Friday, February 18, 2022

RENEWAL OF THE CONDEMNATION OF THE MODERNIST HERESY


“… Hence arose the monstrous errors of "Modernism," which Our Predecessor rightly declared to be "the synthesis of all heresies," and solemnly condemned. We hereby renew that condemnation in all its fulness, Venerable Brethren, and as the plague is not yet entirely stamped out, but lurks here and there in hidden places, We exhort all to be carefully here and there in hidden places, We exhort all to be carefully on their guard against any contagion of the evil […] Nor do We merely desire that Catholics should shrink from the errors of Modernism, but also from the tendencies or what is called the spirit of Modernism. Those who are infected by that spirit develop a keen dislike for all that savours of antiquity and become eager searchers after novelties in everything: in the way in which they carry out religious functions, in the ruling of Catholic institutions, and even in private exercises of piety. Therefore it is Our will that the law of our forefathers should still be held sacred: "Let there be no innovation; keep to what has been handed down." In matters of faith that must be inviolably adhered to as the law; it may however also serve as a guide even in matters subject to change, but even in such cases the rule would hold: "Old things, but in a new way." 

 Benedict XV, Ad Beatissimi, 1-11-1914

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

THE SWORD THAT PIERCED HER HEART


In the light of that sinister prophecy of Simeon, the sorrowful Mother saw the somber picture of her Son's passion. She bowed her head gently, as a reed bends in the wind of a storm, and she felt a double-edged sword plunge into her womb. From that moment, all happiness ended for her, and accepting the divine disposition without complaint, she brought her lips close to the chalice that she would drink during her entire life. 

 When she held her Son in her arms; Simeon's words shed drops of gall... Mary was not granted what is given to all mothers: to enjoy in peace the love of her child and to indemnify herself from the rigors of fate with a smile on her lips ajar by innocence. She saw written on Jesus' forehead at all hours the sentence of death that men would carry out against Him as a reward for His benefits. That gloomy idea surprised her in her sleep, bothered her when she was awake, haunted her during work, and disturbed her during her few hours of rest. Jesus' robe, woven by her own hands, before being dyed with the blood of her Son, was soaked in the tears of the Mother. 

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

LETTER WRITTEN BY SAINT PHILIP OF JESUS ONE NIGHT BEFORE HE DIED


Nagasaki, Japan, February 4, 1597

 Dear parents and friends,

 The night passes quickly. 

 Tomorrow I will be executed on the cross, but I have no fear.

 My thoughts turn to you and my beloved country.

 Now that I am to receive the baptism of blood, I remember that I was baptized in the Cathedral of Mexico, and the times that I attended Mass in San Francisco de los Plateros.

 I regret the years I lost going after my desires, selfish and dissipated. Blessed be God who came to my aid, and helped me realize that it was not worth living for that. I wanted to be a missionary, but now God rewards me before the work granting me to give my life to prove my love. 

 I regret not having returned to Mexico, even for just one day, but I will return. I am sure I will return to tell everyone that true life, which is worth living, is eternal life. 

 Peace and All Good 

 Philip of Jesus

 Prayer:

 "For the cross on which you expired, Saint Philip of Jesus, make the Mexican people find their glory on the Cross!" 

Sunday, February 6, 2022

VANITY

“It is vanity, then, to seek after perishable riches, and to put your trust in them. It is vanity, too, to aspire to honors, and to push yourself into high positions. It is vanity to follow the desires of the flesh, and to desire those pleasures for which heavy punishment will one day be exacted. It is vanity to wish for a long life, and to care little about a good life. It is vanity to attend only to the present life, and not to provide for that which is to come. It is vanity to cling to what is passing so swiftly by, and not to long rather to be where endless joy abides." 

 Thomas A Kempis 

Friday, February 4, 2022

IN THE LAST HOUR


“Oh, my Lord and Savior, support me in that hour in the strong arms of Your Sacraments, and by the fresh fragrance of Your consolations. Let the absolving words be said over me, and the holy oil sign and seal me, and Your own Body be my food, and Your Blood my sprinkling; and let my sweet Mother, Mary, breathe on me, and my Angel whisper peace to me, and my glorious Saints smile upon me; that in them all, and through them all, I may receive the gift of perseverance, and die, as I desire to live, in Your faith, in Your Church, in Your service, and in Your love. Amen.” 

 John Henry Newman