Showing posts with label blood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blood. Show all posts
Friday, March 27, 2015
Pope Francis and the Blood of St. Januarius
Saint Januarius was a Catholic bishop of Naples (in Italy) who was martyred for being a Christian under the reign of Caesar Diocletian in about AD 305. He was beheaded at the Solfatara crater near Pozzuoli. His martyrdom is honoured in both the Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox churches. There is a cathedral in Naples which stands as a shrine in his memory, housing the relic of a small vile filled with some of his blood. According to legend, the blood was saved by a woman named Eusebia just after the saint's death. The blood, being some 1,700 years old now, has long since hardened. However, three times a year, a phenomenon occurs, in which the clotted and decayed blood returns to its liquid state. This happens on September 19 (Saint Januarius day, to commemorate his martyrdom), on December 16 (to celebrate his patronage of both Naples and of the archdiocese), and on the Saturday before the first Sunday of May (to commemorate the reunification of his relics). Religious pilgrims often visit the shrine on these dates to witness the phenomenon.
I call it a phenomenon, as opposed to a miracle, because the Vatican has never officially ruled it a miracle, though it does pay respect to the phenomenon and the devotion that has developed because of it.
In addition to these annual dates, the blood has also turned to liquid in the presence of three popes. The last time this occurred was in 1848 with Pius IX. It hasn't happened since, when other popes visited the shrine, until now. Pope Francis visited the cathedral on March 21, 2015. The following video tells of the encounter and the phenomenon...
Now, before we go on, let's be perfectly clear about some things. First, Pope Francis did not perform any miracle. He had no intention of turning the clotted blood back into liquid. He simply venerated the relic by kissing it, a sign of deep devotion and respect. Second, if indeed the phenomenon is miraculous, then it was God who performed the miracle, by the intercession of Saint Januarius. Again, Pope Francis did not do it. Third, whether it is a miracle or a phenomenon, God can use either to send us a message.
To try to find meaning in this, we should look back to when this happened with the last pope. Remember, popes have visited this shrine since then, and the blood has not liquefied for any of them. It did however liquefy for Pope Francis. This hasn't happened in 167 years. The last time this happened with a pope was in 1848 with Pope Pius IX, who was the longest reigning pope in Church history. Pius IX however, is also one of the most interesting popes in modern times. Following his visit to Naples in 1848, after the clotted blood of Saint Januarius had liquefied, that very same year Pope Pius IX was forced into exile from the Vatican. The exile was the result of political disputes and social unrest in Italy at the time. He returned to the Vatican two years later and from thence forth practically became a prisoner therein. Relations between the papacy and the Italian government where at an all time low, and the era was marked by riots in the streets and marauding gangs in the countryside. It was an especially dark time for the papacy, but Pius IX found himself purified in this crucible of fire. He proclaimed the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception infallibly, which is something Catholics had always believed, but hadn't been settled as an indisputable matter of faith until his proclamation. He approved a petition to name Mary, as the Immaculate Conception, the official patroness of the United States of America. He penned 38 papal encyclicals, and convened the First Vatican Council. He wrote the now famous 'Syllabus of Errors', which condemned the errors of Modernism, errors that have since led humanity into two world wars, and a global confrontation with communism, as well as the rapid deterioration of Western civilisation. During this time, Pope Pius IX was well known for a personal lifestyle of simplicity and poverty, which has since led the papacy to increasingly become a more spiritual office, and less of a temporal one. Pius IX's papacy is regarded by historians as the birth of the modern papacy, restoring the office to something closer to what it once was at the time of the apostles and the early centuries of the Church. Politically, Pius IX started out as a liberal, but later became much more conservative, after his initial exile from the Vatican. He became a reformer of the papacy and the Vatican. The spiritual aspects of Catholicism flourished under his reign, but the political relations between the papacy and the state suffered terribly. Pius IX was not well liked by the political rulers of his day; Italy, France, Germany, Russia and the United States of America. (Yes, even President Abraham Lincoln did not care for him, nor did his successor President Andrew Johnson.) Yet he was loved by Catholic clergy and laymen around the world.
Does this in any way sound like Pope Francis? I can see some similarities between Francis and the early years of Pius IX, during the liberal years of his papacy. Like Pius IX, Francis considers himself a reformer of the Vatican and seeks to reignite zeal among the Catholic faithful. The liquefaction of the blood of Saint Januarius for Pope Pius IX was immediately followed by unprecedented political trials for the Holy Father. This was accompanied by changes in his papacy, and the result was an incredibly holy man who changed the papacy for the better, and reignited the faith of millions of Catholics around the world. Does God have something similar planned for Pope Francis? Is the liquefaction of the blood of Saint Januarius at the kiss of Pope Francis a sign of this? There is no way we can know at this time. What we do know is that the liquefaction of the blood for the last pope turned out to be both a harbinger of evil and a herald of greatness at the same time. Does God use phenomenon like this to tell us something? Sure he does. We see the Bible littered with such things. The only problem is, we don't know exactly what it means until after it happens. For now, we can view the phenomenon of the liquefaction of Saint Janaurius' blood for Pope Francis as a possible sign from heaven, and that's all we can do. As for what it means, if anything, we'll just have to wait and see.
Written by Shane Schaetzel. Posted with permission of author.
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Shane Schaetzel is a published author and columnist for Christian print magazines and online publications. He is a freelance writer and the creator of 'FullyChristian.Com -- The random musings of a Catholic in the Ozarks.'
BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR...
Catholicism for Protestants
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Bulletin 213
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
July 20, 2014
6th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Rom. 6: 3-11
Gospel: Mk. 8: 1-9
Mon 21 Saint Laurence Brindisi, Confessor & Doctor-No Latin Mass
Tue 22 Saint Mary Magdalene, Penitent
Wed 23 Saint Apollinaris, Bishop & Martyr
Thu 24 Requiem Mass, + Mr. John
Fri 25 Saint James the Greater * Apostle
Christ died in order to free us from the slavery of sin and the power of satan. He won victory over satan by shedding His blood on the cross. We share in this victory by virtue of our baptism! We too have power over all sin in and through Jesus Christ! In fact, our baptism is symbolic of our dying to sin and rising to a new life in Jesus Christ. We must constantly fight against the temptation to sin. But we must also realize that God gives us the grace and power always to overcome it. The choice is ours.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
July 20, 2014
6th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Rom. 6: 3-11
Gospel: Mk. 8: 1-9
Mon 21 Saint Laurence Brindisi, Confessor & Doctor-No Latin Mass
Tue 22 Saint Mary Magdalene, Penitent
Wed 23 Saint Apollinaris, Bishop & Martyr
Thu 24 Requiem Mass, + Mr. John
Fri 25 Saint James the Greater * Apostle
Christ died in order to free us from the slavery of sin and the power of satan. He won victory over satan by shedding His blood on the cross. We share in this victory by virtue of our baptism! We too have power over all sin in and through Jesus Christ! In fact, our baptism is symbolic of our dying to sin and rising to a new life in Jesus Christ. We must constantly fight against the temptation to sin. But we must also realize that God gives us the grace and power always to overcome it. The choice is ours.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Bulletin 202
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
May 4, 2014
Second Sunday after Easter
Epistle: 1 Pet. 2: 21-25
Gospel: Jn. 10: 11-16
Mon 5 Saint Pius V, Pope & Confessor-- No Latin Mass
Tue 6 Feria of Paschaltide
Wed 7 Saint Stanislaus, Bishop & Martyr--No Latin Mass
Thu 8 Feria of Paschaltide
Fri 9 Saint Gregory Nazianzen; Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Mass on Sunday, May 4 will be at 7:00pm
No Latin Mass on Wednesday, May 7 due to the spring clergy gathering
God has created souls in His own image. The soul of man has been created by the very breath of God. God has loved our souls from all eternity. He has made us to share in His divine glory. God’s love for the human soul is shown most clearly in Jesus Christ who redeemed us from sin and Hell. Christ purchased our souls with the price of His own blood! We must therefore realize the infinite value of the soul. We must never do the slightest thing that might give scandal to our brothers. If we do then we sin against our Redeemer!
In Christ,
Fr. Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
May 4, 2014
Second Sunday after Easter
Epistle: 1 Pet. 2: 21-25
Gospel: Jn. 10: 11-16
Mon 5 Saint Pius V, Pope & Confessor-- No Latin Mass
Tue 6 Feria of Paschaltide
Wed 7 Saint Stanislaus, Bishop & Martyr--No Latin Mass
Thu 8 Feria of Paschaltide
Fri 9 Saint Gregory Nazianzen; Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Mass on Sunday, May 4 will be at 7:00pm
No Latin Mass on Wednesday, May 7 due to the spring clergy gathering
God has created souls in His own image. The soul of man has been created by the very breath of God. God has loved our souls from all eternity. He has made us to share in His divine glory. God’s love for the human soul is shown most clearly in Jesus Christ who redeemed us from sin and Hell. Christ purchased our souls with the price of His own blood! We must therefore realize the infinite value of the soul. We must never do the slightest thing that might give scandal to our brothers. If we do then we sin against our Redeemer!
In Christ,
Fr. Jeff Fasching
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Bulletin 173
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
October 13, 2013
21st Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Eph. 6:10-17
Gospel: Mt. 18:23-25
Mon 14 Saint Callistus I, Pope & Martyr—No Latin Mass
Tue 15 Saint Teresa of Avila, Virgin
Wed 16 Saint Hedwig, Widow
Thu 17 Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin
Fri 18 Saint Luke, Evangelist
The annual clergy conference will be held in Branson, MO October 21st through October 25th. There will be no Latin Mass during that week.
Sunday, October 27 is the feast of the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ. One may gain a plenary indulgence by the public recitation of the Act of Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The following is the text of prayer:
Most sweet Jesus,
Redeemer of the human race,
look down upon us,
humbly prostrate before Thine altar.
We are Thine and Thine we wish to be;
but to be more surely united with Thee,
behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today
to Thy Most Sacred Heart.
Many, indeed, have never known Thee;
many, too, despising Thy precepts,
have rejected Thee.
Have mercy on them all,
most merciful Jesus,
and draw them to Thy Sacred Heart.
Be Thou King, O Lord,
not only of the faithful who have never forsaken Thee,
but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned Thee,
grant that they may quickly return to their Father's house,
lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.
Be Thou King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions,
or whom discord keeps aloof
and call them back to the harbour of truth and unity of faith,
so that soon there may be but one flock and one shepherd.
Be Thou King of all those who even now sit in the shadow of idolatry or Islam,
and refuse not Thou to bring them into the light of Thy kingdom.
Look, finally, with eyes of pity upon the children of that race,
which was for so long a time Thy chosen people;
and let Thy Blood, which was once invoked upon them in vengeance,
now descend upon them also in a cleansing flood of redemption and eternal life.
Grant, O Lord,
to Thy Church,
assurance of freedom and immunity from harm;
give peace and order to all nations,
and make the earth resound
from pole to pole with one cry:
Praise to the Divine Heart
that wrought our salvation:
to it be glory
and honour forever.
Amen
Fr. Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
October 13, 2013
21st Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Eph. 6:10-17
Gospel: Mt. 18:23-25
Mon 14 Saint Callistus I, Pope & Martyr—No Latin Mass
Tue 15 Saint Teresa of Avila, Virgin
Wed 16 Saint Hedwig, Widow
Thu 17 Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin
Fri 18 Saint Luke, Evangelist
The annual clergy conference will be held in Branson, MO October 21st through October 25th. There will be no Latin Mass during that week.
Sunday, October 27 is the feast of the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ. One may gain a plenary indulgence by the public recitation of the Act of Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The following is the text of prayer:
Most sweet Jesus,
Redeemer of the human race,
look down upon us,
humbly prostrate before Thine altar.
We are Thine and Thine we wish to be;
but to be more surely united with Thee,
behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today
to Thy Most Sacred Heart.
Many, indeed, have never known Thee;
many, too, despising Thy precepts,
have rejected Thee.
Have mercy on them all,
most merciful Jesus,
and draw them to Thy Sacred Heart.
Be Thou King, O Lord,
not only of the faithful who have never forsaken Thee,
but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned Thee,
grant that they may quickly return to their Father's house,
lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.
Be Thou King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions,
or whom discord keeps aloof
and call them back to the harbour of truth and unity of faith,
so that soon there may be but one flock and one shepherd.
Be Thou King of all those who even now sit in the shadow of idolatry or Islam,
and refuse not Thou to bring them into the light of Thy kingdom.
Look, finally, with eyes of pity upon the children of that race,
which was for so long a time Thy chosen people;
and let Thy Blood, which was once invoked upon them in vengeance,
now descend upon them also in a cleansing flood of redemption and eternal life.
Grant, O Lord,
to Thy Church,
assurance of freedom and immunity from harm;
give peace and order to all nations,
and make the earth resound
from pole to pole with one cry:
Praise to the Divine Heart
that wrought our salvation:
to it be glory
and honour forever.
Amen
Fr. Jeff Fasching
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Bulletin 131
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
December 16th, 2012; Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday)
Epistle: Phil. 4:4-7; Gospel: Jn. 1:19-28
Mass schedule December 17th through December 21st
Monday: Greater Feria of Advent--No Latin Mass
Tuesday: Greater Feria of Advent
Wednesday: Ember Wednesday of Advent
Thursday: Greater Feria of Advent
Friday: Saint Thomas * Apostle
The most powerful temptations we can possibly experience are those to ambition, pride and arrogance. Ambition is the worst of them because it caused Lucifer to be cast out of heaven into hell. Some theologians say it was because of a spiritual self-complacency combined with an awareness of their angelic nature’s grandeur and excellence, which caused such self-pride that he and the fallen angels arrogantly desired to be equal to God.
Contrast this attitude with that of Saint John the Baptist in today’s Gospel. Saint John played a significant role in the mystery of the Visitation. His humility thus appears to be the most excellent and the most perfect that has ever been, after only Our Lord Himself and the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was sanctified in the womb of his mother, Saint Anne, when Mary paid her a visit while pregnant with Our Savior. He went on to perform an outstanding, single-minded, public ministry in pointing the way to Christ. Saint John was so effective and well-liked that his followers were ready to name him the Messiah. Saint John was tempted with one of the most violent temptations imaginable to pride and ambition. It was even presented by his own friends, sent to him from Jerusalem by the hypocritical doctors of the Law. They wanted to find out if John was actually the Christ. If so, they wanted to give John his due honor.
The religious leaders were waiting for the Messiah. They knew that all the prophecies had been fulfilled. Jesus Christ came performing miracles and teaching His doctrine. However, instead of acknowledging Him, the religious leaders go looking for someone else. When asked, Saint John said I am not the Christ. He could have easily accepted the praise that his followers wished to bestow upon him, but he did not. John was so humble and truthful that he refused even to accept credit that he actually deserved!
We can learn humility from Saint John the Baptist. We can learn humility from the Blessed Virgin Mary. We should acknowledge the teaching of Christ who said “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart.”
In Christ,
Fr. Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
December 16th, 2012; Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday)
Epistle: Phil. 4:4-7; Gospel: Jn. 1:19-28
Mass schedule December 17th through December 21st
Monday: Greater Feria of Advent--No Latin Mass
Tuesday: Greater Feria of Advent
Wednesday: Ember Wednesday of Advent
Thursday: Greater Feria of Advent
Friday: Saint Thomas * Apostle
The most powerful temptations we can possibly experience are those to ambition, pride and arrogance. Ambition is the worst of them because it caused Lucifer to be cast out of heaven into hell. Some theologians say it was because of a spiritual self-complacency combined with an awareness of their angelic nature’s grandeur and excellence, which caused such self-pride that he and the fallen angels arrogantly desired to be equal to God.
Contrast this attitude with that of Saint John the Baptist in today’s Gospel. Saint John played a significant role in the mystery of the Visitation. His humility thus appears to be the most excellent and the most perfect that has ever been, after only Our Lord Himself and the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was sanctified in the womb of his mother, Saint Anne, when Mary paid her a visit while pregnant with Our Savior. He went on to perform an outstanding, single-minded, public ministry in pointing the way to Christ. Saint John was so effective and well-liked that his followers were ready to name him the Messiah. Saint John was tempted with one of the most violent temptations imaginable to pride and ambition. It was even presented by his own friends, sent to him from Jerusalem by the hypocritical doctors of the Law. They wanted to find out if John was actually the Christ. If so, they wanted to give John his due honor.
The religious leaders were waiting for the Messiah. They knew that all the prophecies had been fulfilled. Jesus Christ came performing miracles and teaching His doctrine. However, instead of acknowledging Him, the religious leaders go looking for someone else. When asked, Saint John said I am not the Christ. He could have easily accepted the praise that his followers wished to bestow upon him, but he did not. John was so humble and truthful that he refused even to accept credit that he actually deserved!
We can learn humility from Saint John the Baptist. We can learn humility from the Blessed Virgin Mary. We should acknowledge the teaching of Christ who said “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart.”
In Christ,
Fr. Jeff Fasching
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Bulletin 118
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
September 9th, 2012; 15th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Gal. 5:25,26; 6:1-10 Gospel: Lk. 7:11-16
Mass Schedule September 10th through September 14th
Monday –Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, Confessor-- NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Requiem Mass +Rose Xavier
Wednesday-Most Holy Name of Mary
Thursday-Feria
Friday-Exaltation of the Holy Cross
There will be a Potluck dinner Sunday, September 9th immediately following the 2:30pm Mass in the Saint Agnes school cafeteria. All are invited.
John the Baptist said the Lord will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire (Matt. 3:12; Luke 3:17). This unquenchable fire is the state of eternal separation from God, which the Church has called “hell” for 2,000 years.
Jesus says: “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41). “They will go away into eternal punishment” (Matt. 25:46). This is in reference to eternal fire.
Purgatory occupies an important place in our holy religion. It forms one of the principal parts of the work of Jesus Christ, and plays an essential role in the economy of the salvation of man. We must pray for the dead and foster a devotion to the souls in Purgatory.
The Book of Maccabees reminds us that: “It is a holy and wholesome thought, to pray for the dead, that they may loosed from sins.” Prayer for the dead, sacrifices, and suffrages all form a part of Christian worship and devotion towards the souls in Purgatory which the Holy Ghost Himself infuses with charity into the hearts of the faithful.
One of the best means of avoiding Purgatory is to foster a tender devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Charity and works of mercy of every kind are also a powerful means to avoid Purgatory. Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you shall be forgiven. If you forgive men their offenses, your Heavenly Father will forgive you also your offenses. Give to everyone that asks of you, and it shall be given to you; for with the same measure that you shall give, it shall be measured to you again.
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
September 9th, 2012; 15th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Gal. 5:25,26; 6:1-10 Gospel: Lk. 7:11-16
Mass Schedule September 10th through September 14th
Monday –Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, Confessor-- NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Requiem Mass +Rose Xavier
Wednesday-Most Holy Name of Mary
Thursday-Feria
Friday-Exaltation of the Holy Cross
There will be a Potluck dinner Sunday, September 9th immediately following the 2:30pm Mass in the Saint Agnes school cafeteria. All are invited.
John the Baptist said the Lord will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire (Matt. 3:12; Luke 3:17). This unquenchable fire is the state of eternal separation from God, which the Church has called “hell” for 2,000 years.
Jesus says: “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41). “They will go away into eternal punishment” (Matt. 25:46). This is in reference to eternal fire.
Purgatory occupies an important place in our holy religion. It forms one of the principal parts of the work of Jesus Christ, and plays an essential role in the economy of the salvation of man. We must pray for the dead and foster a devotion to the souls in Purgatory.
The Book of Maccabees reminds us that: “It is a holy and wholesome thought, to pray for the dead, that they may loosed from sins.” Prayer for the dead, sacrifices, and suffrages all form a part of Christian worship and devotion towards the souls in Purgatory which the Holy Ghost Himself infuses with charity into the hearts of the faithful.
One of the best means of avoiding Purgatory is to foster a tender devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Charity and works of mercy of every kind are also a powerful means to avoid Purgatory. Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you shall be forgiven. If you forgive men their offenses, your Heavenly Father will forgive you also your offenses. Give to everyone that asks of you, and it shall be given to you; for with the same measure that you shall give, it shall be measured to you again.
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Jeff Fasching
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Bulletin 111
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
July 22nd, 2012; 8th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Rom. 8:12-17---Gospel: Lk. 16:1-9
Mass Schedule July 23rd through July 27th
Monday-Saint Apollinaris, Bishop & Martyr-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Saint Christina, Virgin & Martyr
Wednesday-Saint James the Greater, Apostle
Thursday-Saint Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Friday-Saint Pantaleon, Martyr
God has called us to a divine sonship. We are debtors to Christ because He has redeemed us with His blood and so made us God’s adopted sons. As such, we are led by the Spirit of God. We must therefore live our lives with courage and conviction! The Spirit of God is not a weak Spirit, but rather one of strength, power, and wisdom! We too should live our lives embracing this power, wisdom, and strength.
As God’s adopted sons, we must live our lives as children of the light. We must not be outdone by the children of this world in zeal. We must learn to take sanctity by force. Saint Paul says this involves not living according to the flesh, lest we die. Instead, we live by the Spirit and mortify the deeds of the flesh in order to live!
As Christians, we must profess our belief in Christ by the witness of our lives. We live in the midst of a culture of death and darkness. We should never be outdone in zeal when it comes to bringing the light of Christ to the world.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
July 22nd, 2012; 8th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Rom. 8:12-17---Gospel: Lk. 16:1-9
Mass Schedule July 23rd through July 27th
Monday-Saint Apollinaris, Bishop & Martyr-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Saint Christina, Virgin & Martyr
Wednesday-Saint James the Greater, Apostle
Thursday-Saint Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Friday-Saint Pantaleon, Martyr
God has called us to a divine sonship. We are debtors to Christ because He has redeemed us with His blood and so made us God’s adopted sons. As such, we are led by the Spirit of God. We must therefore live our lives with courage and conviction! The Spirit of God is not a weak Spirit, but rather one of strength, power, and wisdom! We too should live our lives embracing this power, wisdom, and strength.
As God’s adopted sons, we must live our lives as children of the light. We must not be outdone by the children of this world in zeal. We must learn to take sanctity by force. Saint Paul says this involves not living according to the flesh, lest we die. Instead, we live by the Spirit and mortify the deeds of the flesh in order to live!
As Christians, we must profess our belief in Christ by the witness of our lives. We live in the midst of a culture of death and darkness. We should never be outdone in zeal when it comes to bringing the light of Christ to the world.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Jeff Fasching
Friday, June 29, 2012
Bulletin 109
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
July 1st, 2012; The Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Epistle: Heb. 9: 11-15; Gospel: Jn. 19: 30-35
Mass Schedule July 2nd through July 6th
Monday –Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Saint Irenaeus, Bishop & Martyr
Wednesday-Feria-MASS TIME IS 10:30 AM
Thursday-Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Confessor-NO LATIN MASS
Friday-Sacred Heart of Jesus-NO LATIN MASS
MASS ON WEDNESDAY THE 4TH OF JULY WILL BE AT 10:30 AM
THERE WILL BE NO LATIN MASS ON THURSDAY THE 5TH AND FRIDAY THE 6TH
Jesus Christ has given us His Sacred Body as our food, and His Precious Blood as our drink. His immense love for us allows Him to come down upon our altars under the appearance of bread and wine. Christ instituted the Blessed Eucharist so He could always be united to us. “Come to me all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you.” (Matt. 11:28). “Except you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you shall not have life in you.” (Jn. 6:54).
Let us pray:
Soul of Christ, be my sanctification.
Body of Christ, be my salvation.
Blood of Christ, fill all my veins.
Water of Christ’s side, wash out my stains.
Passion of Christ, my comfort be.
O good Jesus, listen to me.
In Thy Wounds I fain would hide,
Ne’er to be parted from Thy side.
Guard me should the foe assail me.
Call me when my life should fail me.
Bid me to come to Thee above,
With Thy Saints to sing Thy love
World without end Amen.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
July 1st, 2012; The Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Epistle: Heb. 9: 11-15; Gospel: Jn. 19: 30-35
Mass Schedule July 2nd through July 6th
Monday –Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Saint Irenaeus, Bishop & Martyr
Wednesday-Feria-MASS TIME IS 10:30 AM
Thursday-Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Confessor-NO LATIN MASS
Friday-Sacred Heart of Jesus-NO LATIN MASS
MASS ON WEDNESDAY THE 4TH OF JULY WILL BE AT 10:30 AM
THERE WILL BE NO LATIN MASS ON THURSDAY THE 5TH AND FRIDAY THE 6TH
Jesus Christ has given us His Sacred Body as our food, and His Precious Blood as our drink. His immense love for us allows Him to come down upon our altars under the appearance of bread and wine. Christ instituted the Blessed Eucharist so He could always be united to us. “Come to me all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you.” (Matt. 11:28). “Except you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you shall not have life in you.” (Jn. 6:54).
Let us pray:
Soul of Christ, be my sanctification.
Body of Christ, be my salvation.
Blood of Christ, fill all my veins.
Water of Christ’s side, wash out my stains.
Passion of Christ, my comfort be.
O good Jesus, listen to me.
In Thy Wounds I fain would hide,
Ne’er to be parted from Thy side.
Guard me should the foe assail me.
Call me when my life should fail me.
Bid me to come to Thee above,
With Thy Saints to sing Thy love
World without end Amen.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Jeff Fasching
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Bulletin 95
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
March 25th, 2012 Passion Sunday
Epistle: Heb. 9: 11-15; Gospel: Jn. 8: 46-59
Mass Schedule March 26th through March 30th
Monday: Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday through Friday: Feria of Passiontide
Christ offered Himself upon the Cross because He willed it. No one took His life from Him. He laid it down freely. Christ offered His life for the sins of the world. By the will of His Father, weariness, fear and sadness broke His heart. Christ was a lonely stranger upon the earth. He was without true friends in the midst of a perverse, sensual and ungrateful people! Imagine how He must have longed for heaven and His Father’s house.
Christ watched in terror as the heartless executioners mocked Him, abused Him and spit in His face. He watched the hypocritical Pharisees ridicule Him on the road to Calvary. Saint Leo the Great tells us that:
“True reverence for the Lord’s passion means fixing the eyes of our heart on Jesus crucified and recognizing in Him our own humanity. The earth-our earthly nature-should tremble at the suffering of its Redeemer. The rocks-the hearts of unbelievers-should burst asunder. The dead, imprisoned in the tombs of their mortality, should come forth, the massive stones now ripped apart. Foreshadowing’s of the future resurrection should appear in the holy city, the Church of God: what is to happen to our bodies should now take place in our hearts.
No one, however weak, is denied a share in the victory of the Cross. No one is beyond the help of the prayer of Christ. His prayer brought benefit to the multitude that raged against Him. How much more does it bring to those who turn to Him in repentance.”
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
Springfield area Catholic pro-life supporters have organized the Springfield, MO Life Runners chapter, associated with the National Life Runners Team. Life Runners is an organization encouraging Catholics to support respect for all life from conception through natural death, through prayer, witness, and walking/running. We want to invite all area pro-life Catholics to join Life Runners, and to join in our upcoming events, including:
• Fun Run/Walk at Phelps Grove Park at 8am on April 21 with National Life Runners director Dr. Patrick Castle.
• Walk and Time of Prayers and Witness at Cowden Park across from Planned Parenthood on May 12 from 10am-Noon.
The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Medical Mile and 5K on June 2 at Meyer Center by Cox South Hospital.
• Saint Louis Rock and Roll Marathon/Half-Marathon/5K on October 21 in Saint Louis, MO.
For more information, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/315417748506189/
NOTE: I will be running with Dr. Patrick Castle in the go Saint Louis Marathon in Saint Louis, MO on April 15th, 2012 at 7:00am. This is Divine Mercy Sunday.
THERE WILL BE NO LATIN MASS ON APRIL 15TH AT 2:30PM.
THERE WILL BE NO POT LUCK DINNER THIS MONTH.
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
March 25th, 2012 Passion Sunday
Epistle: Heb. 9: 11-15; Gospel: Jn. 8: 46-59
Mass Schedule March 26th through March 30th
Monday: Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday through Friday: Feria of Passiontide
Christ offered Himself upon the Cross because He willed it. No one took His life from Him. He laid it down freely. Christ offered His life for the sins of the world. By the will of His Father, weariness, fear and sadness broke His heart. Christ was a lonely stranger upon the earth. He was without true friends in the midst of a perverse, sensual and ungrateful people! Imagine how He must have longed for heaven and His Father’s house.
Christ watched in terror as the heartless executioners mocked Him, abused Him and spit in His face. He watched the hypocritical Pharisees ridicule Him on the road to Calvary. Saint Leo the Great tells us that:
“True reverence for the Lord’s passion means fixing the eyes of our heart on Jesus crucified and recognizing in Him our own humanity. The earth-our earthly nature-should tremble at the suffering of its Redeemer. The rocks-the hearts of unbelievers-should burst asunder. The dead, imprisoned in the tombs of their mortality, should come forth, the massive stones now ripped apart. Foreshadowing’s of the future resurrection should appear in the holy city, the Church of God: what is to happen to our bodies should now take place in our hearts.
No one, however weak, is denied a share in the victory of the Cross. No one is beyond the help of the prayer of Christ. His prayer brought benefit to the multitude that raged against Him. How much more does it bring to those who turn to Him in repentance.”
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
Springfield area Catholic pro-life supporters have organized the Springfield, MO Life Runners chapter, associated with the National Life Runners Team. Life Runners is an organization encouraging Catholics to support respect for all life from conception through natural death, through prayer, witness, and walking/running. We want to invite all area pro-life Catholics to join Life Runners, and to join in our upcoming events, including:
• Fun Run/Walk at Phelps Grove Park at 8am on April 21 with National Life Runners director Dr. Patrick Castle.
• Walk and Time of Prayers and Witness at Cowden Park across from Planned Parenthood on May 12 from 10am-Noon.
The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Medical Mile and 5K on June 2 at Meyer Center by Cox South Hospital.
• Saint Louis Rock and Roll Marathon/Half-Marathon/5K on October 21 in Saint Louis, MO.
For more information, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/315417748506189/
NOTE: I will be running with Dr. Patrick Castle in the go Saint Louis Marathon in Saint Louis, MO on April 15th, 2012 at 7:00am. This is Divine Mercy Sunday.
THERE WILL BE NO LATIN MASS ON APRIL 15TH AT 2:30PM.
THERE WILL BE NO POT LUCK DINNER THIS MONTH.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Bulletin 75
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806 EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS: Celebrant Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
November 6th, 2011 21st Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Eph. 6: 10-17
Gospel: Mt. 18: 23-35
Mass Schedule November 7th through November 11th:
Monday-Feria-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Requiem Mass + Mary Dsouza
Wednesday-Dedication of the Archbasilica of Our Holy Savior
Thursday-Saint Andrew Avellino, Confessor
Friday-Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop & Confessor
The month of November is dedicated to the Holy Souls. On all days from November 1 through November 8 inclusive, a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Poor Souls, is granted to those who visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the departed. Partial indulgences are granted to those who recite Lauds or Vespers of the Office of the Dead, and to those who recite the prayer “Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domini, et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace” (“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace”).
“An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints.” Paul VI, apostolic constitution, Indulgentiarum doctrina, Norm 1.
An indulgence is partial or plenary according as it removes either part or all of the temporal punishment due to sin. The faithful can gain indulgences for themselves, or apply them to the dead.
Saint Paul reminds us we must all be prepared to struggle “against the principalities” of this world, namely those angels who rebelled against God whom Christ has won victory over. We must fight with spiritual weapons; truth, righteousness, peace and faith. These weapons guarantee our victory! Our fight should therefore be fought with joy and confidence!
Satan is constantly seeking to bring about man’s eternal damnation. However, since Christ has defeated satan through the power of the cross, satan no longer has power over us. We must, however, still contend with the enemy. Prayer is the single most important weapon for fighting the enemy. Prayer helps us to conquer evil passions and temptations brought about by the devil. It is not enough simply to go through the motions. We must constantly pray from the heart.
In Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
November 6th, 2011 21st Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Eph. 6: 10-17
Gospel: Mt. 18: 23-35
Mass Schedule November 7th through November 11th:
Monday-Feria-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Requiem Mass + Mary Dsouza
Wednesday-Dedication of the Archbasilica of Our Holy Savior
Thursday-Saint Andrew Avellino, Confessor
Friday-Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop & Confessor
The month of November is dedicated to the Holy Souls. On all days from November 1 through November 8 inclusive, a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Poor Souls, is granted to those who visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the departed. Partial indulgences are granted to those who recite Lauds or Vespers of the Office of the Dead, and to those who recite the prayer “Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domini, et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace” (“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace”).
“An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints.” Paul VI, apostolic constitution, Indulgentiarum doctrina, Norm 1.
An indulgence is partial or plenary according as it removes either part or all of the temporal punishment due to sin. The faithful can gain indulgences for themselves, or apply them to the dead.
Saint Paul reminds us we must all be prepared to struggle “against the principalities” of this world, namely those angels who rebelled against God whom Christ has won victory over. We must fight with spiritual weapons; truth, righteousness, peace and faith. These weapons guarantee our victory! Our fight should therefore be fought with joy and confidence!
Satan is constantly seeking to bring about man’s eternal damnation. However, since Christ has defeated satan through the power of the cross, satan no longer has power over us. We must, however, still contend with the enemy. Prayer is the single most important weapon for fighting the enemy. Prayer helps us to conquer evil passions and temptations brought about by the devil. It is not enough simply to go through the motions. We must constantly pray from the heart.
In Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
Friday, February 4, 2011
Bulletin 36
AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806 EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS: Celebrant Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
February 6, 2011 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Epistle: Col. 3, 12-17
Gospel: Matth. 13, 24-30
Mass schedule February 7 through February 11
Monday----Saint Romuald, Abbot----NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday----Saint John of Matha, Confessor
Wednesday----Saint Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Thursday----Saint Scholastica, Virgin
Friday----Our Lady of Lourdes
No Pot Luck Dinner this month.
MASS ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 13 WILL BE AT 7:00 PM AT SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL
What a miracle of love it is when the Son of God, who is Almighty and Infinite, and whom the angels and saints reverently adore day and night, becomes our food in the Eucharist! To receive God within us and to unite our unworthy flesh and blood with His most sacred flesh and blood is a tremendous grace! God comes to dwell within us! How can we not feel the most profound reverence and adoration?
Our God is in the Holy Eucharist. He is present in the form of bread out of His infinite love for us. He does this so that He may unite Himself to us. He does not reveal His infinite glory while present in the sacred host so that we will not be frightened by the splendor of His divinity. In other words, God foregoes His own splendor and glory so that He may save sinners and be present in the sacred host.
What then do we owe God in return? Do we acknowledge His love and show our gratitude? Sadly, many do not. God manifests His greatest love, and yet here He often receives His greatest abuse. He often receives the utmost ingratitude. During the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass Christ offers Himself up for our sins to God the Father and begs God’s grace and mercy. What do we do in return? Many do not even think it worth while to attend this Sacrifice even if they easily can. Others attend, but without thinking what it is that is being done for them. Others act inappropriately during the Mass. They talk or find some excuse to get up and leave as soon as Mass begins. Others even make fun of the Mass. Christ sees all and yet He continues to make Himself present to appease the just wrath of God the Father.
Let us attend Mass with the utmost reverence and respect. Let us thank our God for the sacrifice of His Son.
In Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
February 6, 2011 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Epistle: Col. 3, 12-17
Gospel: Matth. 13, 24-30
Mass schedule February 7 through February 11
Monday----Saint Romuald, Abbot----NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday----Saint John of Matha, Confessor
Wednesday----Saint Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Thursday----Saint Scholastica, Virgin
Friday----Our Lady of Lourdes
No Pot Luck Dinner this month.
MASS ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 13 WILL BE AT 7:00 PM AT SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL
What a miracle of love it is when the Son of God, who is Almighty and Infinite, and whom the angels and saints reverently adore day and night, becomes our food in the Eucharist! To receive God within us and to unite our unworthy flesh and blood with His most sacred flesh and blood is a tremendous grace! God comes to dwell within us! How can we not feel the most profound reverence and adoration?
Our God is in the Holy Eucharist. He is present in the form of bread out of His infinite love for us. He does this so that He may unite Himself to us. He does not reveal His infinite glory while present in the sacred host so that we will not be frightened by the splendor of His divinity. In other words, God foregoes His own splendor and glory so that He may save sinners and be present in the sacred host.
What then do we owe God in return? Do we acknowledge His love and show our gratitude? Sadly, many do not. God manifests His greatest love, and yet here He often receives His greatest abuse. He often receives the utmost ingratitude. During the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass Christ offers Himself up for our sins to God the Father and begs God’s grace and mercy. What do we do in return? Many do not even think it worth while to attend this Sacrifice even if they easily can. Others attend, but without thinking what it is that is being done for them. Others act inappropriately during the Mass. They talk or find some excuse to get up and leave as soon as Mass begins. Others even make fun of the Mass. Christ sees all and yet He continues to make Himself present to appease the just wrath of God the Father.
Let us attend Mass with the utmost reverence and respect. Let us thank our God for the sacrifice of His Son.
In Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
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