“A time is coming when men will go mad, and when they see someone who is not mad, they will attack him, saying, 'You are mad; you are not like us.” ― St. Antony the Great
Be very careful. That Mass you demanded to attend may be your last. Or that of someone you love. But who cares, they're old and have pre-existing conditions.
And you call yourself a Catholic. I have two words for you but I won't use profanity.
Clearly, this was a waste of time. It won't be done again. In an effort to assist you on this Fourth Sunday of Lent, I have put together this Mass for the Domestic Church interspersed with organ music, it is Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday and the Ordinary and Propers of the Mass for today. It's very much what I would have programmed, sung and lead had I been able to.
Look, I know not attending Mass is a hardship. I get it. What you must "get" is that yesterday, nearly 700 people died in Italy of the China Virus. Yes, I know, they had pre-existing conditions and they were old so they were going to die anyway. What kind of Catholic are you if you think this way?
St. Junipero Serra offered no Mass on the ship to the New World. It was not allowed, the Precious Blood would have spilt. St. Francis of Assisi offered no Mass in the mountain on his retreat. Even if he wanted to, he could not, he was a deacon. Stop the fuss. I predict that tomorrow, flights in North America will be grounded and the stock markets closed. Shortly thereafter, we will be ordered under martial law to shelter in place. Why? Because if we do not, 10,000,000 in North America are going to die by the end of August because this mitigation is not much better than doing nothing and people are not listening. If we bite the bullet, it will be over in seven weeks and we will be all together before Pentecost ad the dead will be held to around 10,000. Our grandparents were called to war, we are called to our couch and our gardens. We can do this. God has not abandoned us.
Please remember Fox and me in your prayers. Let us pray for one another at this time.
God bless you.
Missa Sicca Pro Ecclesia Domestica
(Dry Mass for the Domestic Church)
In the name of the Father +and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit. Introitus Isa 66:10-11 Rejoice, O Jerusalem, and come together, all you who love
her: rejoice with joy, you who have been in sorrow: that you may exult, and be
filled from the breasts of your consolation. Ps 121:1
I rejoiced because they said to me, We will go up to the
house of the Lord. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost. ℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Rejoice, O Jerusalem, and come together, all you who love
her: rejoice with joy, you who have been in sorrow: that you may exult, and be
filled from the breasts of your consolation.
The Confiteor
I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever virgin, to
blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy
Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the saints, that I have sinned exceedingly in
thought, word and deed (strike breast three times): through my fault, through
my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech the blessed Mary
ever virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy
Apostles Peter and Paul, all the saints, to pray to the Lord Our God for me. +
May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins and bring us to life
everlasting. Amen.
The Kyrie
Prayer
Grant, we beseech You, almighty God, that we who justly
suffer for our sins may find relief in the help of Your grace.Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and
reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without
end.
℟. Amen.
Lesson
Lesson from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians
Gal 4:22-31
Brethren: It is written that Abraham had two sons, the one
by a slave-girl and the other by a free woman. And the son of the slave-girl
was born according to the flesh, but the son of the free woman in virtue of the
promise. This said by way of allegory. For these are the two covenants: one
indeed from Mount Sinai bringing forth children unto bondage, which is Agar.
For Sinai is a mountain in Arabia, which corresponds to the present Jerusalem,
and is in slavery with her children. But that Jerusalem which is above is free,
which is our mother. For it is written, Rejoice, O barren one, that do not
bear; break forth and cry, you that do not travail; for many are the children
of the desolate, more than of her that has a husband. Now we, brethren, are the
children of the promise, as Isaac was. But as then he who was born according to
the flesh, persecuted him who was born according to the spirit, so also it is
now. But what does the Scripture say? Cast out the slave-girl and her son, for
the son of the slave-girl shall not be heir with the son of the free
woman. Therefore, brethren, we are not children of a slave-girl, but of the free
woman - in virtue of the freedom wherewith Christ has made us free. ℟ Thanks be to God. Gradual
Ps 121: 1, 7. I rejoiced because they said to me, We will go up to the
house of the Lord.
V. May peace be within your walls, prosperity in your
buildings.
Tract Ps 124:1-2 They who trust in the Lord are like Mount Sion, which is immovable; which forever stands. V. Mountains are round about Jerusalem; so the Lord is round about His people, both now and forever.
Gospel Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to John R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord. John 6:1-15 At that time, Jesus went away to the other side of the sea
of Galilee, which is that of Tiberias. And there followed Him a great crowd,
because they witnessed the signs He worked on those who were sick. Jesus
therefore went up the mountain, and sat there with His disciples. Now the
Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near. When, therefore, Jesus had lifted up
His eyes and seen that a very great crowd had come to Him, He said to Philip,
Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat? But He said this to try him, for
He Himself knew what He would do. Philip answered Him, Two hundred denarii
worth of bread is not enough for them, that each one may receive a little. One
of His disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to Him, There is a
young boy here who has five barley loaves and two fishes; but what are these
among so many? Jesus then said, Make the people recline. Now there was much
grass in the place. The men therefore reclined, in number about five thousand.
Jesus then took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, distributed them to
those reclining; and likewise the fishes, as much as they wished. But when they
were filled, He said to His disciples, Gather the fragments that are left over,
lest they be wasted. They therefore gathered them up; and they filled twelve
baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves left over by those who had
eaten. When the people, therefore, had seen the sign which Jesus had worked,
they said, This is indeed the Prophet Who is to come into the world. So when
Jesus perceived that they would come to take Him by force and make Him king He
fled again to the mountain, Himself alone. R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ. Credo
Offertorium
Ps 134:3, 6.
Praise the Lord, for He is good; sing praise to His Name,
for He is sweet; all that He wills He does in heaven and on earth.
Prefatio It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that
we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord,
Father almighty, everlasting God; Who by this bodily fast, dost curb our vices,
dost lift up our minds and bestow on us strength and rewards; through Christ
our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominations worship
it, the Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the heavenly hosts together with
the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with
these we entreat Thee that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted while
we say with lowly praise: Sanctus
Invocation of the Saints Almighty God, may our prayers be joined to the intercession
of the glorious every virgin Mary Mother of God; also of the blessed Joseph,
her spouse, and likewise of your blessed Apostles and martyrs, Peter and Paul,
Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and
Thaddeus, Linus, Cletus, Clement, Sixtus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence,
Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian, of all thy saints. Grant for the
sake of their merits and prayers in all things we may be guarded and helped by
Your protection. + Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen. Prayer for the Living Be mindful, O Lord, of N… our Pope, N… our Bishop, N… our
Priest, Your servants and handmaids N… and N…, and of those entrusted to my
care, for whom this sacrifice of praise is offered, in union with the Holy
Sacrifice of the Mass offered by Your ordained priests throughout the world.
Grant, O Lord, the redemption of their souls and the hope of their safety and
salvation. Prayer for the Dead Be mindful, also, O Lord, of Your servants and handmaids
N... and N... who are gone before us with the sign of faith and who sleep the
sleep of peace. To these, O Lord, and to all who rest in Christ, grant, we
beseech You, a place of refreshment, light and peace. + Through the same Christ
our Lord. Amen. Prayer for Eternal Happiness To us also Your sinful servants, who put our trust in the
multitude of Your mercies, vouchsafe to grant some part and fellowship with
Your holy Apostles and martyrs: with John, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas,
Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicitas, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy,
Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia, and all your saints. Into their company we beseech You
admit us, not considering our merits, but freely pardoning our offenses. +
Through Christ Our Lord. Amen. Our Father
Agnus Dei
Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that You are in the Blessed Sacrament. I
love You above all things, and I long for You in my soul. Since I cannot now
receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though
You have already come, I embrace You and unite myself entirely to You; never
permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
Communio
Ps 121:3-4
Jerusalem, built as a city, with compact unity: to it the
tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, to give thanks to Your Name, O Lord.
The Last Gospel (John 1:1–14)
The beginning +︎ of the holy Gospel according to John.
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Joann. 1, 1-14.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were
made by Him, and without Him was made nothing that was made: in Him was life,
and the life was the Light of men; and the Light shineth in darkness, and the
darkness did not comprehend it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man
came for a witness, to testify concerning the Light, that all might believe
through Him. He was not the Light, but he was to testify concerning the Light.
That was the true Light, which enlighteneth every man that
cometh into this world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and
the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But
as many as received Him to them He gave power to become sons of God, to them
that believe in His Name, who are born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,
nor of the will of man, but of God. Here all kneel. And the Word was made
flesh, and dwelt among us: and we saw His glory, the glory as of the Only
begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
R. Thanks be to God.
In the name of the Father + and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit.
Here is a beautiful letter from Cardinal Burke. I suggested something similar a few posts below to keep churches open.
But I have changed my mind. Do you know why? Because some or most cannot be trusted. They are so arrogant and prideful they will still come to church sick.
And you say, "oh, well those who die have pre-existing conditions or are old."
We hope this email finds each of you and your families in good health.
As noted in previous emails, the public celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been suspended indefinitely in light of the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic. While we are in self-isolation in anticipation of lowering the rate of infection (flattening the curve), we are not left abandoned as Christ still offers Himself to the Father on our behalf through the consecrated hands of our priests daily. As lay faithful, while we are unable to participate physically in Sunday Mass, we are still commanded by Divine Law to keep the sabbath day holy (Exodus 20:8). To aid the laity in this, some parishes have been able to livestream Mass and other devotions which has been of great spiritual benefit for souls. It is in fact become even more beneficial, as today, Mauro Cardinal Piacenza, on behalf of the Apostolic Penitentiary in Rome, announced a number of Plenary Indulgences, including one for those who participate in Mass or other Catholic devotions through television or via the internet during the pandemic. It states the following:
The Plenary Indulgence is granted to the faithful suffering from Coronavirus, who are subject to quarantine by order of the health authority in hospitals or in their own homes if, with a spirit detached from any sin, they unite spiritually through the media to the celebration of Holy Mass, the recitation of the Holy Rosary, to the pious practice of the Way of the Cross or other forms of devotion, or if at least they will recite the Creed, the Lord's Prayer and a pious invocation to the Blessed Virgin Mary, offering this trial in a spirit of faith in God and charity towards their brothers and sisters, with the will to fulfill the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer according to the Holy Father's intentions), as soon as possible.
Due to Diocesan guidelines, livestreaming from Holy Angels Parish is not possible at this time. As such, Fr. John requested that I research options for our parishioners to ensure they can still participate spiritually in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass online. Here is a list of times and places which will be streaming the Traditional Latin Mass on Sunday, March 22, 2020 for the Fourth Sunday of Lent - Laetare Sunday (Times listed below in EST):
(USA) Christ the King, Sarasota, FL - Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP)
Sunday: 8:30 am; 10:30 am
Daily (except Monday): 9:00 am
Monday: 12:00 pm
Website (s): http://s3.amazonaws.com/livemass/live.html
Schedule for other Masses streamed on this site found here: http://s3.amazonaws.com/livemass/schedule/index.html
Note: Website above has had some known issues with overload, specifically on Sundays, and may not work. We do not recommend relying on this site, and would recommend another site for streaming on Sundays.
(UK) Latin Mass Society of England and Wales https://lms.org.uk/
See the below list of locations and visit the link to view the Mass. Please note, we cannot vouch for the quality of these streams.
Sunday:
We hope this will aid you and your families to enter more fully into the Liturgy this Sunday during this our exile. Just a reminder that we are praying the St. Joseph Novena which we began on his solemn feast yesterday (March 19, 2020). It is not too late to start. I will include the novena text from Fr. John at the bottom of this email. Be assured of our continued prayers for you and your families. St. Joseph, Help of the Sick, Ora Pro Nobis.
Sincerely in Christ,
The London Latin Mass Apostolate
St. Joseph Novena Prayer
Saint Joseph, you are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate you. You know that I have confidence in you and that, after Jesus and Mary, I come to you as an example for holiness, for you are especially close with God. Therefore, I humbly commend myself, with all who are dear to me and all that belong to me, to your intercession. I beg of you, by your love for Jesus and Mary, not to abandon me during life and to assist me at the hour of my death.
Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin, pray for me to have a pure, humble, charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the divine Will. Be my guide, my father, and my model through life that I may die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary.
Loving Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I raise my heart to you to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace I now implore:
(Mention your request)
Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel confident that your prayers on my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. St. Joseph Most Just, Pray for us! Amen. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be
St Joseph pray for us
O Great St. Rocco, deliver us,
we beseech thee,
from the scourges of God;
through thy intercession,
preserve our bodies from contagious diseases,
and our souls from the contagion of sin.
Obtain for us salubrious air;
but, above all, purity of heart.
Assist us to make good use of health,
to bear suffering with patience;
and, after thy example,
to live in the practice of penance and charity,
that we may one day enjoy the happiness
which thou has merited by thy virtues.
St. Rocco, pray for us (3x).
Saint Rocco is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church as the
protector against all contagious diseases.
London Latin Mass Apostolate
Traditional Latin Mass held every Sunday at 1:30pm
Holy Angels Catholic Church
502 Talbot St. St. Thomas, Ontario
www.londonlatinmass.ca
You still don't get it, to you? You're still puffed up on your pride and you are prepared to put thousands, tens of thousands at risk.
Stop it. Nearly 700 died from it yesterday in Italy. They didn't get Last Rites, can't have a funeral. Do you want this here? We will get through this, you of little faith. God is testing us, our faith and trust in Him. Now stop it!
Pray your rosary. The Divine Office. Pray the Mass at home.
Swallow your false piety and your pride and read this!
China did this. The evil Chinese communist dishonesty, corruption and incompetence did this. The people must throw off this regime. The only good communist is a dead communist. May these dear souls rest in peace.
In Toronto, Thomas Cardinal Collins, following live Mass from St. Michael's Cathedral at 7:30 EST prays the rosary before the Lord, truly present in the Tabernacle.
I note that "some" bishops, have cancelled confession except in cases of imminent death. Not good. Not good at all. In Toronto, it is by appointment and at a suitable confidential distance. His Eminence makes eminent sense. May God bless him and keep him healthy.
Cardinal's Message on COVID-19 - March 17, 2020
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
My dear faithful of the Archdiocese of Toronto,
I wish to provide you with a further update on our response as a Christian community to the COVID-19 situation which is evolving rapidly. Today, the Premier of Ontario has declared a state of emergency.
Once again in the history of our archdiocese we are in the midst of an epidemic. I am deeply grateful for the priests, deacons and lay pastoral workers of the archdiocese who have acted in this emergency with such loving pastoral care. We are called to ensure that this continues even more in the time ahead. For example, I encourage all pastors to organize the members of their parish to assist those who are isolated and vulnerable, especially the elderly, while always following the directions of the health authorities.
For the duration of this health emergency, I decree that the following be implemented in all parishes, missions and chaplaincies throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto:
Mass – In view of the requirements of the Government of Ontario, during this medical emergency, beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020, I instruct that all public Masses be cancelled, both during the week and on the weekend. Churches will be available for individual private prayer.
The priests of the archdiocese will celebrate Mass every day privately for the intentions of the people.
The faithful will be able to watch, via livestream, a Mass which will be celebrated every day at 7:30 a.m. at St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica, which will be followed by the Angelus and the Rosary. I will personally celebrate this Mass as much as is possible. This Mass, Rosary and Angelus will also be available on the Archdiocese of Toronto's YouTube channel for those who cannot join at 7:30 a.m. These Masses and prayers will be offered for the intentions of everyone as we go through these trying times.
So many of our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world are deprived of the opportunity to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, for many reasons. Due to this health emergency we also will now experience their suffering. Perhaps this sacrifice will help us to cherish more profoundly the great gift of the Holy Eucharist. There is no substitute for personally participating in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which is the source and summit of our life in Christ, and we pray for the time when this may be universally available once more.
It is important to follow carefully the provisions of the health authorities, but it also essential that our spiritual life be enhanced and strengthened all the more during this crisis. At this time, when we are reminded of the brevity of life and of our own mortality, we are called to go deeper to our spiritual foundations. I encourage all people who remain at home and who are cut off from regular social interaction to engage in prayer – to pray the Rosary, to read the Scriptures and to offer prayers for those who are suffering the most in this crisis. We should also pray for the health care workers and others who are engaged in fighting this pandemic on the frontlines.
Baptism – At this time, communal celebrations of Baptism are not allowed. Individual Baptism is allowed with immediate family and following the regulations established by the health authorities.
RCIA – I dispense the catechumens from the scrutinies. Information will be sent out later on the Triduum and reception into the Church.
First Holy Communion, First Reconciliation and Confirmation will be postponed for the duration of the emergency.
Sacrament of Reconciliation – Communal celebrations of the Sacrament of Reconciliation are not allowed at this time. All those who wish to receive the sacrament should contact a priest. The sacrament is to be celebrated not in a confessional but rather in another location, where confidentiality may be ensured and where the distance required by the health officials can be maintained.
Marriage – Marriages without Mass may take place with the immediate family members, provided they follow the regulations established by the health authorities. The postponement of the wedding may be requested given these circumstances, but if this is granted there may be a need for revision of the canonical requirements.
Marriage Preparation is very important. At this time, however, marriage preparation classes are cancelled and pastors are to arrange for individual couples to be prepared properly for marriage.
Visits to the Sick and Homebound should continue as much as possible. As previously communicated, visiting clergy and volunteers should take direction from the health care facility. Parishes should also take care to contact the homebound and vulnerable.
Funerals – During this emergency, there will be no vigils or wake services. The Rite of Committal will take place with the immediate family at the cemetery. There will be no funeral Mass at this time, but we encourage the celebration of a funeral Mass at a later date when it is possible.
Parish Meetings and Events are cancelled at this time.
Parish Offices – While parish offices may offer more limited operating hours, they should maintain an active presence in the community and be accessible to the faithful. Parishes are encouraged to follow the direction of the Archdiocese of Toronto's Human Resources department, providing flexibility for staff as appropriate. The Archdiocese of Toronto's Catholic Pastoral Centre will also follow this practice, ensuring that offices remain accessible.
We will review our emergency provisions regularly in accord with the requirements of the public health officials and we will provide updates at: www.archtoronto.org/covid19.
While it is a painful moment in the life of the Church to take these extreme measures, we pray that they will aid in combating the pandemic that has affected so many in our own community and around the world.
Once again, we pray for those suffering and for those who are caring for the sick. We are facing many trials during our Lenten journey this year. We take these to prayer, and look for opportunities to be the face of Jesus to all those whom we encounter. May God continue to bless you.