Flos Carmeli. Flower Of Carmel.

Text is taken from Wikipedia - the free encyclopaedia,
unless otherwise stated.

Flos Carmeli is a Marian Catholic Hymn and Prayer. Flos Carmeli literally means "Flower of Carmel". In The Carmelite Rite, this Hymn was the Sequence for The Feast of Saint Simon Stock, and, since 1663, for The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. It is said to have been written by Saint Simon Stock (1165 - 1265). The Prayer is taken from the first two stanzas of the Hymn.

"Flos Carmeli".

Available on YouTube at

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"Flos Carmeli".

Available on YouTube at

YOU TUBE

Flos Carmeli, vitis florigera, splendor caeli, virgo puerpera singularis.

Mater mitis sed viri nescia Carmelitis esto propitia stella maris.

Radix Iesse germinans flosculum nos ad esse tecum in saeculum patiaris.

Inter spinas quae crescis lilium serva puras mentes fragilium tutelaris.

Armatura fortis pugnantium furunt bella tende praesidium scapularis.

Per incerta prudens consilium per adversa iuge solatium largiaris.

Mater dulcis Carmeli domina, plebem tuam reple laetitia qua bearis.

Paradisi clavis et ianua, fac nos duci quo, Mater, gloria coronaris. Amen.

Alleluia.

FLOWER of Carmel, Tall vine-blossom-laden; Splendour of heaven,

Childbearing, yet maiden. None equals thee.

Mother so tender, Whom no man didst know, On Carmel's children

Thy favours bestow. Star of the Sea.

Strong stem of Jesse, Who bore one bright flower, Be ever near us

And guard us each hour, who serve thee here.

Purest of lilies, That flowers among thorns, Bring help to the true heart

That in weakness turns and trusts in thee.

Strongest of armour, We trust in thy might: Under thy mantle,

Hard press'd in the fight, we call to thee.

Our way uncertain, Surrounded by foes, Unfailing counsel

You give to those who turn to thee.

O gentle Mother, Who in Carmel reigns, Share with your servants

That gladness you gained and now enjoy.

Hail, Gate of Heaven, With Glory now Crowned, Bring us to safety

Where thy Son is found, true joy to see. Amen.

Alleluia.

How Many Of These Do You Remember ?

Illustration: LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM SHOP

Mass For The Sunday Within The Octave Of The Epiphany.

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

Mass For The Sunday Within The Octave Of The Epiphany.

Semi-Double.

White Vestments.

[In 2017, this Mass is Celebrated on Monday, 9 January.
due to The Feast of The Holy Family taking precedence on
Sunday, 8 January 2017.]

Illustration: UNA VOCE OF ORANGE COUNTY

Artist: Rene de Cramer.

"Copyright Brunelmar/Ghent/Belgium".

Used with Permission.

From twelve-years-old, a Jew was bound each year to keep The Three Feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. In The Liturgy for Christmastide, the whole of Our Lord's childhood is put before us and today we see Him in the Temple, where, for the first time, He shows the Jews that God is His "Father" (Gospel).

"It was by no accident," says Saint Ambrose, "that this Child, Who, even according to the flesh, was full of Wisdom and Grace of God, forgetting His human parents, should wish to be found after three days in the Temple.

"By this, He intimated that, three days after The Triumph of His Passion, He, Who was believed to be dead, should rise again and so offer Himself as the object of our Faith, seated on a Heavenly Throne in Heavenly Glory. The truth is that, in His case, there is a two-fold birth; the one by which He is begotten by The Father, the other by which He is born of a Mother.

"The first is wholly Divine; by the second, He humbles Himself to take our nature" (Third Nocturn). This "Man sitting upon a High Throne, Whom a multitude of Angels Adore, singing together" (Introit) is, therefore, that Divine Child, Who is shown to us in today's Gospel.

"Sitting in the midst of the doctors, who "were astonished at his wisdom and answers", Moreover, since, "as God hath delivered to everyone the measure of Faith" (Epistle), Christian Souls form but "one body in Christ" (Epistle), they ought to be penetrated with the wisdom of Him who, far from "conforming Himself to the maxims of this World," reforms "and rules human life according to The Will of God" (Epistle).

"Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business ?" said the young boy, Jesus. This wholly supernatural wisdom, whose guiding principles exceed, without destroying, those of the natural order, is beyond our unaided powers. While seeking to curb our flesh by the mortification which such wisdom enjoins, sacrificing, at times, even the most lawful affection, in pursuance of a Divine Call which draws children from their parents' side, the plans of Almighty God must needs remain for us hidden Mysteries to be accepted without being completely understood.

"They understood not the word that He spoke unto them" (Gospel). Following Mary, who "kept all these words in her heart" (Gospel), let us meditate on the sublimity of Jesus' words and actions in the Temple. Like this Child, Whose whole life at Nazareth is summed up in the one word "subjection" (Gospel), let us grow in wisdom so that always we may "perceive what we ought to do," and in strength "to fulfil the same" (Collect).

Mass: In excélso.

Second Collect: Of The Epiphany (if during The Octave).

Creed: If during The Octave.

Preface: Of The Epiphany (if during The Octave).

Communicantes: If during The Octave.

Original Portrait Of Charles Dickens’ Wife Found Beneath Cover-Up.

Text and Illustration from FINE BOOKS AND COLLECTIONS

Catherine Dickens.

Illustration: FINE BOOKS AND COLLECTIONS

The Charles Dickens Museum in London reported that it discovered an original portrait of Catherine Dickens, wife of Charles Dickens. In a curious twist, the painting was discovered by X-ray beneath the portrait many believed to be the original. As it turns out, the original painting was extensively over-painted, perhaps after a botched attempt to clean it.

The Museum was gifted the portrait in 1996 and has treasured it for twenty years as one of only two paintings of Catherine in the Museum’s collection.

In May of 2016, however, some gaps in the painting’s provenance were discovered, raising concerns about its authenticity. During cataloging of the Museum’s art holdings, concerns were raised about the way the paint was handled in some places, which seemed amateur. The original painter, Daniel Maclise, was unlikely to have painted in such a manner.

The remainder of this Article can be read at FINE BOOKS AND COLLECTIONS

Feast Of The Holy Family. Sunday Within The Octave Of The Epiphany. "Jesus, Mary And Joseph Hallowed Family Life."

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

Feast of The Holy Family.

Sunday within The Octave of The Epiphany.

Greater-Double.

White Vestments.

[EDITOR: WHEN FAMILY LIFE IS UNDER ATTACK FROM ALL QUARTERS, NOWADAYS, LET US CONTINUALLY PRAY TO THE HOLY FAMILY FOR SUPPORT, GUIDANCE, AND HELP.]

The Holy Family.

Illustration: UNA VOCE OF ORANGE COUNTY

Artist: Rene de Cramer.

"Copyright Brunelmar/Ghent/Belgium".

Used with Permission.

"Is it not fitting," says Pope Leo XIII, "to Celebrate The Royal Birth of The Son of The Supreme Father, of The House of David and the Glorious Names of that ancient Line ?" Yet, it is more consoling for us to call to memory the little house at Nazareth and the humble life lived there; thus Celebrating The Hidden Life of Our Lord.

"The Feast of The Holy Family".

Available on YouTube at

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For there, The Divine Child received His training in Joseph's humble trade; there, hidden and sheltered, He grew up and showed Himself ready to share the toil of a Carpenter's life. "Let the moisture," he seemed to say, "trickle over my limbs before they are drenched with the torrent of My Blood, and the pain of this labour shall go to stone for the sins of men."

Close to The Divine Child is His Tender Mother; close to Joseph stands his devoted wife, happy to relieve their toil and suffering by her loving care. O Thou, Who wast not free from toil and care and Who hast known adversity, come to the aid of the unfortunate, crippled by poverty and struggling against the difficulties of life" (Hymn for Matins).

In this lowly dwelling at Nazareth, by practising the domestic virtues of charity, obedience, mutual help and regard, Jesus, Mary and Joseph hallowed family life (Collect, Epistle, and Gospel). There, too, they constantly found joy and peace in Recollection and Prayer in Common.

May The Great Christian Family practise here on Earth The Virtues of The Holy Family, so meriting a life in Their Blessed Company in Heaven (Collect).

Pope Benedict XV, being desirous of securing for Souls The Blessings flowing from Meditation on The Virtues of The Holy Family and from their imitation, extended this Feast to The Universal Church, fixing its observance for The Sunday in The Octave of The Epiphany.

When this Sunday happens to be The Octave Day of The Epiphany, The Feast of The Holy Family is kept on the day before.

When The Feast is observed on a Sunday, every Parish Priest Celebrates Mass for the people of his Parish.

Mass: Exsúltat gáudio.
Commemoration: Of The Sunday within The Octave of The Epiphany..
Commemoration: Of The Octave of The Epiphany.
Gospel: Cum factus esset. As on The Sunday within The Octave of The Epiphany.
The Creed: Is said.
Preface: Of The Epiphany.
Communicantes: Of The Epiphany.
Last Gospel: The Gospel of Saint John.

The Sunday within The Octave of The Epiphany being now occupied by The Feast of The Holy Family, The Mass of The Sunday within The Octave of The Epiphany is Celebrated on a Week-Day.

If The Feast of The Holy Family falls on any date from 7 January to 11 January, The Mass of The Sunday within The Octave of The Epiphany is Celebrated on the following day, Monday (8 January to 17 January). [Editor: This is what will happen this year (2017).]

If The Feast of The Holy Family falls on 12 January, The Mass of The Sunday within The Octave of The Epiphany is not Celebrated at all, for want of a free day.

If The Epiphany (6 January) and its Octave Day (13 January) fall on a Sunday, The Mass of The Holy Family (with The Commemoration of The Sunday within The Octave of The Epiphany, and The Commemoration of The Octave) is said "in anticipation" on Saturday, 12 January, and The Mass of The Sunday within The Octave Of The Epiphany is Transferred to Saturday, 19 January, the only free day. In this case, it is said with the Gloria, but without the Credo, with the Preface, but without the Communicantes of The Epiphany, and with the Gospel "Pastores" (from The Second Mass at Christmas), as Last Gospel.

Latin Mass, Sung By The Saint Ann Choir, Saint Thomas Aquinas Church, Palo Alto, California. 1200 hrs, On Sunday, 8 January 2017.

Illustration: NEW LITURGICAL MOVEMENT

"Sweet Heart Of Jesus".

"Sweet Heart of Jesus".

Sung by: Regina Nathan.

Available on YouTube at

YOU TUBE

Inside Antarctica’s Catholic Ice Chapel. The World’s Most Southerly Church.

Text and Illustration: CHURCHPOP

Antarctica is an amazing giant Continent at The South Pole. Braving Winter temperatures of over a hundred degrees Fahrenheit below zero, a few thousand people live there at any given time. And, because, like most people, they have spiritual needs, there are a number of Chapels at various government Bases.

It just so happens that the Southernmost Chapel (of any Religion) is a Catholic Chapel at the Argentinian Belgrano II Base (still over 800 miles from The South Pole). And it has a unique attribute: It is carved out of pure ice.

That’s right, it’s in a permanent ice cave.

"In The Beginning, God Created Heaven And Earth . . ."

Illustration: NASA

The Epiphany Of Our Lord. 6 January.

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

The Epiphany of Our Lord.
6 January.

Station at Saint Peter's.

Indulgence of 30 Years and 30 Quarantines.

Double of The First-Class.

Privileged Octave of The Second Order.

White Vestments.

God manifests Himself to The Magi by a Star.

Illustration: UNA VOCE OF ORANGE COUNTY

Artist: Rene de Cramer.

"Copyright Brunelmar/Ghent/Belgium".

Used with Permission.

This Feast was kept in The East from the 3rd-Century A.D., and its observance spread to The West towards the end of the 4th-Century A.D. The word "Epiphany" means "Manifestation", and, just as at Christmas, it is the Mystery of God appearing in visible form; only, no longer does He show Himself to the Jews, alone, but, "on this day", it is "to the Gentiles that God reveals His Son (Collect).

In a magnificent vision, Isaias beheld The Church as typified by Jerusalem, whither should flock Kings and Nations, the "multitude of the sea" and the "strength of the Gentiles", coming from afar with countless caravans, singing The Lord's praises and bringing Him Frankincense and Gold (Epistle). "The Kings of the Earth shall Adore Him, all Nations shall Serve Him" (Offertory). In today's Gospel, we see this Prophecy fulfilled.

While at Christmas we extolled the union of Our Lord's Divinity with His Humanity, at The Epiphany we honour the mystic union of Souls with Christ. "This day, a Star led The Wise Men to The Manger; this day, water was turned into wine at the marriage feast; this day, Christ chose to be Baptised by John in The Jordan for our Salvation, Alleluia." [Antiphon for Second Vespers.]

So we read in today's Liturgy, which thus connects this Feast with that of The Octave Day and of The Second Sunday after The Epiphany.

At Saint Peter's, where are the Relics of The Church's first visible Head, The Liturgical Celebration of the entry of the Gentiles into The Church takes place. "In the Adoring Magi," says Saint Leo, "let us acknowledge the first-fruits of our own Calling and Faith; and let us Commemorate, with hearts full of joy, the foundations of this, our Blessed Hope. For, from this moment, we have begun to enter our Heavenly Patrimony."

Every Parish Priest says Mass for the people of his Parish.

Mass: Ecce advénit.
Preface: For The Epiphany. [Said throughout The Octave.]
Communicantes: For The Epiphany. [Said throughout The Octave.]

Solemnity of The Epiphany.

In Countries where The Epiphany is not a Holiday of Obligation, The Solemn Celebration may be observed (and The Indulgences gained) on the following Sunday.

One Sung Mass may be Celebrated as on The Feast itself, the others being of The Feast of The Holy Family, with Commemoration and Last Gospel of The Sunday. The same Commemoration and Last Gospel are said in The Mass of The Solemnity, unless there be also a Sung Mass of The Holy Family.

Another New Location For The Traditional Mass. High Mass For The Epiphany Of Our Lord. Friday, 6 January 2017. 1900 hrs. At Saint John The Baptist Church, Jersey City.

Saint John the Baptist Church,

3026 John F. Kennedy Boulevard,

Jersey City,

United States of America.

1900 hrs (7 p.m.).

Within walking distance of

the PATH Train Station, Journal Square.

There is a Parking Lot behind

the 

Church on Huron Avenue.

Feast Of The Epiphany: Special Tones For The Chanting Of The Gospel And Proclamation Of The Date Of Easter And The Moveable Feasts For 2017.

Text and Illustrations are taken from NEW LITURGICAL MOVEMENT

Our good friends of The Schola Sainte Cécile have posted two items of interest for the upcoming Feast of The Epiphany; a Special Tone for the Chanting for the Gospel, and the Proclamation of The Date of Easter and of The Movable Feasts, which is Traditionally made after the Gospel, for the year 2017.

The Tone of the latter, also known from its first word as The Noveritis, is basically the same as that of The Exsultet. I have heard this special Gospel Tone at Mass, and it is really quite beautiful.

If you should decide to use these pieces in The Liturgy, you can download them in PDF Format, with some very nice decorations, at the following links: PDF of the Gospel; PDF of the Noveritis.

The following Text is from THE CHANT CAFÉ

The proclamation of the date of Easter, and other moveable Feasts for the forthcoming year, was one of the many things that was a practical necessity in time of old, but is kept within Liturgical use (similar to Candles providing light at Mass). It is something any Parish can use for the forthcoming Feast of The Epiphany.

"Star Of Wonder, Star Of Night . . ."

Illustration: RORATE CAELI

"Star of Wonder, Star of Night".

Available on YouTube at

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The famous American Carol, We Three Kings Of Orient Are, was written in 1857 by Rev. John Henry Hopkins. The Minister is reputed to have written the Carol for the General Theological Seminary in New York City,as part of their Christmas pageant.

The Eighteenth Century.

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

18th-century.

English: Washington, Crossing The Delaware.

Leutze's depiction of Washington's attack on the Hessians,

at Trenton, on the morning of 26 December 1776.

Français: Washington traversant le Delaware.

Українська: Вашингтон перетинає Делавар.

Artist: Emanuel Leutze (1816–1868).

Date: 1851.

Current location: Metropolitan Museum of Art,

New York, United States of America.

Source/Photographer: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

(Wikimedia Commons)

English: Portrait of Pope Clement XIII.

Date: 1758.

Current location: Bologna Pinacoteca Nazionale.

The practice of The Forty Hours Devotion,

which goes back to the 16th-Century or 17th-Century,

was regulated by Pope Clement XIII in 1765.

Nederlands: Anton Raphael Mengs (1728-1779).

Portret van paus Clemens XIII (1758).

Bologna Pinacoteca Nazionale

Source: Picture taken and uploaded by Paul Hermans.

Author: Anton Raphael Mengs (1728–1779).

(Wikimedia Commons)

Pope Innocent XIII.

Artist: Unknown.

Date: 18th-Century.

In 1721, Pope Innocent XIII granted the extension to the whole World

of The Feast of The Holy Name of Jesus (now fixed on

2 January or The Sunday before Epiphany).

Source/Photographer: from en:Wikipedia.

This File: 4 June 2013.

User: Bede735c.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Servant of God,

Pope Benedict XIII.

In 1726, Pope Benedict XIII Consecrated The Basilica of Saint John Lateran, which had been restored, and caused this event to be Commemorated every year by The Feast of The Dedication of The Arch-Basilica of Our Saviour (9 November). In the following year, he extended The Feast of The Seven Sorrows of Our Lady to the whole Church, which is kept on The Friday in Passion Week.

Date of File: 1 February 2013.

Source: http://www.wannenesgroup.com/lotto.php?type=1&id_asta=185&perpage=24&page=6&id_lotto=25419#prettyPhoto

Author: Unknown 18th-Century painter.

(Wikimedia Commons)

18th-century.

Saint John Baptist de la Salle Founded the very useful and prosperous Institute of The Christian Schools. († 1719. Feast Day 15 May.)

In 1716, The Feast of The Holy Rosary (7 October) was extended by Pope Clement XI to the Universal Church to Commemorate the fresh defeat of The Turks at Peterwardein by The Holy Roman Emperor, Charles VI.

In 1721, Pope Innocent XIII granted the extension to the whole World of The Feast of The Holy Name of Jesus (now fixed on 2 January, or the Sunday before Epiphany).

18th-century.

In 1726, Pope Benedict XIII Consecrated The Basilica of Saint John Lateran, which had been restored and caused this event to be Commemorated every year by The Feast of The Dedication of The Arch-Basilica of Our Saviour (9 November). In the following year, the same Pope extended to the whole Church The Feast of The Seven Sorrows of Our Lady, which is kept on The Friday in Passion Week. [Editor: Please Note: The following is from CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA There are two Feasts of The Seven Sorrows of Our Lady: They are The Friday before Palm Sunday (a Major Double) and The Third Sunday in September (a Double of The Second-Class).]

Saint Pompilius Pirotti († 1756. Feast Day 15 July) was a Clerk Regular of The Pious Schools.

Saint Alphonsus of Liguori († 1787. Feast Day 2 August) established The Congregation of The Most Holy Redeemer. The writings of thy Holy Doctor did much to repair the harm done by Jansenist rigour-ism.

18th-century.

Saint Paul of The Cross († 1775. Feast Day 28 April) Founded The Institute of The Passionists.

The practice of The Forty Hours Devotion, which goes back to the 16th-Century or the 17th-Century, was regulated by Pope Clement XIII in 1765.

At the end of this Century of unbelief, the revolutionary tempest burst forth. Several Martyrs of that period have been Beatified.

Vigil Of The Epiphany. 5 January.

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

Vigil of The Epiphany.
5 January.

Semi-Double.

Privileged Octave of The Second-Class.

White Vestments.

God manifests Himself to The Magi by a Star.

Illustration: UNA VOCE OF ORANGE COUNTY

Artist: Rene de Cramer.

“Copyright Brunelmar/Ghent/Belgium”.

Used with Permission.

For the third time, an Angel appeared to Joseph (Gospel). He told him to return to Palestine, for Herod had just died in dreadful torment, such as Heaven reserves for those who persecute. His son, Archelaus, on ascending the throne, put to death three thousand of his subjects.

["An Angel of The Lord appeared to him (Joseph) in his sleep, saying: "Joseph, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife" (Gospel of The Vigil of Christmas).

"An Angle of The Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph, saying: "Fly into Egypt, and be there until I shall tell thee." (Gospel of The Holy Innocents.)

"Joseph feared for Jesus, and it was under these circumstances that he was once more told in a dream to retire to Nazareth. ["Nazareth", in Hebrew, means "The Flower of Galilee", owing to the beauty of the site on which the town is built]].

Vespers: Commemoration of The Vigil: Puer Jesus. Versicle: Notum fecit Dóminus, allelúia. Responsory: Salutáre suum, allelúia. And Commemoration of Saint Telesphorus: Antiphon: Iste sanctus. Versicle: Glória.
Mass: For The Sunday within The Octave of Christmas.
Gospel: Defúncto Heróde.
Commemoration: Of Saint Telesphorus.
Third Collect: Of The Blessed Virgin Mary.
Preface: For Christmas.

Solemn High Mass. Saint Francis Xavier Church, Hyannis, Massachusetts.

Illustration: NEW LITURGICAL MOVEMENT

Octave Of The Holy Innocents. 4 January.

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

Octave of The Holy Innocents.
4 January.

Simple.

Red Vestments.

Massacre of The Innocents.

Artist: Matteo di Giovanni (1435–1495).

Date: 1488.

Current location: National Museum of Capodimonte, Naples, Italy.

Source/Photographer: The Yorck Project: 10.000 Meisterwerke der Malerei.

DVD-ROM, 2002. 

SBN 3936122202. Distributed by DIRECTMEDIA Publishing GmbH.

Permission: [1].

(Wikimedia Commons)

Vespers: Antiphon: Hi sunt. Versicle: Heródes.
Mass: Ex ore infántium.
Gloria in excelsis: Is said.
Alleluia and Versicle after The Gradual: Are said.
Ite Missa est: Is said.
Creed: Is not said.
Preface: For Christmas.

Always Remember The Four Last Things.

The last photograph of The Titanic.

1912.

Illustration: PINTEREST

Musée De La Visitation, Moulins, France.

Illustration: MUSÉE-VISITATION

From NEW LITURGICAL MOVEMENT
of 13 September 2012.

Our Post from yesterday, about the Liturgical treasury of the French Cathedral of Le Puy-en-Velay, resulted in the following being brought to our attention, which shows The Visitation Museum in Moulins, France, where "nearly ten thousand Chalices, Chasubles, and silk Liturgical items have been produced and preserved by The Sisters of The Visitation of Holy Mary."

Sacred Silk and other displays of

The Visitation Museum, France.

Available on YouTube at

YOU TUBE

Magnificent embroidery skills on display at

MUSÉE DE LA VISITATION

The  following Text from MUSÉE-VISITATION

The Museum of The Visitation is a private organisation run by the Association "Regard sur la Visitation", whose goals are: Safeguarding and promoting the artistic and Religious heritage of the Monasteries of The Order of The Visitation; create and maintain a Museum, in Moulins, France, dedicated to The Order of The Visitation and its heritage.

To achieve its objectives, the Museum relies on a Scientific Committee consisting of historians, researchers and professionals in the Museum World. Eighty-seven Monasteries of The Sainte Marie Visitation Order, settled in nineteen Countries of Europe, Middle East, North and South America, decided to save their artistic patrimony by deposing some masterpieces into The Museum of Moulins, France. Moulins is the City where Sainte Jeanne de Chantal Fremyot, the Co-Foundress of The Order, died.

Superb needlework on display at

MUSÉE DE LA VISITATION

Year after year, the number of pieces has increased considerably and now it exceeds 8,000. Encompassing a period that extends from the 15th- to the 21st-Century, these pieces relate the history and the patrimony of a Monastic Order which was present in France (160 Foundations) and which extends all over the World.

"All Heart" — Burning Love of The Sacred Heart.

http://visitationspirit.org/2013/06/o... -- "Behold this Heart that has so greatly loved people." 

These words of Jesus Christ to the humble Sister Margaret Mary Alacoque, Centuries ago, are echoed in the beautiful Vestments, Liturgical objects, and other artifacts at a special exhibit displayed  in 2013 at The Musée de la Visitation, Moulins, France.

The Museum hosted "A tout coeur," (All Heart), an exhibition of works of art and love centered around The Devotion to The Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Order the book (in French) on The Museum's Sacred Heart exhibit at http://www.visitationspirit.org/allheart.

Available on YouTube at

YOU TUBE

The Collection is as various as the furniture and objects necessary for life in a Community. Some pieces have prestigious origins; Relics of famous Saints, donations of illustrious or Royal people. Others are the fruits of the patient work of The Visitandines, women having left society for a life of Prayer, following The Rules defined by their Co-Founder, Saint Francis de Sales.

You can hear the interview of Gérard Picaud, administrator of the Museum, by Elodie Courtejoie from Canal Académie.

Chasubles on display.

Illustration: MUSÉE DE LA VISITATION

Octave Of Saint John. Apostle And Evangelist. Today, 3 January.

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

Octave of Saint John.
Apostle and Evangelist.
3 January.

Simple.

White Vestments.

Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist.

Illustration: UNA VOCE OF ORANGE COUNTY

Artist: Rene de Cramer.

"Copyright Brunelmar/Ghent/Belgium".

Used with Permission.

Vespers: Antiphon: Iste est. Versicle: Valde.
Mass: In médio.
Creed: Is not said.
Preface: Of The Apostles.

"Ave Maria". Olga Szyrowa (Soprano). Pasja (Passion of the Christ). 2004.

"Ave Maria".

Olga Szyrowa (Soprano).

Pasja (Passion of the Christ).

2004.

Available on YouTube at

YOU TUBE

It would be extremely interesting if any of our Polish or Russian Readers could shed some light on the career of Olga Szyrowa, please.

Zephyrinus has received several requests for information on this wonderful Soprano, but, unfortunately, there is no information available on the Internet.

So, help, please, from our Polish and Russian Readership.

Please leave information in the Comments Box.

The Seven Corporal Works Of Mercy. Plus, The Seven Spiritual Works Of Mercy.

Text from Wikipedia - the free encyclopaedia,
unless otherwise stated.

The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy,

by The Master of Alkmaar,

made for the Church of Saint Lawrence,

in Alkmaar, Netherlands.

Artist: Master of Alkmaar.

Date: Circa 1504.

Current location: Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen,

Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Credit Line: Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen.

Source/Photographer: www.geheugenvannederland.nl

(Wikimedia Commons)

Stained-Glass Window

in the Nave of Saint Bonaventure's Church,

Raeville, Nebraska, 

United States of America.

Seven of the eight Nave Windows depict

The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy.

The German inscription at the bottom 

reads:

"Die Hungrigen speisen",

"Feed The Hungry".

Photo: 31 October 2010.

Source: Own work.

Author: Ammodramus.

(Wikimedia Commons)

THE SEVEN CORPORAL

WORKS OF MERCY.

Feed The Hungry.

Give Drink To The Thirsty.

Clothe The Naked.

Shelter The Homeless.

Visit The Sick.

Visit Those In Prison.

Bury The Dead.

Stained-Glass Window

in the Nave of Saint Bonaventure's Church,

Raeville, Nebraska, 

United States of America.

Seven of the eight Nave Windows depict

The Corporal Works of Mercy.

The German inscription at the bottom reads:

"Die Durstigen tränken",

"Give Drink To The Thirsty".

Photo: 31 October 2010.

Source: Own work.

Author: Ammodramus.

(Wikimedia Commons)

The January 2016 Online Issue of THE PORTAL,

the monthly review of The Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham,

has an Article on The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy,

by Auntie Joanna (Joanna Bogle). It can be found at THE PORTAL

Pray For The Dead.

One of The Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy.

Illustration: FAITHPUB

THE SEVEN SPIRITUAL

WORKS OF MERCY.

Admonish Sinners.

Instruct The Ignorant.

Counsel The Doubtful.

Comfort The Sorrowful.

Bear Wrongs Patiently.

Forgive Injuries.

Pray For The Living And The Dead.

"I Got Life".

Illustration: GOOGLE IMAGES

"I Got Life".

Nina Simone.

Available on YouTube at

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Octave Day Of Saint Stephen. First Martyr. Today, 2 January.

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

Octave of Saint Stephen.
First Martyr.
2 January.

Simple.

Red Vestments.

The Martyrdom of Saint Stephan.

Illustration: UNA VOCE OF ORANGE COUNTY

Artist: Rene de Cramer.

“Copyright Brunelmar/Ghent/Belgium”.

Used with Permission.

Mass: Sedérunt príncipes (as on The Day of The Feast, with the exception of the following):
Collect: Omnípotens sempíterne Deus.
Creed: Is not said.
Preface: For Christmas.

A Very Happy And Prosperous New Year To All Readers Of This Blog. "Big Ben" Strikes Again.

The Elizabeth Tower,

at the North End of The Palace of Westminster, London.

"Big Ben" is the nickname of The Great Bell of the Clock,

located in The Elizabeth Tower,

which rings out the chimes.

Photo: 11 August 2014.

Source: Own work.

Author: Diego Delso.

(Wikimedia Commons)

"Big Ben" Strikes Twelve.

Happy New Year.

Available on YouTube at

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The main Bell, officially known as The Great Bell, is the largest Bell in the Tower and part of The Great Clock of Westminster. The Bell is better known by the nickname "Big Ben".

The original Bell was a 16 ton (16.3-tonne) Hour Bell, cast on 6 August 1856, in Stockton-on-Tees, by John Warner and Sons. The Bell was named in honour of Sir Benjamin Hall, and his name is inscribed on it. However, another theory, for the origin of the name, is that the Bell may have been named after a contemporary heavyweight boxer, Benjamin Caunt. It is thought that the Bell was originally to be called Victoria, or Royal Victoria, in honour of Queen Victoria, but that an MP suggested the nickname during a Parliamentary Debate; the comment is not recorded in Hansard.

Since the Tower was not yet finished, the Bell was mounted in New Palace Yard. Cast in 1856, the first Bell was transported to the Tower on a trolley, drawn by sixteen horses, with crowds cheering its progress. Unfortunately, it cracked beyond repair while being tested and a replacement had to be made.

Engraving of the second 'Big Ben',

taken from The Illustrated News of the World,

4 December 1858.

Date: 14 November 2009 (original upload date).

Source: Transferred from en.wikipedia;

Transferred to Commons by User:Igitur using CommonsHelper.

Author: Original uploader was Jack1956 at en.wikipedia.

(Wikimedia Commons)

The Bell was re-cast on 10 April 1858, at The Whitechapel Bell Foundry, as a 13½ ton (13.76-tonne) Bell. This was pulled 200 ft (61.0 m) up to The Clock Tower’s Belfry, a feat that took eighteen hours. The Bell is 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m) tall and 9 feet (2.74 m) diameter. This new Bell first chimed in July 1859. In September 1859, it, too, cracked when hit by the Hammer, a mere two months after it officially went into service.

According to the Foundry's manager, George Mears, Denison had used a hammer more than twice the maximum weight specified. For three years, Big Ben was taken out of commission, and "The Hours" were struck on the lowest of The Quarter Bells, until it was re-installed. To make the repair, a square piece of metal was chipped out from the rim, around the crack, and the Bell given an eighth of a turn, so the new Hammer struck in a different place.

Big Ben has chimed with a slightly different tone ever since and is still in use today, complete with the crack. At the time of its casting, Big Ben was the largest Bell in The British Isles until "Great Paul", a 16¾ ton (17 tonne) Bell, currently hung in Saint Paul's Cathedral, was cast in 1881.

Whenever Big Ben is out of service, for repair or maintenance, its replacement is "Great Tom", which is hung in the nearby Saint Paul's Cathedral.

The Circumcision Of Our Lord And Octave Of The Nativity. Feast Day 1 January.

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

The Circumcision of Our Lord and Octave of The Nativity.
Feast Day 1 January.

Station at Saint Mary's-beyond-the-Tiber.

Indulgence of 30 years and 30 Quarantines.

Double of The Second-Class.

Privileged Octave Day.

White Vestments.

The Circumcision of Our Lord.

Illustration: UNA VOCE OF ORANGE COUNTY

Artist: Rene de Cramer.

“Copyright Brunelmar/Ghent/Belgium”.

Used with Permission.

In The Liturgy of today, three Feasts are really included.

The first Feast, that which was known in the ancient Sacramentaries as "On The Octave-Day of Our Lord". So, The Mass is largely borrowed from those of Christmas.

By the second Feast, we are reminded that it is to Mary, after Almighty God, that we owe Our Lord, Himself. For this reason, formerly a second Mass was Celebrated in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, in honour of The Mother of God. Some traces of this Mass remain in the Collect, Secret and Postcommunion, which are the same as in The Votive Mass of The Blessed Virgin Mary. The Psalms at Vespers are also the same as on The Feasts of Our Lady.

The third Feast is The Circumcision, which has been kept since the 6th-Century A.D. Moses commanded that all the young Israelites should undergo this rite on the eighth day after birth (Gospel). It is a type of Baptism, by which a man is spiritually circumcised.

"See," says Saint Ambrose, "how the whole sequence of The Old Law foreshadowed that which was to come; for circumcision signifies the blotting out of sins. He who is spiritually circumcised, by the rooting up of his vices, is judged worthy of The Lord's favour.

"While speaking of the first drops of His Sacred Blood that Our Redeemer shed for the cleansing of our Souls, The Church emphasises the thought of the cutting out of all that is evil in us". "Jesus Christ . . . gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity and cleanse us" (Epistle). "O Lord
. . . cleanse us by these Heavenly Mysteries" (Secret). "May this Communion, O Lord, purify us from sin" (Postcommunion).

Every Parish Priest celebrates Mass for the people of his Parish.

Mass: Puer natus est nobis.
Preface: For Christmas.
Communicantes: For Christmas.