epistle). The great Saint Polycarp came to him at Rome to confer especially about the date of the Celebration of Easter, for, by the coincidence of this Feast with that of the Jews, it was right to claim that the Mysteries of The Death and Resurrection of Jesus had realised, and taken the place of, the immolation of the Jewish paschal lamb.
"Let us rejoice for the annual Solemnity of Blessed Anicetus" (Collect). This Feast reminds us of the date when, after having died with Christ on Earth, this Holy Martyr went to share The Glory of His Resurrection in Heaven.
Mass: In Paschaltide. Protexisti.
Mass: Out of Paschaltide. Sacerdotes Dei.
The Psalms: Psalm 2. “Quare Fremuerunt”. The Vain Efforts Of Persecutors Against Christ And His Church.
Text is from “The Psalms And New Testament”.
Douay-Rheims version.
Translated From The Latin Vulgate.
Diligently compared with The Hebrew, Greek,
and other Editions in divers languages.
The New Testament.
First published by The English College at Rheims, 1582 A.D. And The Psalms. From The Old Testament. First published by The English College, at Douay, 1609 A.D.
With annotations and references.
The whole revised and diligently compared with
The Latin Vulgate by The Servant of God,
Richard Challoner, 1749-1752 A.D.
Published by The Baronius Press, London MMVII.
The Baronius Press Web-Site and Shop can be accessed HERE
The Book of Psalms.
The Psalms are called by the Hebrews “TEHILLIM”, that is, Hymns of Praise. The author of a great part of them, at least, was King David. But many are of the opinion that some of them were authored by Asaph, and others whose names
are prefixed in the titles.
“Quare Fremuerunt”.
The Vain Efforts Of Persecutors
Against Christ And His Church.
Why have the Gentiles raged,
and the people devised vain things ?
The Kings of the Earth stood up,
and the Princes met together,
against The Lord, and against His Christ.
Let us break their bonds asunder:
And let us cast away their yoke from us.
He that dwelleth in Heaven shall laugh at them:
And The Lord shall deride them.
Then shall He speak to them in His anger,
and trouble them in His rage.
But I am appointed King by Him over Sion,
His holy mountain, preaching His commandment.
The Lord hath said to me:
Thou art my son,
this day have I begotten thee.
Ask of Me,
and I will give thee the Gentiles for thy inheritance,
and the utmost parts of the Earth for thy possession.
Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron,
and shalt break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
And now, O ye Kings, understand:
Receive instruction, you that judge the Earth.
Serve ye The Lord with fear:
And rejoice unto Him with trembling.
Embrace discipline,
lest at any time The Lord be angry,
and you perish from the just way.
When His wrath shall be kindled in a short time,
Blessed are all they that trust in Him.
Perkins (Chauffeur), I Suspect, Has Been At The Brandy Bottle, Again !!!
“Perkins !!!”
“I am not going to Sunday Mass in that”.
“Take it back”.
“You and I need to talk !!!”
Illustration: HEMMINGS
16 April, 2026
Our Lady’s Words: “I Am The Immaculate Conception”. Sermon By: Fr. Timothy Finigan.
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
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
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