Saturday, November 25, 2023

Latin Hymns: Dedication of a Church and the Blessed Virgin

COMMON OF DEDICATION OF A CHURCH Office of Readings LH ID no. C 001 hy Author: 7th c.? Hymn no. 055 Meter: 11.11.11.5 Christe, cunctórum dominátor alme, plebs tibi supplex résonat in aula, ánnuo cuius rédeunt colénda témpore festa. Hic locus nempe vocitátur aula regis imménsi nitidíque cæli porta, quæ vitæ pátriam peténtes áccipit omnes. Hæc tuam plebem sacra cogit ædes, hæc sacraméntis pia ditat usque, cǽlicis escis alit in perénnis múnera vitae. Quǽsumus ergo, Deus, ut seréno ádnuas vultu fámulos gubérnans, qui tui summo célebrant amóre gáudia templi. Æqua laus summum célebret Paréntem teque, Salvátor, pie rex, per ævum; Spíritus Sancti résonet per omnem glória mundum. Amen.

1. Christ loving Ruler, Master of creation, humble petition echoes through your temple as on this feast day, every year returning, your people praise you. 2. This is none other than a holy dwelling, court of the high king, gate of shining heaven,1 welcoming kindly all who seek the homeland, life ever blesséd. 3. This sacred temple binds you to your people, lovingly grants them Sacraments most holy, feeding them ever with the bread of heaven, for life eternal. 4. Therefore, we ask you, God who guide your servants, grant us your favor, gaze on us serenely, as with devotion we acclaim the glories of your bright temple. D. Let equal praises honor God the Father and you, our Savior, loving King eternal; through all creation let the Spirit’s glory echo for ever. Amen. 1 Cf. Gn 28:17 (NABRE: “He was afraid and said: ‘How awesome this place is! This is nothing else but the house of God, the gateway to heaven!’”).

4 THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS COMMON OF THE DEDICATION OF A CHURCH Lauds (Morning Prayer) LH ID no. C 002 hy Author: 8-9th c. Hymn no. 023 Meter: 87.87.87 Anguláris fundaméntum lapis Christus missus est, qui paríetum compáge in utróque néctitur, quem Sion sancta suscépit, in quo credens pérmanet. Omnis illa Deo sacra et dilécta cívitas, plena módulis in laude et canóre iúbilo, trinum Deum unicúmque cum fervóre prǽdicat. Hoc in templo, summe Deus, exorátus ádveni, et cleménti bonitáte precum vota súscipe; largam benedictiónem hic infúnde iúgiter. Hic promereántur omnes petíta acquírere et adépta possidére cum sanctis perénniter, paradísum introíre transláti in réquiem. Glória et honor Deo usquequáque altíssimo, una Patri Filióque atque Sancto Flámini, quibus laudes et potéstas per ætérna sǽcula. Amen.

1. Christ was sent, the sole foundation,1 he the precious corner-stone that connects the walls together, bound to each, he makes them one; holy Zion has embraced him and by faith in him she stands. 2. All that city, well-belovéd, consecrated to the Lord, filled with songs of jubilation and melodious hymns of praise, cries aloud with joy and fervor: God most holy, Three in One. 3. God Most High, within this temple, moved by prayer, draw near to us and receive with loving kindness our devotion as we pray; pour within these walls your blessing, ever-flowing streams of grace. 4. Here, may all who ask be worthy, to receive the gifts they seek, to possess with Saints for ever all the good things prayer attains, and to enter heaven’s portals, taken up into your rest.2 D. Undivided glory, honor to the Father and the Son, likewise to the Holy Spirit: God most high, the Three in One theirs the power, praise, dominion as the endless ages run. Amen. 1 Cf. Is 28:16 (NABRE: “See, I am laying a stone in Zion, a stone that has been tested, A precious cornerstone as a sure foundation; whoever puts faith in it will not waver”). 2 Cf. Ps 95 (94):11 (Grail: “Then I took an oath in my anger, ‘Never shall they enter my rest’”).

HYMNS 5 COMMON OF DEDICATION OF A CHURCH Vespers (Evening Prayer) LH ID no. C 003 hy Author: 8-9th c. Hymn no. 274 Meter: 87.87.87 Urbs Ierúsalem beáta, dicta pacis vísio, quæ constrúitur in cælis vivis ex lapídibus, angelísque coronáta sicut sponsa cómite, Nova véniens e cælo, nuptiáli thálamo præparáta, ut intácta copulétur Dómino. Platéæ et muri eius ex auro puríssimo; Portæ nitent margarítis ádytis paténtibus, et virtúte meritórum illuc introdúcitur omnis qui ob Christi nomen hic in mundo prémitur. Tunsiónibus, pressúris expolíti lápides suis coaptántur locis per manum artíficis; disponúntur permansúri sacris ædifíciis.

1. O Jerusalem, the blessed, named the vision of our peace, city formed and built in heaven, fashioned out of living stones, crowned by rank on rank of angels as a bride by friends adorned. 2. New and fresh she comes from heaven as a virgin-bride prepared, ready for the nuptial chamber and her union with the Lord: all her streets, her walls and ramparts, fashioned out of purest gold.1 3. Glorious temple standing open, portals made of gleaming pearls: there, by virtue of their merits, those are brought to dwell within, all who in the world here suffer hardship for the name of Christ.2 4. Struck with blows, refined by pressure, perfect stones now polished smooth, these are set in place together, chosen by the artist’s hand: well designed to last for ever in the sacred dwelling place.3 1 Cf. Rv 21:21 (NABRE: “The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made from a single pearl; and the street of the city was of pure gold, transparent as glass”). 2 Cf. Jn 16:33 (NABRE: “I [Jesus] have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world”). 3 Cf. Acts 14:21-22 (NABRE: “After they had proclaimed the good news to that city and made a considerable number of disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch. They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, ‘It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God’”). 6

THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS Glória et honor Deo usquequáque altíssimo, una Patri Filióque atque Sancto Flámini, quibus laudes et potéstas per ætérna sǽcula. Amen. D. Undivided glory, honor to the Father and the Son, likewise to the Holy Spirit: God most high, the Three in One; theirs the power, praise, dominion as the endless ages run. Amen.

HYMNS 7 COMMON OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Vespers (Evening Prayer) I LH ID no. C 004 hy Author: 12-13th c. Hymn no. 165 Meter: 8.8.8.8. (L.M.) María, quæ mortálium preces amánter éxcipis, rogámus ecce súpplices, nobis adésto pérpetim. Adésto, si nos críminum caténa stringit hórrida; cito resólve cómpedes quæ corda culpis ílligant. Succúrre, si nos sæ´culi fallax imágo péllicit, ne mens salútis trámitem, oblíta cæli, déserat. Succúrre, si vel córpori advérsa sors impéndeat; fac sint quiéta témpora, ætérnitas dum lúceat. Tuis et esto fíliis tutéla mortis témpore, ut, te iuvánte, cónsequi perénne detur præ´mium. Patri sit et Paráclito tuóque Nato glória, qui veste te mirábili circumdedérunt gratiæ. Amen.

1. O Mary, who with love receive your mortal children’s humble prayers, behold, we ask on bended knee: draw near and be our constant help. 2. Draw near, if chains that faults have forged shall grip our souls with fear and dread and come in haste to loose the bonds that fetter hearts with guilt and sin. 3. Make haste, if idols that deceive shall lure us into worldly gain, lest we forsake salvation’s path, unmindful of all heavenly joy. 4. Make haste, if hard misfortune comes with danger to our mortal frame; obtain for us more tranquil times until eternal light shall dawn. 5. And then draw near, protect and guard your children at the hour of death, that with your help we may attain the everlasting gift and prize. D. To Father and to Paraclete and to your Son all glory be, who have, all three, invested you with such a wondrous robe of grace. Amen.

8 THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS COMMON OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Office of Readings LH ID no. C 005 hy Author: Venantius Fortunatus, 530-609? Hymn no. 222 Meter: 8.8.8.8. (L.M.) Quem terra, pontus, ǽthera colunt, adórant, prǽdicant trinam regéntem máchinam, claustrum Maríæ báiulat. Cui luna, sol et ómnia desérviunt per témpora, perfúsa cæli grátia gestant puéllæ víscera. Beáta mater múnere, cuius, supérnus ártifex, mundum pugíllo cóntinens, ventris sub arca clausus est. Beáta cæli núntio, fecúnda Sancto Spíritu, desiderátus géntibus cuius per alvum fusus est. Iesu, tibi sit glória, qui natus es de Vírgine, cum Patre et almo Spíritu, in sempitérna sǽcula. Amen.

1. The One whom sky and earth and sea adore, acclaim, and glorify: the ruler of this threefold world is borne in Mary’s cloistered womb. 2. The sun and moon, all things on earth obey his will in every age; through grace poured forth from heaven on high a maiden bears him in her womb. 3. How blest the Mother in this gift, for the Creator from on high, whose palm can hold the universe, dwelt in her womb as in the Ark.1 4. Blest by the Angel’s heavenly word, made fruitful by the Spirit’s grace, from this pure womb a child was born: the One for whom the nations longed. D. To you, Lord Jesus, glory be, who are the Blessed Virgin’s Son, with God the Father, ever blest, and loving Spirit, ever one. Amen. 1 Our Lady is named under the image of the Ark; Cf. Litany of Loreto: fœderis arca.

HYMNS 9 COMMON OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Lauds (Morning Prayer) LH ID no. C 006 hy Author: Venantius Fortunatus 530-609 Hymn no. 185 Meter: 8.8.8.8. (L.M.) O gloriósa dómina, excélsa super sídera, qui te creávit próvide, lactas sacráto úbere. Quod Eva tristis ábstulit, tu reddis almo gérmine; intrent ut astra flébiles, sternis benígna sémitam. Tu regis alti iánua et porta lucis fúlgida; vitam datam per Vírginem, gentes redémptæ, pláudite. Patri sit et Paráclito tuóque Nato glória, qui veste te mirábili circumdedérunt gratiæ. Amen.

1. O glorious Lady raised on high above the starry firmament, the One who made you by design you nourish from your holy breast. 2. What Eve had sadly swept away you give us through your tender child; with love you strew a path to heaven, that those who weep may enter there. 3. Hail, Portal of our King on high,1 hail Gate, resplendent, filled with light; all ransomed nations, clap your hands,2 for through the Virgin life has come. D. To Father and to Paraclete and to your Son all glory be, who have, all three, invested you with such a wondrous robe of grace. Amen. 1 Cf. Ez 44:2 (NABRE: “The LORD said to me: This gate must remain closed; it must not be opened, and no one should come through it. Because the LORD, the God of Israel, came through it, it must remain closed”). 2 Cf. Ps 47 (46):2 (Grail: “All peoples, clap your hands. Cry to God with shouts of joy!”).

10 THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS COMMON OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Vespers (Evening Prayer) II LH ID no. C 007 hy Author: 8th c. Hymn no. 038 Meter: 6.6.6.6. Ave, maris stella, Dei mater alma, atque semper virgo, felix cæli porta. Sumens illud “Ave” Gabriélis ore, funda nos in pace, mutans Evæ nomen. Solve vincla reis, profer lumen cæcis, mala nostra pelle, bona cuncta posce. Monstra te esse matrem, sumat per te precem qui pro nobis natus tulit esse tuus. Virgo singuláris, inter omnes mitis, nos culpis solútos, mites fac et castos. Vitam præsta puram, iter para tutum, ut, vidéntes Iesum, semper collætémur. Sit laus Deo Patri, summo Christo decus, Spirítui Sancto, honor, tribus unus. Amen.

1. Hail, O star of ocean, God’s own loving mother, yet a virgin always, blessed gate of heaven. 2. Heeding that great “Ave” from the mouth of Gabriel, in your peace confirm us, Eva’s name transforming. 3. Break the bonds of sinners, bring light to our blindness, drive away our evil, beg for us all blessings. 4. Show yourself our mother: pray that he may heed us, who for our salvation deigned to be your offspring. 5. Peerless holy Virgin, meek beyond all others, free us from our failings, make us chaste and humble. 6. Keep us pure and faithful, guard us on life’s journey, that on seeing Jesus we rejoice for ever. D. Praise to God the Father, glory to Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit: to all three one honor. Amen.1 1 The Latin word summo refers both to Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and is here rendered by “glory” to them both. decus is likewise accounted for by “glory.”

HYMNS 11 COMMON OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Office of Readings LH ID no. C 008 hy Author: Anselmo Lentini, OSB, d. 1989 Hymn no. 201 Meter: 8.8.8.8. (L.M.) O virgo mater, fília tui beáta Fílii, sublímis et humíllima præ creatúris ómnibus, Divíni tu consílii fixus ab ævo términus, tu decus et fastígium natúræ nostræ máximum: Quam sic prompsísti nóbilem, ut summus eius cónditor in ipsa per te fíeret arte miránda cónditus. In útero virgíneo amor revíxit ígneus, cuius calóre gérminant flores in terra cǽlici. Patri sit et Paráclito tuóque Nato glória, qui veste te mirábili circumdedérunt gratiæ. Amen.

1. O Mary, Virgin Mother blest, 1 O holy daughter of your Son, most humble and yet most sublime, above the whole created world. 2. You are the summit fixed of old, predestined by divine decree, to be our nature’s perfect crown, the height of beauty and of grace. 3. In you our nature shone so fair that its Creator from on high was made a creature formed through you with art so wondrous to behold. 4. Within the Virgin’s purest womb the flame of love is born anew, and by this warmth, upon the earth celestial flowers come to bloom. D. To Father and to Paraclete and to your Son all glory be, who have, all three, invested you with such a wondrous robe of grace. Amen. 1 This hymn takes its inspiration from Dante’s Canto 33, 1-9 of the Paradiso.

12 THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS COMMON OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Lauds (Morning Prayer) LH ID no. C 009 hy Author: Anselmo Lentini, OSB, d. 1989 Hymn no. 220 Meter: 8.8.8.8. (L.M.) Quæ caritátis fúlgidum es astrum, Virgo, súperis, spei nobis mortálibus fons vivax es et prófluus. Sic vales, celsa Dómina, in Nati cor piíssimi, ut qui fidénter póstulat, per te secúrus ímpetret. Opem tua benígnitas non solum fert poscéntibus, sed et libénter sǽpius precántum vota prǽvenit. In te misericórdia, in te magnificéntia; tu bonitátis cúmulas quicquid creáta póssident. Patri sit et Paráclito tuóque Nato glória, qui veste te mirábili circumdedérunt grátiæ. Amen.

1. O Virgin, gleaming star of love 1 for blessed Saints who dwell on high, O ever-living font of hope for us poor mortals here below: 2. O Lady blest, you so prevail upon your Son’s most loving heart, that whosoever asks in faith may see their prayers fulfilled through you. 3. Not only does your kindness bring most loving aid to those who ask, but often you foresee their pleas and gladly help before they pray. 4. In you such tender mercies dwell, such beauty and magnificence, in you the crown of all the good that all created things possess. D. To Father and to Paraclete and to your Son all glory be, who have, all three, invested you with such a wondrous robe of grace. Amen. 1 This hymn is based on Dante’s Canto 33, 10-21 of the Paradiso

Liturgy of the Hours: Hymns

Friday, November 17, 2023

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

BENEDICT XVI

GENERAL AUDIENCE

Saint Peter's Square

Wednesday, 20 October 2010

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today I would like to speak to you about one of the women of the Middle Ages who inspired the greatest admiration; she is St Elizabeth of Hungary, also called St Elizabeth of Thuringia.

Elizabeth was born in 1207; historians dispute her birthplace. Her father was Andrew ii, the rich and powerful King of Hungary. To reinforce political ties he had married the German Countess Gertrude of Andechs-Meran, sister of St Hedwig who was wife to the Duke of Silesia. Elizabeth, together with her sister and three brothers, spent only the first four years of her childhood at the Hungarian court. She liked playing, music and dancing; she recited her prayers faithfully and already showed special attention to the poor, whom she helped with a kind word or an affectionate gesture.

Her happy childhood was suddenly interrupted when some knights arrived from distant Thuringia to escort her to her new residence in Central Germany. In fact, complying with the customs of that time, Elizabeth's father had arranged for her to become a Princess of Thuringia. The Landgrave or Count of this region was one of the richest and most influential sovereigns in Europe at the beginning of the 13th century and his castle was a centre of magnificence and culture.

However, the festivities and apparent glory concealed the ambition of feudal princes who were frequently warring with each other and in conflict with the royal and imperial authorities.

In this context the Landgrave Hermann very willingly accepted the betrothal of his son Ludwig to the Hungarian Princess. Elizabeth left her homeland with a rich dowry and a large entourage, including her personal ladies-in-waiting, two of whom were to remain faithful friends to the very end. It is they who left us the precious information on the childhood and life of the Saint.

They reached Eisenach after a long journey and made the ascent to the Fortress of Wartburg, the strong castle towering over the city. It was here that the betrothal of Ludwig and Elizabeth was celebrated. In the ensuing years, while Ludwig learned the knightly profession, Elizabeth and her companions studied German, French, Latin, music, literature and embroidery. Despite the fact that political reasons had determined their betrothal, a sincere love developed between the two young people, enlivened by faith and by the desire to do God’s will. On his father's death when Ludwig was 18 years old, he began to reign over Thuringia.

Elizabeth, however, became the object of critical whispers because her behaviour was incongruous with court life. Hence their marriage celebrations were far from sumptuous and a part of the funds destined for the banquet was donated to the poor.

With her profound sensitivity, Elizabeth saw the contradictions between the faith professed and Christian practice. She could not bear compromise. Once, on entering a church on the Feast of the Assumption, she took off her crown, laid it before the Crucifix and, covering her face, lay prostrate on the ground. When her mother-in-law reprimanded her for this gesture, Elizabeth answered: "How can I, a wretched creature, continue to wear a crown of earthly dignity, when I see my King Jesus Christ crowned with thorns?”.

She behaved to her subjects in the same way that she behaved to God. Among the Sayings of the four maids we find this testimony: “She did not eat any food before ascertaining that it came from her husband's property or legitimate possessions. While she abstained from goods procured illegally, she also did her utmost to provide compensation to those who had suffered violence” (nn. 25 and 37).

She is a true example for all who have roles of leadership: the exercise of authority, at every level, must be lived as a service to justice and charity, in the constant search for the common good.

Elizabeth diligently practiced works of mercy: she would give food and drink to those who knocked at her door, she procured clothing, paid debts, cared for the sick and buried the dead. Coming down from her castle, she often visited the homes of the poor with her ladies-in-waiting, bringing them bread, meat, flour and other food. She distributed the food personally and attentively checked the clothing and mattresses of the poor.

This behaviour was reported to her husband, who not only was not displeased but answered her accusers, “So long as she does not sell the castle, I am happy with her!”.

The miracle of the loaves that were changed into roses fits into this context: while Elizabeth was on her way with her apron filled with bread for the poor, she met her husband who asked her what she was carrying. She opened her apron to show him and, instead of bread, it was full of magnificent roses. This symbol of charity often features in depictions of St Elizabeth.

Elizabeth's marriage was profoundly happy: she helped her husband to raise his human qualities to a supernatural level and he, in exchange, stood up for his wife's generosity to the poor and for her religious practices. Increasingly admired for his wife's great faith, Ludwig said to her, referring to her attention to the poor: “Dear Elizabeth, it is Christ whom you have cleansed, nourished and cared for”. A clear witness to how faith and love of God and neighbour strengthen family life and deepen ever more the matrimonial union.

The young couple found spiritual support in the Friars Minor who began to spread through Thuringia in 1222. Elizabeth chose from among them Friar Rodeger (Rüdiger) as her spiritual director. When he told her about the event of the conversion of Francis of Assisi, a rich young merchant, Elizabeth was even more enthusiastic in the journey of her Christian life.

From that time she became even more determined to follow the poor and Crucified Christ, present in poor people. Even when her first son was born, followed by two other children, our Saint never neglected her charitable works. She also helped the Friars Minor to build a convent at Halberstadt, of which Friar Rodeger became superior. For this reason Elizabeth’s spiritual direction was taken on by Conrad of Marburg.

The farewell to her husband was a hard trial, when, at the end of June in 1227 when Ludwig iv joined the Crusade of the Emperor Frederick ii. He reminded his wife that this was traditional for the sovereigns of Thuringia. Elizabeth answered him: “Far be it from me to detain you. I have given my whole self to God and now I must also give you”.

However, fever decimated the troops and Ludwig himself fell ill and died in Otranto, before embarking, in September 1227. He was 27 years old. When Elizabeth learned the news, she was so sorrowful that she withdrew in solitude; but then, strengthened by prayer and comforted by the hope of seeing him again in Heaven, she began to attend to the affairs of the Kingdom.

However, another trial was lying in wait for Elizabeth. Her brother-in-law usurped the government of Thuringia, declaring himself to be the true heir of Ludwig and accusing Elizabeth of being a pious woman incapable of ruling. The young widow, with three children, was banished from the Castle of Wartburg and went in search of a place of refuge. Only two of her ladies remained close to her. They accompanied her and entrusted the three children to the care of Ludwig’s friends. Wandering through the villages, Elizabeth worked wherever she was welcomed, looked after the sick, spun thread and cooked.

During this calvary which she bore with great faith, with patience and with dedication to God, a few relatives who had stayed faithful to her and viewed her brother-in-law's rule as illegal, restored her reputation. So it was that at the beginning of 1228, Elizabeth received sufficient income to withdraw to the family’s castle in Marburg, where her spiritual director, Fra Conrad, also lived.

It was he who reported the following event to Pope Gregory ix: “On Good Friday in 1228, having placed her hands on the altar in the chapel of her city, Eisenach, to which she had welcomed the Friars Minor, in the presence of several friars and relatives Elizabeth renounced her own will and all the vanities of the world. She also wanted to resign all her possessions, but I dissuaded her out of love for the poor. Shortly afterwards she built a hospital, gathered the sick and invalids and served at her own table the most wretched and deprived. When I reprimanded her for these things, Elizabeth answered that she received from the poor special grace and humility” (Epistula magistri Conradi, 14-17).

We can discern in this affirmation a certain mystical experience similar to that of St Francis: the Poverello of Assisi declared in his testament, in fact, that serving lepers, which he at first found repugnant, was transformed into sweetness of the soul and of the body (Testamentum, 1-3).

Elizabeth spent her last three years in the hospital she founded, serving the sick and keeping wake over the dying. She always tried to carry out the most humble services and repugnant tasks. She became what we might call a consecrated woman in the world (soror in saeculo) and, with other friends clothed in grey habits, formed a religious community. It is not by chance that she is the Patroness of the Third Order Regular of St Francis and of the Franciscan Secular Order.

In November 1231 she was stricken with a high fever. When the news of her illness spread, may people flocked to see her. After about 10 days, she asked for the doors to be closed so that she might be alone with God. In the night of 17 November, she fell asleep gently in the Lord. The testimonies of her holiness were so many and such that after only four years Pope Gregory ix canonized her and, that same year, the beautiful church built in her honour at Marburg was consecrated.

Dear brothers and sisters, in St Elizabeth we see how faith and friendship with Christ create a sense of justice, of the equality of all, of the rights of others and how they create love, charity. And from this charity is born hope too, the certainty that we are loved by Christ and that the love of Christ awaits us thereby rendering us capable of imitating Christ and of seeing Christ in others.

St Elizabeth invites us to rediscover Christ, to love him and to have faith; and thereby to find true justice and love, as well as the joy that one day we shall be immersed in divine love, in the joy of eternity with God. Thank you.

November 9: Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

November 9: Dedication of the Lateran Basilica—Feast

Liturgical Color: White

“Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his Body. ~John 2:19–21

The most important temple is the temple of a person’s soul because God dwells within each one of us. In the most secret center of our being is that sacred sanctuary where we meet God. Saint Teresa of Ávila called it the Presence Chamber, the most central and interior dwelling place within us.

In addition to the temple of the soul, there are many sacred places throughout the world. There are shrines, churches, basilicas, grottos, cathedrals, and other holy places that are set aside for the sole purpose of worship of God. They are to be a Heaven on earth, a place where we join with the Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones in their angelic praises of the Most Holy Trinity. Today’s feast commemorates one such place, the most important church on earth.

In the city of Rome, there are four major basilicas. The first three are Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, and the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. The fourth is the Archbasilica Cathedral of the Most Holy Savior and of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist in the Lateran, also called Saint John Lateran, or the Lateran Basilica for short. Of the four major basilicas, the oldest and most important is Saint John Lateran, the dedication of which is remembered today. Though the pope now lives next to Saint Peter’s Basilica, Saint John Lateran is the official cathedral of Rome. That means Saint John Lateran is not only the mother church of the Archdiocese of Rome but also the mother church of the entire world.

The church building has a long and storied history. In the year 64, the erratic and cruel Roman Emperor Nero blamed a devastating fire in Rome on the Christians. In retaliation, he ordered the execution of many Christians, including Saints Peter and Paul. In 65, there was a conspiracy to kill Nero with the help of the Counsel-designate Plautius Lateranus (Lateran). When Nero learned of the plot, he immediately beheaded Lateranus and confiscated his home, the Lateran Palace. Subsequent Roman emperors used the palace in various ways over the next 250 years, such as a military fort. In 312, when Constantine the Great became the sole ruler of the Western Roman Empire, he took possession of the Lateran Palace. The following year, after issuing the Edict of Milan with Emperor Licinius of the Eastern Roman Empire, Constantine donated the Lateran Palace to Pope Miltiades who first used it to conduct a synod of bishops and then began constructing the first Basilica in Rome. Upon its completion in the year 324, it was dedicated by Pope Sylvester and given the name the “House of God,” with a special designation to Christ the Savior. With that, the first cathedral in the most important diocese was established.

Constantine the Great did much to help the Catholic Church flourish after legalizing its practice. He saw to it that the Lateran Basilica was beautifully decorated with gold and silver. He also built many other churches in Rome, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Constantinople. Up until that time, the church had suffered greatly, always fearing persecution and death. Now, it had its first cathedral in the heart of Rome, beautifully decorated, with the Roman Emperor’s full support.

Though the basilica was first dedicated to Christ the Savior, in the tenth century Pope Sergius III added a new baptistry and rededicated the basilica to Saint John the Baptist. In the twelfth century, Pope Lucius II dedicated the basilica to Saint John the Evangelist. The basilica, therefore, honors Christ the Savior first and the two Saint Johns as the co-patrons.

Though the Lateran Basilica has remained the pope’s cathedral from the time of its dedication, the Lateran Palace, next to the Basilica, was the papal residence from 324–1305. In 1305, Pope Clement V was elected to the papacy and refused to move to Rome. In 1309, he moved the entire papal court to Avignon, France, where it remained until Pope Gregory XI returned to Rome from Avignon in 1377. Upon the pope’s return to Rome, the Lateran Palace was in disrepair due to two fires, so the pope eventually built a new palace next to Saint Peter’s on Vatican Hill, where every subsequent pope has resided until today.

As we honor the mother church of the whole world, ponder the importance of a church building. A church is sacred because it is exclusively dedicated to the worship of God. Saint John Lateran is an exclusive-purpose church. It is the pope’s cathedral from which the entire Church is governed and the central place of worship for the world. As we honor the dedication of that church in 324, pray for the Church today. Pray for your local parish, religious institutions, religious orders, dioceses, national conferences, and the Universal Church headed in Rome. Our churches and sacred places exist to be places where we come to encounter God. Pray for the pope in a particular way today, that Saint John Lateran will always be a place where he, and every pope after him, will encounter God in a profound way.

Christ our Savior, through the intercessions of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, I pray for the Church today. I pray for your abundant mercy upon every sinner whom you are calling into your Church for reconciliation. I pray for my local parish, diocese, country, and the Universal Church headed in Rome. I especially pray for the Holy Father, the pastor of the Lateran Basilica and shepherd of the whole Church. Draw him close to You, make him holy, and use him to draw many people to Yourself. Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, pray for us. Jesus I trust in You.

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Saint Gertrude the Great

November 16: Saint Gertrude the Great, Virgin—Optional Memorial

1256–1302
Patron Saint of nuns
Invoked for poor souls in Purgatory
Equivalent canonization in 1606
Added to the Universal Roman Calendar by Pope Clement XII in 1677
Liturgical Color: White

Let the Abyss of Uncreated Wisdom invoke the Abyss of Omnipotent Power to praise and extol the amazing charity which, by an excess of Thine infinite mercy, O most sweet God of my life and only Love of my soul, hast led Thee through a desert, pathless, and dry land,— that is, through the many obstacles I have placed to Thy mercy,—to descend into the valley of my miseries. I was in the twenty-sixth year of my age when, on the Monday before the Feast of the Purification of Thy most chaste Mother, in a happy hour, after Compline, at the close of day, Thou the true Light, Who art clearer than any light, and yet deeper than any recess, having resolved to dissipate the obscurity of my darkness, didst sweetly and gently commence my conversion by appeasing the trouble which Thou hadst excited in my soul for more than a month, which Thou didst deign to use, as I believe, to destroy the fortress of vain-glory and curiosity which my pride had raised up within me, although I bore the name and habit of a religious to no purpose; but Thou didst will to use this means, that Thou mightest thereby show me Thy salvation. ~Saint Gertrude

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

14th November, All Souls of the Benedictine Order

FRIDAY, 14 NOVEMBER 2014

14th November, All Souls of the Benedictine Order

All Souls of the Benedictine Order

Yesterday the Benedictine Order celebrated its saints - those who are now part of the Church Triumphant in heaven. Today it remembers its members who are part of the Church suffering, completing their purification in purgatory.

Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine: et lux perpetua luceat eis. * Te decet hymnus Deus, in Sion, et tibi reddetur votum in Jerusalem: exaudi orationem meam, ad te omnis caro veniet.

Eternal rest give to them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. * A hymn, O God, becometh Thee in Sion; and a vow shall be paid to Thee in Jerusalem: hear my prayer; all flesh shall come to Thee.

(Psalm 64. 2-3, from the Introit of Mass)

O God, Who grantest forgiveness and desirest the salvation of mankind, we beseech Thee in Thy mercy to grant that the brethren of our congregation, who have passed out of this life, may partake of everlasting bliss by the intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin and of all Thy saints.

Monday, November 13, 2023

From the treatise On the Nature of God by Saint Albert the Great.

The Word of the Father increased, not diminished, the virginity of his mother.

The Blessed Virgin is called the morning star because the morning of grace has dawned in her, and she is among the clouds which usually rise in the morning. The cloud that the Blessed Virgin scatters is threefold namely, the cloud of sin, the cloud of sorrow, and the cloud of error. First, she scatters by interceding for sinners, the second by pouring consolation on those who suffer, and the third by revealing the truth. She shines like the full moon, whose light is not diminished but increases and

remains continuously diffusing the light of grace to all who are in darkness and in the shadow of death. And like the shining sun she both sheds the warmth of piety and in her goodness melts all rational creatures in order to mold them anew. But this is not sufficient for her praise. Indeed, she is more beautiful than the sun and excels every constellation of the stars. Compared with the light she is found to be superior, for it is succeeded by the night, but against Mary, the star of the sea, evil does not prevail.

This star of light alone so guides us even in darkness that a little old woman may sometimes contemplate what the learned do not grasp, because the learned scorn to make their intellects captive and bring their minds submission to God. And this is symbolized, when the ass reproves the prophet, for the ass and not the prophet recognized the angel of God and the will of God. Thus. according to the Sentences of Peter Lombard, through a mute beast of burden God rebuked the foolishness of the prophet. This still happens when an unlearned person serves under the yoke of Christ, mute as to the rhetorical and polished language that comes from a knowledge of the arts, and rebukes by word and example the doctors who from the summit of their science know how to examine the heights of heaven as well as the depths of the abyss.

She is a star because "like a ray from a heavenly body the Virgin brought forth her Son in a similar way. For a star does not lose its integrity from its ray, nor did the mother from her Son." So great is the difference between the birth of heavenly bodies and earthly bodies that the terrestrial in giving birth lose their integrity, the heavenly do not. For no matter how rays of light a star puts forth, the star is not marred nor is its light teen to diminish. Thus, the Word of the Father, the ray of eternal light, a brilliant and spotless mirror of the clarity of the Father, brought fecundity to the mother, but did not take away her virginity. The light of her virginity increased, it did not diminish. Without a doubt nothing will be impossible with God. For he who walked on the waves of the sea without immersing his body, who came forth from the tomb without breaking the seal on the done which we read was rolled back by an angel not by the Lord, and who entered the room with the disciples while the doors were locked, was also Able to be born of a virgin mother without breaking the cloister of her virginal chastity. Thus, the aforesaid star, the Blessed Virgin, has risen out of Jacob, because like a rose springing from a root and branch of thorns, thus she herself from the thorny people of the synagogue consented to the lord's birth.

Or we may say that we are that thorny people who have been bloodied by the thorn of sin, or by our very ignorance of the thorn; but as the thorn brings forth a rose so we from our nature brought forth Mary. Therefore, it said: As a lily among thorns so is my beloved among the maidens. She is called a lily, not that she is not a rose, but that the totality of her virtue may be understood. For she is the rose of patience amidst the pricking of thorns Ind the lily of chastity blooming in the field of our nature, which field is accustomed to bringing forth the poisons and nettles of an alluring concupiscence. But through this star a shoot arose from Israel, that is, the power and the rule of Christ: A shoot shall spring from the stump of Jesse, und a branch will sprout from his roots. From Jesse the Lord has sprung In the flesh, but not by the power of human generation, no matter how powerful the fire of the human spirit. For he was born by the power of the Holy Spirit, not from Jesse' s substance, for the name Jesse is interpreted as "fire. "

Sunday, November 12, 2023

All Saints of the Benedictine and Cistercian Orders

SHAWN TRIBE

Those interested in the Benedictine family may be interested to know that today, within the Benedictine liturgical tradition, is traditionally celebrated the feast of All Saints of the Benedictine Order - In Festo Omnium Sanctorum Ordinis S.P.N. Benedicti. The Cistercians -- who also follow the Rule of St. Benedict -- likewise observe this day for All Saints of their Order. (On a related note, the Benedictines also traditionally observe November 14th as All Souls of their Order. So far as I can tell, the Cistercians did not.)

This is perhaps a pertinent time to recollect the importance of the sons and daughters of St. Benedict -- and monasticism generally -- within the history of Christendom, and to again reflect on the pertinence of the monastic vocation not only in the past but also for the present. Let us support our monasteries, and if you believe you have a calling to priestly or religious life, may I simply encourage you to not neglect the consideration of the monastic vocation in your discernment of God's will for you.

Br. Stephen, O.Cist, has a post on this today and mentions the following hymn found today in the Cistercian breviary, the Breviarium Cisterciense; it was also found on this day in the earlier versions of the Breviarium Monasticum, the breviary of the Benedictines, though it seems that it has been removed by the time of the 1963 edition.

Avete Solitudinis Claustrique Mites

Hail dwellers in the solitude
And in the lowly cloister cell,
Who steadfast and unshaken stood
Against the raging hordes of hell.

All wealth of gold and precious stone
And glories all of rank and birth
You cast away and trampled on,
With all low pleasures of this earth.

The green fields and the orchards grew
The simple fare whereon ye fed.
The brook was drink enough for you,
And on the hard ground was your bed.

Around you dwelt the venomed snakes,
And fiercest monsters harboured near.
All foul forms that the demon takes
You saw, but would not yield to fear.

Far, far beyond all earthly things
Your burning thoughts would wing their flight,
And hear the holy whisperings
Of angels in the heavenly height.

Thou Father of the heavenly host,
Thou glorious Son of Mary maid,
Thou Paraclete, the Holy Ghost,
To Thee be praise and glory paid.

Thursday, November 9, 2023

St. Andrew Avellino: Commemoration of St. Theodore, Martyr

St. Andrew Avellino: Commemoration of St. Theodore, Martyr

Andrew Avellino, previously called Lancelot, was born at Castro Nuovo, a village in Lucania. He learned jurisprudence at Naples, was ordained priest, and began to practice law, though only in ecclesiastical courts. But once, when he was presenting a case, he let slip a small lie, and then happened upon the words of Scripture: "A lying mouth slays the soul". He was seized with remorse and sorrow, abandoned the practice of law, and begged to be admitted among the Clerks Regular. Successful in this petition, he also obtained by prayer, on account of the great love of Cross, with which he burned, the favor of being given the name Andrew. He was outstanding for his abstinence, patience, humility and contempt of self. He caused the Order of Clerks to spread in wonderful way. He honored the Virgin Mother of God, with a singular love and reverence. After giving heroic examples of virtue, worn with old age and broken by his labors, as he was beginning the celebration of Mass, after the third repetition of the words, "I will go into the altar of God", he suffered a stroke and apoplexy and died peacefully soon afterwards fortified by the sacraments.

Deus, qui in corde beáti Andréæ Confessóris tui, per árduum cotídie in virtútibus proficiéndi votum, admirábiles ad te ascensiónes disposuísti: concéde nobis, ipsíus méritis et intercessióne, ita eiúsdem grátiæ partícipes fíeri; ut, perfectióra semper exsequéntes, ad glóriæ tuæ fastígium felíciter perducámur.
Per Dóminum

Commemoratio Ss. Tryphonis et Sociorum Mártyrum
Ant. Vestri capílli cápitis omnes numeráti sunt: nolíte timére: multis passéribus melióres estis vos.

V. Exsultábunt Sancti in glória.
R. Lætabúntur in cubílibus suis.

Orémus.
Fac nos, quǽsumus, Dómine, sanctórum Mártyrum tuórum Tryphónis, Respícii et Nymphæ semper festa sectári: quorum suffrágiis, protectiónis tuæ dona sentiámus.
Per Dóminum

O God, who dost every year bring round unto us again the day whereon this thine holy temple was hallowed, and bringest us again in soundness of body and mind to be present at thine holy worship, graciously hear the supplications of thy people, and grant that whosoever shall come into this thine house to ask good at thine hand, may be rejoiced in the obtaining of all his request.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Commemoration of St. Theodore, Martyr
Ant. He that hateth his life in this world, shall keep it unto life eternal.

V. The righteous shall flourish like the palm-tree.
R. He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Let us pray.
O God, who surround and protect us with the glorious profession of blessed Theodore, Your Martyr, grant us to profit by imitating him and to rejoice in his intercession.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

8th November, The Holy Four Crowned Martyrs

The Holy Four Crowned Martyrs

These saints were four brothers whose names remained long unknown. They were called "the four crowned" (quattuor coronati) because they received the palm of martyrdom under Diocletian in 304 and were crowned in heaven.

Intret in conspectu tuo, Domine, gemitus compeditorum: redde vicinis nostris septuplum in sinu eorum: vindica sanguinem sanctorum tuorum, qui effusus est. * Deus, venerunt gentes in haereditatem tuam: polluerunt templum sanctum tuum: posuerunt Jerusalem in pomorum custodiam.

Let the sighing of the prisoners come in before Thee, O Lord; render to our neighbors sevenfold in their bosom; revenge the blood of Thy saints, which hath been shed. * O God, the heathens are come into Thy inheritance: they have defiled Thy holy temple: they have made Jerusalem as a place to keep fruit.

(Psalm 78:11-12,1 from the Introit of Mass)

Praesta, quaesumus, omnípotens Deus: ut, qui gloriósos Mártyres fortes in sua confessióne cognóvimus, pios apud te in nostra intercessióne sentiámus.

Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that we who acknowledge the steadfastness of Thy glorious Martyrs in their confession, may enjoy their loving intercession with Thee.

(Collect)

9th November Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

9th November Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica Rome: “Mater et Caput”

St John Lateran’s Basilica, Rome.

St John Lateran’s Basilica in Rome is the “Mater et Caput”, ‘Mother and head’, of all churches in Rome and the world. This fact is celebrated by the relief that adorns the entrance to the Basilica.

Most Holy Lateran Church, Mother and Head of all churches in this city and the world.

The name “Lateran” is derived from the fact that this Basilica was constructed on the territory that belonged to the Lateran family before it was bequest as an inheritance to Fausta, the wife of the Emperor Constantine. The Basilica was consecrated by Pope Sylvester I on the 9th November 324 and the liturgical feast of the Basilica, which is celebrated on the same day, commemorates this event. This feast has a special importance because the Lateran Basilica was the first church dedicated to the Most Holy Saviour under the express wishes of the Emperor Constantine. The entire Church celebrates this feast as an affirmation of unity with the Pope who is the Bishop of Rome and Head of the Universal Church.

The existence of the Basilica testifies to Constantine’s vision of the cross in the sky which turned out to be a prodigious event that profoundly changed the practice of Christianity during the first centuries.

Raphael, Vision of the Cross, Raphael Rooms, Vatican Museums.

Bishop Eusebius of Caesarea, a friend and confident of Constantine, recounts that the night preceding the battle for domination of the Roman Empire against Maxentius, the Emperor considered which god to appeal to for help and protection in the battle. Like his father before him, Constantine had decided to adopt the sun god and he prayed that this god would reveal himself to him. Suddenly, a vision of an illuminous cross appeared in the sky which was visible to the whole army. Beneath the vision were the words, “In hoc signo vinces” which means ‘with this sign you will be victorious’. The following morning the army went into battle bearing the sign of the cross.

The battle took place on the 28th October 312 at Saxa Ruba in Rome and concluded with the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Maxentius stumbled with his horse and fell into the River Tiber leaving Constantine free to enter Rome victorious.

Thanks to this victory, the Emperor brought an end to three centuries of Christian persecution during which many Christians were martyred. Constantine publicly authorised Christian worship with the proclamation of the celebrated Edict of Milan in 312.

Statue of the Emperor Constantine, Portico of the Lateran Basilica.

The Emperor himself initially dedicated the Basilica to the Most Holy Saviour in gratitude for the victory. Only later, when the Basilica was also dedicated to Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist, did it become known by its most popular name as St John Lateran.

The Chair of the Lateran Basilica which represents the teaching seat of the Holy Father.

The importance of the feast of the ‘dedication of the Lateran Basilica’ celebrates the fact that Christians could freely come together in union with their Bishop to celebrate the liturgy of the Church and receive the teaching of the doctrine of the faith. From antiquity, the Basilica became the Cathedral of Rome and the world. The Pope has his Cathedra or Chair here as a sign of his teaching, his magisterium and his precedence. Therefore, the Petrine ministry is only initiated when the elected Pope has taken possession of the Chair of St John Lateran.

This beautiful edifice represents the Church – the assembly formed of the ‘living stones’ of Christians who today, as in centuries past, continue to testify their faith in Jesus Christ, the Most Holy Saviour.

Saturday, November 4, 2023

Homily by St. Jerome, Priest at Bethlehem. Bk. I Comment. on Matth. IX

Homily by St. Jerome, Priest at Bethlehem.

Bk. I Comment. on Matth. IX

St Jerome’s Homily on Matthew 9:18-26 for the Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost

I. This is the eighth miracle wrought by Jesus, when a certain ruler, desiring not to be kept out of the true circumcision, besought Him to recall his daughter to life. The ceremony of circumcision, which usually took place on the eighth day after the birth, seems to be indicated by this miracle. Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue, certainly deserved the preference; but a woman, diseased with an issue of blood, thrust herself in, and her own cure occupies the eighth place, so that the resurrection of the ruler’s daughter is postponed, and made the ninth in the enumeration. Indeed, it seems that by this case our Saviour wished to call our attention to the vocation of the Gentiles; for we read in the Psalms: Ambassadors shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands to God (Ps 68:32). A great mystery, spoken of by the Apostle, saying: Blindness in part has happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles should come in. And so all Israel should be saved, as it is written: There shall come out of Sion He that shall deliver, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob (Rom 11:25-26).

II. And behold a woman who was troubled with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind Him, and touched the hem of His garment. Now, compare these two miracles in this Gospel: the first, a woman troubled with her disease for twelve years; the second, the resurrection of the daughter of Jairus who, according to St. Luke (Lk 8:42), was twelve years old; and you will come to the conclusion that the woman, a type of the Gentiles, had been diseased for the same time that the Jewish nation, typified by the ruler’s daughter, had been living in faith. It is only by comparing good with evil that is, idolatry that we see the hideousness of the latter. Note also that this woman with the issue of blood came to our Lord, not in a house nor in a city, for such as she were by the law banished out of cities (Lev 15:25), but in the way, as He walked. Thus our Lord healed one even whilst He was on the road to heal another. Whence the Apostles said: To you it behooved us first to speak the word of God; but because you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us: I have set thee to be the light of the Gentiles, that thou mayest be for salvation unto the utmost parts of the earth (Acts 13:46-47).

III. According to the Law, whosoever touched a woman with an issue of blood was declared unclean. Here, how ever, we see a woman touch Jesus to be cured of that issue by which she seemed to be unclean. Be of good heart, daughter, said Jesus; thy faith hath made thee whole. Our Saviour calls her daughter, and justly, on account of her faith, by which she was cured. Note, again, our Lord did not say to the woman that her faith would make her whole that is, clean but thy faith hath made thee whole. It was to give her to understand that, as soon as she believed, she was cured. And when Jesus was come into the house of the ruler, and saw the minstrels and the multitude making a rout, He said. The deceased daughter of Jairus was the type of the Jewish nation, even now, after so many years, in a state of death. The Rabbis, entrusted with the instruction of that nation, may be compared to the minstrels playing a mournful and useless tune. The Jewish leaders, as we know, were only a noisy society of infidels, not of believers; and when Jesus said, Give place, for the girl is not dead, but sleepeth, He wished to teach us that every being, under the dominion of the living God, is alive. And when the multitude was put forth, He went in. Indeed, these people, laughing to scorn the One Who had power to give life, were not worthy to assist at the miraculous resurrection of this maiden.

IV. Finally, consider the last point of likeness between the Jewish nation and the ruler’s daughter who, being dead, received life. He took her by the hand. And the maid arose. And the fame thereof went abroad into all the country. The unbelieving synagogue, typified by this daughter, is dead; for her sinful hands are covered with the prophet’s blood shed by them and their fathers (Matt 23:29-36). To rise from that death her stained hands must be washed in the same innocent Blood of Jesus Christ, the Author of all life.