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Monthly Archives: November 2014
Swans and Palace
I haven’t posted much on the Premier League lately. My Saturdays have been quite busy. I did catch the Swansea/Crystal Palace match on delay yesterday afternoon. My internet connection wasn’t terribly happy, so about the time the game drifted into … Continue reading
The Armchair Liturgist Dims The Lights
Long before I arrived, my parish was accustomed to dimming the lights for the start of weekend Advent liturgies. It’s a custom I’ve felt disinclined to discontinue. Music for the introductory rites is always something for which people need no … Continue reading
Posted in Advent, The Armchair Liturgist
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Synod on the Family 24: Accompaniment with Mercy and Patience
Read the full synod document here. An important reminder in this section includes the Church’s stance that any marriage between baptized Christians is sacramental, even if it is contracted by two non-Catholics. It is baptism that defines the nature of Christian … Continue reading
DPPL 145: Our Lady of Dolors
There is an important Marian devotion for the Triduum: 145. Because of its doctrinal and pastoral importance, it is recommended that “the memorial of Our Lady of Dolors” (CDWDS, Lettera circolare sulla preparazione e celebrazione delle feste pasquali,72) should be … Continue reading
Synod on the Family 23: The Witness of the Gospel
Remember, you can read the full synod document here. For the next six paragraphs we’ll examine “The Truth and Beauty of the Family and Mercy Towards Broken and Fragile Families.” Some bishops could not sign on to these statements–the dissent … Continue reading
DPPL 144: Passion Plays
Passion plays are not confined to Good Friday. But many take place during Holy Week, or even during the Triduum. 144. In many countries, passion plays take place during Holy Week, especially on Good Friday. These are often “sacred representations”which … Continue reading
Synod on the Family 22: Natural Marriage
Read the full synod document here. This section netted the first chunk of dissent that passed ten percent. Twenty-two bishops found something not right here: 22. From the same perspective, in keeping with the teaching of the Apostle who said that the … Continue reading
Pets In Heaven
Pundits at work based on what Pope Francis might have said about pets in heaven the day before yesterday. I like my pets. My wife and the young miss have a deeper connection with and affection for them. I also … Continue reading
Posted in Commentary
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DPPL 142-143: Good Friday Procession
Two paragraphs explore the Procession of Good Friday. One presumption is that the Passion is celebrated in the afternoon: 142. The Church celebrates the redemptive death of Christ on Good Friday. The Church meditates on the Lord’s Passion in the … Continue reading
Synod on the Family 21: Permanent and Joyful Marriage
Read the full synod document here, if you wish. Today’s paragraph begins a brief section affirming “The Indissolubility of Marriage and the Joy of Sharing Life Together.” So marriage is permanent and joyful. It certainly looks like that on most wedding … Continue reading
DPPL 141: Holy Thursday’s Altar of Repose
The main expression of popular piety on the first night of the Triduum occurs after the evening Mass. According to the CDWDS, that altar shouldn’t be set up unless Good Friday liturgy will follow the next day: 141. Popular piety … Continue reading
Merton and Gratitude
Not being a Jesuit, I can stray afield from Ignatian spirituality somewhat at will. I find I often return to that kindred restless spirit, Thomas Merton, for the occasional bit of guidance. Today marks the American secular holiday dedicated to … Continue reading
Reconciliation Lectionary: Wisdom 15:1-3
The Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament was mined well by the framers of the Lectionary for the Rite of Penance. Bit they may have missed a few good readings. This passage from the book of Wisdom has been in … Continue reading
Synod on the Family 20: Pope Francis
Read the full document here. Or take just today’s section, in which Pope Francis’ testimony on marriage and family is summarized with extreme brevity: 20. “Pope Francis, in his Encyclical Lumen Fidei, treating the connection between the family and faith, writes: ‘Encountering … Continue reading
Catholic Sensibility 
Open Thread For Fundamentalists and Atheists
… and you know who you are … Over ten years and ten-thousand posts, and it could have occurred to me earlier to post a thread for open commentary. It has also occurred to me that long discussions with fundamentalists … Continue reading →