Notre Dame de Rouen. The façade of the Gothic Church in France. Photographer: Hippo1947. Licence: SHUTTERSTOCK.

Monday 8 May 2017

Apparition Of Saint Michael The Archangel. Feast Day 8 May.


Text from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal,

unless stated otherwise.

The Apparition of Saint Michael the Archangel.
   Feast Day 8 May.

Greater-Double.

White Vestments.



Saint Michael the Archangel.
Artist: Guido Reni (1575–1642).
Date: Circa 1636.
Current location: Church of Santa Maria della Concezione, 
Rome, Italy.
Source/Photographer: The Yorck Project: 10.000 Meisterwerke der Malerei.
DVD-ROM, 2002. ISBN 3936122202. Distributed by 
DIRECTMEDIA Publishing GmbH.
Permission: [1].
(Wikimedia Commons)




Saint Michael The Archangel Prayer.
Available on YouTube at

The Easter Feasts are those of Angelical Spirits, for The Resurrection "gives joy also to The Angels," says Saint Gregory, "because, in opening Heaven to us, again, it makes up for the losses which their ranks had sustained."

The Feast of The Apparition of Saint Michael, the Chief of The Celestial Hosts, shows forth, in this Paschaltide, all the grandeur of The Saviour's Triumph.

Saint Michael, himself, comes to defend us in battle (Alleluia). He came down from Heaven (Ibid) and appeared in Italy, towards 525 A,D,, under the Pontificate of Pope Gelasius I, in Apulia, on the summit of Monte Gargano, near the Adriatic and the ancient Sipontum.

He requested that a Sanctuary should be erected to him, where God should be Worshipped, in Memory of himself and all The Angels, and this place became celebrated on account of numerous Miracles.

Mass: Benedícite Dóminum.



English: Archangel Michael 
saving Souls from Purgatory.
Artist: Jacopo Vignali.
Date: 17th-Century.
Italiano: Jacopo vignali. 
San michele arcangelo libera le anime del purgatorio.
Source: Giovanni Piccirillo (a cura di).
La chiesa dei Santi Michele e Gaetano,
Becocci Editore, Firenze 2006.
Author: sailko.
(Wikimedia Commons)

The following Text is from Wikipedia - the free encyclopaedia.

Saint Michael the Archangel is referred to in The Old Testament and has been part of Christian teachings since the earliest times. Throughout the Centuries, specific Roman Catholic Traditions and views on Saint Michael have taken shape, as recently as the 19th- and 20th-Centuries.

A specific "Prayer to Saint Michael" was promoted by Pope Leo XIII in 1886, and, as recently as 1994, was reinforced by Pope Saint John Paul II, who encouraged the Catholic Faithful to continue to Pray it, saying: "I ask everyone not to forget it and to recite it to obtain help in the battle against forces of darkness."

Saint Michael has specific roles, within Roman Catholic teachings, that range from, acting as the chief opponent of Satan, to saving Souls at the hour of death. Roman Catholic literature and Traditions continue to point to Saint Michael in contexts as varied as the protection of The Catholic Church, to The Consecration of Russia, by Pope Pius XII and Pope Saint John Paul II.


PRAYER
TO SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL


added by Pope Leo XIII, in 1886,
to The Leonine Prayers,
at The Foot of The Altar,
after Low Mass.



Pope Leo XIII, 
in 1880.

Source: 1880 book on Pope Leo XIII.
Author: Karl Benzinger.
(Wikimedia Commons)



Holy Michael Archangel,
defend us in the day of battle;

be our safeguard against the wickedness
and snares of the devil.

May God rebuke him,
we humbly Pray,

and do thou,
Prince of the Heavenly host,

by the power of God,
thrust down to Hell,

Satan and all wicked spirits,
who wander through the world
for the ruin of Souls.

Amen.





Čeština: Chrám svatého Michala v Kyjevě.
Photo: 2005.
Source: Own work.
Author: Dezidor.
(Wikimedia Commons)

The following Text is from Wikipedia - the free encyclopaedia.

The Prayer to Saint Michael is an Invocation, used mainly by Catholics, addressed to Michael the Archangel.

Pope Leo XIII added it, in 1886, to The Leonine Prayers, which he had directed to be said after Low Mass, two years earlier. Pope Saint John Paul II referred to The Saint Michael Prayer in his Regina Coeli Address of 24 April 1994, as follows:

"May Prayer strengthen us for the spiritual battle that The Letter to the Ephesians speaks of:

'Be strong in The Lord and in the strength of His Might' (Ephesians 6:10). The Book of Revelation refers to this same battle, recalling before our eyes the image of Saint Michael The Archangel (cf. Revelation 12:7).

Pope Leo XIII certainly had this picture in mind when, at the end of the 19th-Century, he brought in, throughout The Church, a special Prayer to Saint Michael: 'Saint Michael The Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil . . .'

Although this Prayer is no longer recited at the end of Mass, I ask everyone not to forget it and to recite it to obtain help in the battle against the forces of darkness and against the spirit of this World."

Priests Learning The Extraordinary Form Mass At Saint John Cantius, Chicago, Illinois.



              


Illustration: NEW LITURGICAL MOVEMENT

This Article is taken from, and can be read in full at, NEW LITURGICAL MOVEMENT

This week (Friday, 5 May 2017), Priests from across the USA and Canada are with The Canons Regular of Saint John Cantius, Chicago, Illinois, learning the Ceremonies of The Latin Mass.

The Priests participated in Solemn High Mass for The feast of Mary, Queen of Poland (3 May) at Saint John Cantius Church, Chicago Illinois, United States of America.


Illustration: NEW LITURGICAL MOVEMENT

Since being asked by Cardinal Francis George, O.M.I. in 2007, The Canons Regular have hosted sixty-five Workshops in The Latin Mass in Chicago and locations around the World, helping over 1,000 Priests to learn The Extraordinary Form of The Mass.

For more information about these Workshops, click HERE.

Sunday 7 May 2017

Saint Stanislaus. Bishop And Martyr. Patron Saint Of Poland. Feast Day, Today, 7 May.


Text from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal,
unless otherwise stated.

Saint Stanislaus.
   Bishop and Martyr.
   Feast Day 7 May.

Double.

Red Vestments.


Saint Stanislaus.
Artist: Stanisław Samostrzelnik (1485–1541).
Date: 1530-1535.
Current location: National Library of Poland.
Source/Photographer: Polona.pl
(Wikimedia Commons)

Saint Stanislaus, born in Poland, was made Bishop of Cracow in 1072. He became an object of hatred to King Boleslas II, whom he reproached for his tyranny and dissolute life. One day, while the Saint was saying Mass, the King rushed at him and slew him (Collect). This was in 1079. Saint Stanislaus is the Patron of Poland.

Mass: Protexisti.


English: Coat-of-Arms of Poland.
Polski: Godło Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej.
Date: 17 December 2006 (published on Commons).
Author: Original; Polish Government.
Smoothing by Maciej Jaros (Commons: Nux, wiki-pl: Nux).
(Wikimedia Commons)


The Polish National Anthem.
Available on YouTube at

The following Text is from Wikipedia - the free encyclopaedia.

Stanislaus of Szczepanów, or Stanisław Szczepanowski, (26 July 1030 – 11 April 1079) was a Bishop of Kraków, known chiefly for having been Martyred by the Polish King, Bolesław II the Bold. Stanislaus is Venerated in The Roman Catholic Church as Saint Stanislaus the Martyr (as distinct from Stanislaus Kostka).

According to Tradition, Stanisław was born at Szczepanów, a village in Lesser Poland, the only son of the noble and pious Wielisław and Bogna. He was educated at a Cathedral School in Gniezno (then the Capital of Poland) and, later, according to different sources, in Paris or Liège. On his return to Poland, Stanisław was Ordained a Priest by Lambert II Suła, Bishop of Kraków.

After the Bishop's death (1072), Stanisław was elected his successor, but accepted the Office only at the explicit command of Pope Alexander II. Stanisław was one of the earliest native Polish Bishops. He also became a Ducal Advisor and had some influence on Polish politics.

Stanisław's major accomplishments included bringing Papal Legates to Poland, and the re-establishment of a Metropolitan See, in Gniezno. The latter was a precondition for Duke Bolesław's Coronation as King, which took place in 1076. Stanisław then encouraged King Bolesław to establish Benedictine Monasteries to aid in the Christianisation of Poland.


Forty-Five Interesting Facts About Poland.
Available on YouTube at

Saturday 6 May 2017

Saint-John-Before-The-Latin-Gate. San-Giovanni-A-Porta-Latina. Feast Day 6 May.


Text is taken from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal,
unless otherwise stated.

Saint-John-Before-The-Latin Gate.
   Feast Day 6 May.

Greater-Double.

Red Vestments.



English: Basilica of Saint-John-Before-The-Latin-Gate
Italiano: San Giovanni a Porta Latina.
Français: Facade de l'Église San Giovanni a Porta Latina.
Photo: July 2009.
Source: Own work.
Author: LPLT.
(Wikimedia Commons)

Jesus had promised James and John, sons of Zebedee, that they should drink The Chalice of His Passion, so as to participate in the triumph of His Resurrection (Gospel).

The Emperor Domitian caused John to be brought to Rome and condemned him to be plunged into a cauldron of boiling oil.

But Saint John, by a striking Miracle, came forth from this torment more healthy and vigorous than before. A Sanctuary was built on this spot near The Latin Gate and Dedicated to The Holy Apostle.

There is held The Station on Passion Sunday.

Mass: Protexísti.


English: The Nave of the Basilica of Saint-John-Before-The-Latin-Gate, Rome.
Français: Nef de l'église San Giovanni a Porta Latina à Rome.
Photo: July 2009.
Source: Own work.
Author: LPLT.
(Wikimedia Commons)

The following Text is from Wikipedia - the free encyclopaedia.

San Giovanni a Porta Latina (Italian: "Saint-John-Before-The-Latin-Gate") is a Basilica Church in Rome, Italy, near the Porta Latina (on the Via Latina) of the Aurelian Wall. It is currently the Titular Church of Cardinal Franciszek Macharski, former Archbishop of Kraków.

According to Tertullian, as quoted by Saint Jerome, in the year 92 A.D., Saint John the Evangelist survived Martyrdom at Rome, under the Emperor Domitian, by being immersed in a vat of boiling oil, from which he emerged unharmed. He was later exiled to the island of Patmos.

This event was Traditionally said to have occurred at The Latin Gate (located on the Southern portion of The Roman Wall). The nearby Chapel of San Giovanni in Oleo is said to be on this very spot. The event was referred to in The Roman Martyrology, which was begun in the 7th-Century A.D., when already there was a Celebration of the event. A Feast Day in The Roman Calendar also Celebrated the event until 1960, when Pope Saint John XXIII removed most Second Feasts of a single Saint.


English: Frescoes in the Apse of the Basilica of 
Saint-John-Before-The-Latin-Gate, Rome.
Français: Fresques de l'abside de l'église San Giovanni a Porta Latina de Rome.
Photo: November 2008.
Source: Own work.
Author: LPLT.
(Wikimedia Commons)

The Tradition for the building of the Basilica of Saint-John-Before-The-Latin-Gate places its construction during the Pontificate of Pope Gelasius I (492 A.D. - 496 A.D.). This is consistent with the oldest of the roof tiles, which have the imprint of a taxation stamp for the Ostrogoth King and Ruler of Italy, Theodoric the Great (Reigned 493 A.D. -526 A.D.). One of these ancient roof tiles is now used in the Basilica as a Lectern.

In the 8th-Century A.D., the Basilica was restored by Pope Adrian I, and later the Bell-Tower and Portico were added, and, at the end of the 12th-Century, the Basilica was re-Consecrated by Pope Celestine III. In the 16th- and 17th-Centuries, a Baroque Ceiling and other Baroque features were added to the Interior.

In 1940-1941, the Baroque features were removed and the Basilica was returned to a more primitive simplicity. This last renovation was carried out by the Rosminian Fathers, who, in 1938, were given care of the Basilica and the nearby building, where they opened the Collegio Missionario Antonio Rosmini, which houses their International House of Studies.


Columns in the Nave of Saint-John-Before-The-Latin-Gate, Rome.
Photo: May 2009.
Source: Own work.
Author: LPLT.
(Wikimedia Commons)

The main entrance to the Basilica is fronted by a small Square, with a 100-year-old Cedar Tree and an 8th-Century Well-Head, nearly reproducing the aspect of the Basilica that would have been seen at the re-Consecration by Pope Celestine III in the 12th-Century.

The Portico (or Porch) of the Basilica is supported by four re-used Classical Columns (each of a different marble) supporting five Arches. The Main Door is framed with a simple mosaic of Red and Green Porphyry.

The Well-Head, from the time of Pope Adrian I, has a double row circular design around its barrel, and a Latin inscription completely around its crown: IN NOMINE PAT[RIS] ET FILII ET SPI[RITUS SANT]I - "In the name of The Father, of The Son, and of The Holy Ghost" - and a quote from the Prophet Isaiah: OMN[E]S SITIE[NTES VENITE AD AQUAS] - "All you who are thirsty come to the water", and the name of the stone-carver - EGO STEFANUS - "I am Stephen".


English: One of the oldest of the roof tiles from 
Saint-John-Before-The-Latin-Gate, Rome,
which has the imprint of a taxation stamp for the Ostrogoth King and Ruler of Italy, Theodoric the Great (Reigned 493 A.D. -526 A.D.). This ancient roof tile is now used in the Basilica as a Lectern.
Français: Lutrin de l'Église San Giovanni a Porta Latina de Rome.
Photo: July 2009.
Source: Own work.
Author: LPLT.
(Wikimedia Commons)

The Interior of the Basilica is divided into three Naves, divided by two rows of Columns, on which rest semi-circular Arches. The two Columns closest to the Sanctuary are of White Marble with deep fluting. The other Columns are of various types of Marble and Granite, capped with a diverse collection of Ionic Capitals. The Central Nave terminates with a half-hexagon Apse. Each of the three sides of the Apse opens with a large window filled with Honey-Coloured Onyx.

Occupying the ledge of the Central Window is a carved wooden Crucifixion Scene, including Saint John the Evangelist and The Blessed Virgin Mary. In front of the Altar, is a mosaic Pavement in Cosmatesque-style. The geometric pattern of Red and Green Porphyry, framed in White Marble (as well as re-used fragments of White Marble with Latin lettering), is thought to have been created before the 12th-Century. Inserted in the front step of the Altar, is the Titulus of the Basilica, of ancient origin, discovered during the renovations of 1940: "TIT. S. IOANNIS ANTE PORTAM LA[TINAM]" - "Saint John before the Latin Gate".

In 1913-1915, recently-discovered frescoes were restored above the High Altar. After this work, another search along the face of the Central Nave revealed the presence of a full circle of Mediaeval frescoes. The restoration of these frescoes was completed with the full restoration of the Basilica in 1940-1941. The Central Nave is decorated with about fifty scenes representing The Old and New Testaments, from The Creation of the World to the glorious Apocalypse of The New Jerusalem. The frescoes were executed by several artists under the direction of one Master.

Solenne Incoronazione Della Madonna Di Fatima. A Novena To Our Blessed Lady. Then The Parish Of Santissima Trinità dei Pellegrini, Rome, Italy, Will Be Consecrated To Our Lady.



The High Altar.
The Church of Santisssima Trinità dei Pellegrini, Rome, Italy.
Artist: Guido Reni (1575–1642).
Date: December 2000.
Source: Own work.
Author: Lumen roma
(Wikimedia Commons)


The Parish of Santissima Trinità dei Pellegrini, Rome, Italy,
will be Consecrated to Our Blessed Lady.
Illustration: FR. Z's BLOG

Thursday 4 May 2017

. . . And There Are Those People Who Say This All Happened By Chance. All On Its Own. Accidental, Like. Honest. Trust Me, I'm A Scientist.



Saturn, in all its glory.
Raw images from NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute.
Panoramas by Jonathan Corum/The New York Times
Illustration: THE NEW YORK TIMES
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