Leo the Great 'watching' in the Church

Wed 10th November

Memorial of Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church 

Watching in the Church - Lavra Netofa, Israel, Upper Galilea 

On Wednesday Fr. Raymond asked me to supply for he is suffering severe  ‘flu. Gospel of Luke 17:11-19.

During the time of the days of Fr. Luke’s wake we keep watch and offer this Mass for his soul.

At the same time we celebrate St. Leo the Great day.

A brief of the life of Leo is one of the proofs of the ‘watching’ in the Church for the Church.

‘Watching’ of the Church is not quiet but thrilling in influence.

Pope Benedict has just had two days in Spain, Compostello and Barcelona, the UK visit, again the vitality of the ‘watching’ in care of the Church.

Leo sets the stage of the Church at ‘watch’.

  
1. Leo the Great was Pope from 440 to 461 during the time of the invasion of Attila the Hun.

When Attila marched on Rome, Pope Leo went out to meet him and pleaded for the army to leave.

As Leo spoke, Attila saw a vision of a man in priestly robes, carrying a bare sword, and threatening to kill the invader if he did not obey Pope Leo.

2. As Leo had a great devotion to St. Peter, it is generally believed Peter was the visionary opponent to the Huns.

3. When Genseric of the Vandals invaded Rome, Pope Leo's sanctity and eloquence saved the city again.

4. Pope Leo called the Council of Chalcedon to condemn heresies of the day: Nestorianism, Monophysitism, Manichaeism, and Pelagianism.

5. He wrote letters and sermons encouraging and teaching his flock. Many of these writings survive today;
it is for these writings that Leo was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1574.

Leo’s ‘watching’ fulfilled mighty actions in the Church.

Hidden lives fulfilled that same service in God’s will.

As Fr. Luke’s life is hidden so we offer this Holy Mass in our own same hidden watching in the Church for all souls.

Memorial of Martin of Tours, bishop

St Martin of  Tours

Thursday. November 11

Saint Martin of Tours.

Phlmn 7-20

Lk: 17:20-25

In today’s gospel, we hear Jesus speaking about the kingdom of God. In his first sermon before he began his public ministry, Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is close at hand, repent and believe the goodness “(Mk 1:15).In today’s gospel Jesus tells the Pharisees, “The kingdom of God is among you” (Lk 17:21). 

The good news of salvation  preached by Jesus, forgiveness of sins, signs and wonders  and healings indicates that God’s Kingdom has been ushered in and through Jesus and yet Pharisees did not want to accept and recognise them. It is through metanoia or conversion of heart one can receive this kingdom.  

The kingdom comes to us  by grace to those who humbly like a child  invites  the Triune God to be the lord of their lives and walk each day in love under the guidance  of this Triune God.  

Today, we pray for a deeper understanding of  the presence of God’s kingdom which is the presence of the Holy Trinity dwelling within us and that we may realise that the same Triune God dwells in my fellow human beings and this calls for love, respect of other’s dignity and justice which flows from love. This truth is being reflected in the life of St. Martin of Tours whose feast we are celebrating today.

JOHN 2:13-22
FEAST OF THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA IN ROME

----- Forwarded Message ----

From: Fr. Nivard 

Sent: Mon, 8 November, 2010 19:21:11

Subject: Lateran Basilica Mass

Jesus said, ‘Destroy this temple and in three days I will rebuild it.’

  The Churches which we inherit are neither the purchase of wealth nor the creation of genius; they are the fruits of martyrdom and come of great deeds and sufferings.

   Their foundations are laid very deep, even in the preaching of Apostles, the confession of Saints, and the first victories of the Gospel, in our land. All that is so noble, in their architecture, all that captivates the eye and makes its way to the heart, is not a human imagination, but a divine gift, a moral result, a spiritual work.

   O happy they who, in a time of sorrow, avail themselves of this bond of communion with the saints of old and with the universal Church! Happy they, who when they enter within their holy space, enter in heart, into the court of Heaven!

   

Let us pray.

   God our Father, from living stones, your chosen people, you built an eternal temple to your glory. Increase the spiritual gifts you have given to your Church, so that faithful people may continue to grow into the new and eternal Jerusalem. 

   We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  

   Amen

Bidding Prayer:               

Father, You called us to be your Church. May we love, honour and fallow you to eternal life in the kingdom you promise.  

   Through Christ our Lord.

 Prayer after Communion,

 Let us pray.

     Father, you make your Church on earth a sign of the new and eternal Jerusalem. By sharing in this sacrament may we become the temple of your presence and the home of your glory.

  Grant this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

                         

J H Newman in DGO for Feast of John Lateran, slightly modified.

Lk 20 Jesus knew Mary as his own mother

Bible Alive Homily

7 November • Sunday

Luke 20:27-38

Some years ago a young mother was grieving over the tragic loss of her three year-old daughter. The tragedy was compounded by the fact that the child was seriously disabled and could do little on her own. Her mother literally carried her everywhere. In order to find some comfort, she asked a priest what heaven would be like and whether, at the end of time, her daughter would still recognize her as her mother. It turned out that Jesus' words to the Sadducees in today's reading had disturbed the mother and she wondered what it meant that there was no marriage in heaven. Would our earthly relationships still continue in heaven?

The priest at first did not know how to answer. He did not want to give an answer that was based on wishful thinking, nor did he want to cause doubts in the woman's mind.
Then, perhaps by a moment of grace,
he asked her a question. He asked her if she thought
that in heaven Jesus knew Mary as his own mother.
The young mother had no doubts about that, so the priest answered:
'I cannot imagine that it would be any different for you and your daughter.'

Perhaps we all have questions about what heaven will be like. Sometimes we have certain fears. Surely one concerns the thought of eternity. The question hovers at the back of our minds: will we get bored with heaven? Eternity is a concept that is impossible for us to grasp.

But there is one experience on earth of which it is impossible for us ever to tire. To love and to be loved is the universal longing of all of humanity. In spite of so many failures in love and in marriage, we also sense that love is the one thing that can truly fulfil us. It is the power of sin, present in the world and in our lives, that threatens to disrupt our deep desire to love and to be loved.

In his answer to the Sadducees, Jesus says that in the resurrection we shall be like the angels and can no longer die. The implication is that there will be no more sin and therefore, there will be nothing to impede our loving and being loved. We shall be children of God perfectly fulfilled by God's love for us and our love for him.

Lk 20:27 Jesus challenged by the Sadducees

+ + + +

Thank you,
William,
You give so much to us to fit the pieces in this Luke 20:27 search.
For the moment the windows open everywhere.
God bless.
Donald

Jesus challenged by the Sadducees

---- Forwarded Message ----
From: WILLIAM …
To: Donald ….
Sent: Sat, 6 November, 2010 19:01:21
Subject: Gospel Luke 20:27 a window on the Resurrection

Dear Father Donald,

Verse 33 has a brisk translation of the words from the Sadducees in the commentary "Sacra Pagina", which reads - "one is tempted to translate, 'Remember, all seven had the same wife'", their point being the impossibility of a physical resurrection. The commentary concludes with a comment: "Compare Paul's statement on the discontinuity between 'flesh and blood' and the glorified resurrection body, 1 Cor 15:35."

One doesn't need to engage so deeply with St Paul's letter to the Corinthians to gain an insight, but refer to (the Sacra Pagina commentary on) the recent reading from the Epistle to the Philipians which contains the wonderful verse, 3:21 (which has occupied me ever since):

"who will change our humble body conforming to his glorious body"

"The language of v.21 demonstrates what the saviour will do. 'Change' has as its root the term 'likeness' (schema). It means to change the outward form or the appearance of something. God has eternal plans for the 'body', the soma as opposed to the flesh (sarx), which for Paul implies the whole person. The body exists in at least two forms, the 'lowly body', or 'earthly existence', and the 'glorious body' that belongs to the risen Christ. Only the saviour can change one to the other. The word for 'change' involves both the inward and outward substance. The point is that human flesh is impermanent, subject to illness, disease, dissolution. The action of Jesus has transfigured flesh (made of it a soma?) because by him its enemy, death, has been destroyed".

All our faith needs are such insights on which to contemplate.

. . . in Our Lord,
 praying that the influenza may flee before the coming wintry weather,

William

Duns Scotus Should be Saint & Doctor

Blessed John Duns Scotus Church, Glasgow

Gorbals Chapel open again

September 14, 2010

The Blessed John Duns Scotus Chapel in the Gorbals has re-opened for worship, five years after a fallen candle sent it up in flames.

The blaze started on 7 July 2005, the same day London’s transport system was targeted by suicide bombers. In the interim five years, the congregation have had to pray and take Mass in the adjoining church hall.

November 8
Blessed John Duns Scotus
(c. 1266-1308)

http://saints.sqpn.com/saintj55.htm

Beatified

20 March 1993 by John Paul II (cultus confirmed)

John Duns Scotus, Saint and Doctor of the Church

Catholic Plane twww.catholicplanet.com

John Duns Scotus should be canonized a Saint and declared a Doctor of the Church for the following reasons: 

1. He led a holy life and was a devout Catholic. 

2. By God's Grace and Providence, he understood the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception before most theologians, Bishops, priests, and laypersons. 

3. He taught, clarified, and upheld the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception even when the idea was rejected by those around him. It is difficult to understand and believe a doctrine which is rejected by one's peers. John Duns Scotus not only understood and believed, but also stood nearly alone in arguing strongly for this doctrine. 

4. The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception is one of the most important teachings about the Virgin Mary. The Immaculate Conception both defines the beginning of her life and conditions the remainder of her life. Without the Immaculate Conception, the Virgin Mary would not be herself. God chose to teach the Church the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception through John Duns Scotus, therefore he is a Doctor of the Church. 

The requirements for canonization should be adjusted in this extraordinary case. There are many Saints and Blesseds in the Church, but few have contributed to the understanding of a fundamental doctrine in the same manner and degree as John Duns Scotus. No verification of a miracle should be required for the canonization of Duns Scotus because of his exemplary efforts to advance the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception before it was widely accepted by Bishops, theologians, and the faithful. 

by Ronald L. Conte Jr.

Comment:
Drawing on the work of John Duns Scotus, Pope Pius IX solemnly defined the Immaculate Conception of Mary in 1854. John Duns Scotus, the "Subtle Doctor," was beatified in 1993.
Father Charles Balic, O.F.M., the foremost 20th-century authority on Scotus, has written: "The whole of Scotus's theology is dominated by the notion of love. The characteristic note of this love is its absolute freedom. As love becomes more perfect and intense, freedom becomes more noble and integral both in God and in man" (New Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol. 4, p. 1105).

Quote:
Intelligence hardly guarantees holiness. But John Duns Scotus was not only brilliant, he was also humble and prayerful—the exact combination St. Francis wanted in any friar who studied. In a day when French nationalism threatened the rights of the pope, Scotus sided with the papacy and paid the price. He also defended human freedom against those who would compromise it by determinism.Ideas are important. John Duns Scotus placed his best thinking at the service of the human family and of the Church.

Pope in Spain Barcelona

Courtesy of: http://saltandlighttv.org/blog/?page_id=2

Pope in Spain: Consecration of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia ChurchNovember 7th, 2010

It was an event over 120 years in the making. A day that Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudi had always dreamed about. The day that the greatest work of his life and career would be consecrated by the leader of the Catholic Church.

The Sagrada Familia Church garners over 4 million visitors a year, but up until today it was not considered to be a legitimate place of worship due to its incomplete construction. Many factors have delayed the construction of the Church; the untimely death of Antoni Gaudi, its primary architect, the obstacles for various architects in attempting to achieve Gaudi’s vision for the Church, funding and resources. The Church is expected to be completely finished for 2026. The current chief architect, Jordi Bonet Armengo said he hopes the Pope’s visit will boost funding for the Church’s completion which comes from private donors and tourists. Sagrada Familia will be the tallest Church in the world once its construction is complete.

Today’s Mass and Consecration ceremony began with opening addresses from the Archbishop of Barcelona, Cardinal Lluis Martinez Sistach and the current architect Jordi Bonet Armengo. The ceremony was one of great reverence, accounting for the solemnity of the Consecration and its historical significance for the Church.  The Pope spread holy oil along the Church altar thus performing the rite of Consecration. Over 6,500 people were present inside the Church, with tens of thousands watching the Mass outdoors on a large screen in the square.

A repeat of the Mass will air TONIGHT at 8:30 pm ET, 9:30 PT

CLICK HERE for programming details.

The Pope’s Homily recalled the role and history of the Church structure as well as the significance of the Sagrada Familia Church. He praised the architect Antoni Gaudi for his ability to bring the realms of man and God together in his work.  he described Gaudi’s use ofthe elements of nature throughout the Sagrada Familia combined together with the sacred images of Jesus’ birth, passion, death and resurrection. An interesting parallel between Saint André of Montreal and Antoni Gaudi arose in the homily. The Pope remarked that Gaudi dedicated the Church to St. Joseph and would not live to see its completion, just as Br. André dedicated the Oratory in Montreal to St. Joseph and did not live to see its completion. Both Saint André and Gaudi are interred in their respective projects. Pope Benedict also said it was particularly significant that he is the Pope performing the dedication of the Basilica, because his baptismal name is after all, Joseph.   

Read the FULL TEXT of the Pope’s Homily below:  

Pope in Spain Nov 6th 2010

Pope in Spain: Mass in the Plaza del Obradoiro

The first Mass of the Pope’s Apostolic Visit to Spain took place in Obradoiro Square next to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The square was filled to capacity with over 7,000 people  present, including an estimated 600 priests and 100 Cardinals and Bishops. Another 20,000 people were in the vicinity for the event.

The Archbishop of Santiago de Compostela welcomed the Holy Father in the local Galician language.  In his address, the Archbishop warmly thanked the Pope for his visit, saying that their desire to have him join them had finally come true. He called Pope Benedict a pilgrim of faith and witness of the risen Christ.  He reflected on some of the oldest Christian pilgrimages in our history. He said Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago are routes for the man who refuses to choke on materialism. He reiterated Pope Benedict’s earlier remarks inside the Cathedral; that the country of Spain needs  a revitalization of its faith. He says the Church is Spain must find the strength to go on a pilgrimage to re-evangelize.

The music throughout the Mass was performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of Galicia, accompanied by the Choir of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The music was all performed in a classical style, known to be the Pope’s favourite type of music. One of their pieces was a beautiful rendition of Mozart’s Kyrie Eleison.

Pope Benedict’s Homily focused on the Christian roots of European Continent. He called for a return to faith and a rejection of Western secularism.  The Pope once again called himself a pilgrim among pilgrims who are thirsting for faith. The pilgrim symbol resonated throughout the Pope’s Homily. Find the full text below:

Mass, Plaza del Obradoiro, Santiago de Compostela

Homily of the Holy Father

6 November 2010

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ,

I give thanks to God for the gift of being here in this splendid square filled with artistic, cultural and spiritual significance.  During this Holy Year, I come among you as a pilgrim among pilgrims, in the company of all those who come here thirsting for faith in the Risen Christ, a faith proclaimed and transmitted with fidelity by the apostles, among whom was James the Great, who has been venerated at Compostela from time immemorial.

I extend my gratitude to the Most Reverend Julián Barrio Barrio, Archbishop of this local church, for his words of welcome, to their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Asturias for the kind presence, and likewise to the Cardinals and to my many Brother Bishops and priests here today.  My greeting also goes to members of the Camino de Santiago group of the European Parliament, as well as to the national, regional and local authorities who are attending this celebration.   

Basilica of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona,

   Thank you,

                 Fr. Patrick.
It is new to me and the amazing Basilica of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and
it deserves the Net pictures.
It is well that the Pope keeps well.
We have the Autumn influenza knocking us out for six.
God bless.
Donald

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: father patrick
Sent: Thu, 4 November, 2010 22:22:10
Subject: Pope to Spain

 

My dear Friend in Christ:

We need your prayers for Pope Benedict XV1.

This coming Saturday and Sunday

the Holy Father goes

to SanDiego Compestello

and

to Barcelona, Spain.

Pray for his Pilgrimage:

to the Shrine of St. James

and

to Bless the Basilica of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona,

created by the wonderful Barcelona architect Antonio Gaudit

Love and Peace

in this season to remember our departed loved ones

 

   father patrick

  

Nivard Kinsella Roscrea

We remember  Fr. Nivard Kinsella OCSU  of Mount Saint Joesph Abbey,     whose funeral took place    at Roscrea this Friday afternoon.      May he rest in peace.   Saturday of the Thirty-first week in Ordinary Time Letter to the Philippians 4:10-19. Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 16:9-15.Mass Intro: Fr. Nivard McGlynn (Bamenda). God loves generosity.  He gives generously and liberally to those who share his gifts with others.  The Pharisees, however, had no room in their hearts for God. The gospel says they were lovers of money.  Love of money and wealth crowd out love of God and love of neighbour.  Jesus makes clear that our heart must either be possessed by God's love or our heart will be possessed by the love of something else.        God was already in the heart of Our Lady.  When the angel Gabriel appeared to her she responded with the gift of herself.  She pondered these things in her heart.  She gave each one of us the gift of her divine Son.  He is our most precious treasure if we respond with our whole heart.  Let us give Him to our brothers and sisters, as did Our Blessed Mother, Mary.  Let us pray.    Lord God, give to your people the joy of continual health in mind and body. With the prayers of the Virgin Mary to help us, guide us through the sorrows of this life to eternal happiness in the life to come.    Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who live and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen Bidding Prayer:               Father, we thank you for the gift of your Son and his Mother. May the fire of your love burn in our hearts that we may be wholly devoted to you above material things and all else, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.  Prayer after Communion,  Let us pray.     Lord, we rejoice in your sacraments and ask your mercy as we honour the memory of the Virgin Mary. May her faith and love inspire us to serve you more faithfully in the work of salvation.  Grant this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

St Charles Borromeo, 4 Nov, 2010

Abbot Mark: Introduction to Mass    

Intercession of Charles Borromeo supported by the Virgin Mary by Rottmayr (Karlskirche, Vienna)

                        

St Charles Borromeo spent a full and energetic life in a few short years.  He lived in 16 century Italy after the time of the Council of Trent.  His life-work was to help purify the Church from the abuses of the time and to reform his archdiocese of Milan.  His efforts did not go without opposition but they did renew the life in the parishes of his archdiocese and influenced the Church beyond the See of Milan.

As we come to celebrate our Eucharist in honour of St Charles, let us call to mind our own need of renewal.

1.       Lord you send messengers to instruct and lead us in the way of the Gospel.             Lord, have mercy.

2.       You open the eyes of those who have fallen away from your truth.                           Christ, have mercy.

3.       Lord, You give us your Spirit to fill our hearts with your love.                                  Lord, have mercy.

Prayer of the Faithful/ Conclusion.

God our Father, in your love you give us our needs.
May our lives grow in the strength of your gifts.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preceptory of St Bernard of Clairvaux, Temple, Scotland

The Berwickshire News, Thurs, October 07 2010        www.berwickshirenews.co.uk.

Picture: Knight Templar, Achie Shiels from Ayton is
welcomed to Spain by the Mayor of Teba 

 

Ayton’s Knight Templar’s pilgrimage to Spain.

AN AYTON man led a special visit to Spain recently to remember a crucial battle that took place back in 1330.

A group of Knight Templars from the Preceptory of St Bernard of Clairvaux, fronted by Archie Shields travelled to Teba on September 19 to take part in a day of events in memory of Sir James Douglas and other Scots . that fell in battle well over 600 years ago.

History states that Sir lames, friend and lieutenant of Robert the Bruce, was asked by Bruce on his death bed to take his heart on a crusade to the Holy Land

Douglas set out bearing Bruce's heart in a silver casket. The party stopped first at Sluys in Flanders. There they received confirmation that Alfonso XI of Castile was preparing a campaign against the Muslims of the kingdom of Granada. Accordingly, they sailed on to Seville, where Sir James and his solemn relic were received by Alfonso with great honour.

Teba Castle

Douglas and his company joined Alfonso's army, which was then setting out for the frontier of Granada to besiege the castle· of Teba, but unfortunately at some point during the stage, Douglas was killed

His body and Bruce's heart were later recovered and eventually both Sir James and Robert the Bruce's remains returned to Scotland

On arrival in Teba, Archie and the rest of the Knight Templars were greeted with a warm reception from locals and were welcomed at the village's town hall by the mayor, after which a memorial took place in the council chambers.

The service was conducted by the Rt Rev Peter Miln and a passage was read by David Bruce Lochart, whose ancestor, Sir Simon Lochart, fought at the battle of Teba.

The service was followed by a civic reception where gifts were exchanged and the Order presented letters of good will from Andrew Bruce, The Earl of Elgin and David Niven, Grand Master of the Order of Scotland A letter was also handed over on behalf of the Abbot and monks of the Cistercian Abbey of Nunraw, East Lothian.

From the town hall, a procession took place to the Bruce/Douglas memorial where floral tributes were laid on behalf of The Great Priory of Scotland, The District Grand Priory of South East Scotland and The Preceptory of St Bernard of Clairvaux in memory of those Scots that fell on the plains of Teba on the 1330.

A piper played The Flowers of the Forest, and at the end of the ceremony a crowd of several hundred villagers Simultaneously gave a rousing round of applause.

Then the knights returned back to the town hall where they were dismissed.

Later, a formal dinner took place near to the Castle De La Estrella (the castle of the stars) were the large part of the action took place during the battle of Teba.

Archie said the trip would be something he'd never forget and felt immensely proud to have been at the helm of the Templars for the occasion.

He. commented: "Our visit fell in line with Teba's own memorial days and the response we got from the villagers who turned out on the streets on hearing of our coming, was fantastic.

"There were 40 of us Scots went .across and then there was also the equivalent of Spanish knights. To my knowledge it was the first time so many Scots had made the memorial trip.

"The village itself was decked out terrifically with St Andrew's crosses everywhere which made the occasion seem even more special.

"Some representatives from a Scottish living history group just so happened to be over there the same time as us, so we had people dressed up as Robert the Bruce and Sir James Douglas in our parade.

"I grew up in Lanarkshlre, not too far from the Douglas Estate. As a child I read about James Douglas and his involvement in the Battle of Bannockburn and after I heard the story of Teba at the age of eight, I made a promise to myself that I would one day visit the place.

"The opportunity came to me as a member of the Preceptory and I put it to them about doing a pilgrimage to the village.

‘They were keen and as they say the rest is history so I’ve now fulfilled my ambition.”

Teba Procession

Bunting of Saltire (St Andrew) Flags by the Teba community