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Angel of God

Today the PNCC marks the Feast of the Guardian Angels. Let us recognize their role in our lives and pray for their continued care over us.

My good Angel, Thou comest from heaven;
God has sent thee to take care of me.
Oh, shelter me under thy wings.
Lighten my path, direct my steps.
Do not leave me,
stay quite near me and defend me against the spirit of evil.
But above all come to my help in the last struggle of my life.
Deliver my soul so that with thee
it may praise, love and contemplate the goodness of God
forever and ever. Amen.

Jacek Malczewski -- Angel and Little Shepherd
(Jacek Malczewski -- Angel and Little Shepherd)

Aniele Boży, Stróżu mój,
Ty zawsze przy mnie stój;
Rano, w wieczór, we dnie, w nocy,
Bądź mi zawsze ku pomocy,
Broń mnie od wszelkiego złego
I doprowadź do żywota wiecznego.
Amen.

PNCC, Poland - Polish - Polonia, Saints and Martyrs, ,

Polish Marian piety – a survey

From the Polish [Roman] Catholic weekly Niedziela: Blue is the colour of faith.

A lot of interesting facts and figures on Marian feasts, images, prayers, and pilgrimages.

While the article presents a wholly Roman Catholic view of Marian piety, the following excerpt from Bishop Hodur’s May Sermon I, 1902 indicates the strong tradition of Marian piety within the PNCC even though we reject the Roman Catholic trend toward dogmatization of that piety.

Preoccupied the whole year with matters of this world, perhaps more than one of us forgot the veneration which should surround the Mother of God. We will have an opportunity to bow our heads before her and humble our hearts and call upon her mediation and care. And we need her mediation very much. For who of us does not suffer many afflictions? Therefore in this our adversity to whom are we to tum? Between God and a person is the Most Holy Mother. As the Ark of the Covenant contained within it the law of the Old Testament and the root of Jesse, so the Mother of God brings into the world the Savior, Christ the Lord. Yet not only that she is our confidant but also our most holy healer.

Through the sins of the first people humankind lost the health of the soul, that is, the grace of God. Weak humankind became more capable of sin than of virtue, as the Apostle Paul complained: Unhappy a man am I … for it is not what I wish that I do … I do what I do not wish.

A medicine and help for us is the Mother of God, who is our mediator, the cure of the sick and the refuge of sinners. To her we must always turn and seek her help. — from Bishop Francis Hodur, Sermon Outlines and Occasional Speeches 1899 – 1922, (c) 1999 Theodore L. Zawistowski, Polish National Catholic Church, Central Diocese

Current Events, Saints and Martyrs,

Understanding and Writing Icons: A Student Exhibition

Pictured is Phillip Schwartz' Madonna of Korson.The main purpose of icon-writing is, according to artist Christine Simoneau-Hales, drawing closer to God through the process of prayer—”and painting God’s word in visual form. This exhibit at RPI’s Chapel + Cultural Center features works by both Simoneau-Hales and her students. They created—”—wrote——”iconic paintings in the ancient style, using egg tempera, and real gold leaf to adorn the halos. Students may have begun with the same tracings, but differences in the final works range from folds in the robes to facial expressions as each student expresses a unique message—”not to mention the many hidden meanings and symbols in these color-specific paintings.

In the Gallery at the Chapel + Cultural Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 125 Burdett Avenue, Troy, NY 12180. The exhibit runs from 1 July —“ 1 August. For more information call 518-274-7793.

Poland - Polish - Polonia, Saints and Martyrs

Giant wreaths on the Wisła

This past week St. John’s Eve was celebrated in Poland and in Polonia worldwide.

A post from the Polish Culture website explains this custom using the words of the great poet Jan Kochanowski:

In Poland the Eve of St. John’s is fraught with miracles and magic. Animals talk to each other with human voices. The earth shows the enchanted riches in it’s depths, glowing with fires. In wild ravines the barren fern blooms. Certain plants take on magical properties. Flowers and grasses made into wreaths will forecast a maiden’s fate. Wreaths to which are fixed lighted candles are cast in the waters so that their courses may be followed. From the course and fate of the wreaths anguries of marriage are made, The special promise of St. John is youth, love and general fertility.

In Warsaw the custom was celebrated with gigantic wreaths of flowers on the Wisła.

Wreaths on the Wisla - St. John\'s Eve

Christian Witness, Saints and Martyrs

My patron saint – in a movie

From Lionsgate Home Entertainment: “Anthony Warrior of God“, a film based on the life of the most famous saint St. Anthony of Padua, is now available.

Life of St. Anthony of Padua

Co-written and directed by Antonello Belluco, “Anthony Warrior of God” is an inspiring tale of historical and doctrinal resonance that doesn’t preach, but instead invites the audience to go on a journey of reflection and contemplation regardless of their theological convictions. The film stars Jordi Mollá (Blow, Elizabeth: The Golden Age), Matt Patresi, Damir Todorovic (The Nativity Story), Giovanni Capalbo (The Passion of the Christ), Arnoldo Foí  (II Caimano) and Paolo De Vita (Excellent Cadavers) and depicts the story of the remarkable man whose deeply rooted faith enabled him to challenge society in support of his people.

St. Anthony began life as a young nobleman who enjoyed all the sumptuous pleasures and privileges of that medieval Europe could offer. Yet he was compelled by a mysterious inner voice to gaze upon the unspeakable misery, disease and cruelty around him. Overcome with boundless compassion, he entered a monastery, dedicating his fine mind and fragile body to defending the poor and oppressed against injustice. This revolutionary saint dared to challenge the highest spheres of society, the government and even the Church, if they were guilty of exploiting the common people.

His story continues to this day with the many accounts of those who have been transformed by “the most famous saint in the world”, St. Anthony of Padua.

I plan to purchase the film.

PNCC, Saints and Martyrs,

100th Year of Study at the Savonarola Theological Seminary

On May 23rd Holy Mass was offered at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Cathedral in commemoration of the martyrdom of Jerome Savonarola, and to mark the closing of the Savonarola Theological Seminary’s 100th academic year.

In honor of this event God’s Field, the Official Organ of the Polish National Catholic Church published the following prayer, which Savonarola prayed prior to his martyrdom while holding the Holy Eucharist in his hands.

Lord, I know that You are the true God, Creator of the world and of humanity. I know that You are the perfect Trinity, indivisible and inseparable, distinct in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I know that You are the everlasting Word, that came down to earth in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and was crucified to shed Your Precious Blood for us miserable sinners.

I beseech You, Lord, I beseech You, my Savior, I beseech You, my Creator, that the Precious Blood shall not have been shed in vain for me, but will be for the remission of all my sins, for which I ask Your forgiveness, from the day on which I received holy baptism until the present time; and I confess my sinfulness to You, Lord. And therefore, I ask Your forgiveness for anything in which I have offended this city and this people, in spiritual and temporal matters, and for everything in which I may have erred without knowing it.

And I humbly beg forgiveness of all these people here present, and ask that they may pray to God for me, that He may give me strength at my last end, and that the Enemy may have no power over me. Amen.

Christian Witness, Media, Saints and Martyrs, , ,

On the Commemoration of St. Francis (ooops)

From the Herald Tribune: Dutch priest blesses beasts in Catholic church on World Animal Day

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands: A canary, a goldfish, a guinea pig, a handful of cats and more than two dozen dogs received blessings from a Catholic priest in church Thursday to mark World Animal Day….

I have no problem with such blessings, which hearken back to the blessing of fields, flocks, and livestock. Helps us to remember our agrarian roots and to be thankful for all of God’s creatures and creation.

That being said, notice the co-opted term. No more St. Francis (mentioned only as the patron saint of animals), just World Animal Day and a rather funny pious tradition that makes the folks back home all warm and fuzzy.

They should be required to at least add a footnote: Respect for God’s creation, and our stewardship of it, brought to you by the Catholic Church.

Christian Witness, Saints and Martyrs, ,

Interesting sign at Borders Books

I was browsing through the Borders at Crossgates Mall in Albany today.

I saw the religion section from a distance and walked over. I was particularly interested in the signs they had pointing to “Christian Fiction.”

I figured millenialist books and similar, perhaps a few other things.

Guess what I found?

Bibles and Concordances.

That about sums up the world’s attitude toward Christianity, and most faith for that matter, excepting whatever people define as their personal brand of quasi-religious “spirituality.” I give them some credit for avoiding the soft-soap approach toward their attitude.

Side note, witchcraft, tarot, etc. were in a section all their own labeled “Mysticism.”

St. John of the Cross, pray for us.
All Holy Visionaries and Mystics, pray for us.

Christian Witness, Saints and Martyrs

Happy El-Nayrouz 1724

Coptic Cross

Today marks the Feast of El-Nayrouz, the Coptic New Year 1724. More information is available from the St. Takla website.

In the feast of El-Nayrouz we behold the opened gates of Paradise. We see our Christ coming to carry us on the clouds, together with those who already entered the Paradise. All of us will enjoy the divine throne in heaven.

The following is a prayer for the feast.

O Lord, grant us to celebrate El-Nayrouz,
So that we may ask for a blessed year for all mankind.
And that every believer has the experience of Your marvelous Day.
Thus, all will enjoy the brightness of Your glory.

Yes, Come quickly O Lord Jesus.
Our hearts are enflamed with Your love.
Our hearts ask for none except You.

Let me, O God, celebrate the Feast of El-Nayrouz unceasingly.
Let me experience this joyful gospel, the gospel of everlasting unity with You.

Wondrous is the Son who paid the price of my trip to Your divine bosoms,
And Your Holy Spirit who forms me to become a heavenly bride,
Carrying me as if with the wings of a dove that heaven may celebrate my wedding!

I see You my beloved Christ, coming to me personally,
You have chosen me to share in Your glory,
You offered Yourself, a joyful sacrifice of love.

Grant me to become an icon of You,
With a big heart, full of love to all humans,
That, I may become a source of joy to everyone.

Your dwelling in me, O Holy Spirit renews my nature,
He transforms my dark tomb into a holy sanctuary,
He converts my darkness into exceeding brightness!

Grant me with all my brethren, to fly and be with You in heaven!
Let me celebrate the feast of the martyrs as fit, that I may practice witnessing for You.
Change my life to be full of joy with You, even at the moments of my daily repentance.

You see me my Lord rejoicing in You, and You become delighted in me.
The heavenly angels see me coming to You, and they welcome me.
They receive me with exceeding joy to join them in praising You.

The sinners see me full of joy, and they get filled with hope.
They see me rejoicing, and they join me in my continuous repentance.

The prophets and the apostles and all the martyrs see me.
And they praise You for letting me accompany them in Your kingdom!

What a wonderful thing, You delight in me,
And so do all Your creation, in heaven and on earth!

But the devil runs away in front of me
As he sees Your divine joy enlightens me and shines upon my face!

Glory is to You, the source of joy and victory.

Grant me O Lord that I may celebrate the feast of the martyrs all my life,
That, I may witness to Your joyful gospel,
That, I may always be in touch with Your tremendous fatherly love,

I see You anticipating with longing for me too.

Christian Witness, Current Events, Perspective, Saints and Martyrs

More martyrs

As linked to by the Young Fogey from AsiaNews: A Chaldean priest and three deacons killed in Mosul:

Fr Ragheed Ganni, 34, was hit by gunfire in front of the Church of the Holy Spirit. Three deacons, who served as his aides, were also killed.

Baghdad (AsiaNews) —“ An armed group gunned down and killed Fr Ragheed Ganni and three of his aides. The murder took place right after Sunday mass in front of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Mosul where Father Ragheed was parish priest. Sources told AsiaNews that hours later the bodies were still lying in the street because no one dared retrieve them. Given the situation tensions in the area remain high…

…which follows on his links to Iraq’s Catholics are being crucified.

The Assyrian News Agency reports that the martyrs are:

Father Ragheed Ganni,
Sub-deacon Basman Yousef Daud,
Sub-deacon Wahid Hanna Isho, and
Sub-deacon Gassan Isam Bidawed

Eternal rest grant onto them O Lord, and may the perpetual light shine upon them.

Lord, welcome home your martyrs who have washed their robes and made them white in Your blood.

Blame the Muslims? Certainly they bear responsibility for their inhumanity and the murders they have committed. But as several have pointed out, this didn’t happen under Saddam.. but rather right under the nose of George Bush’s regime.

This further supports my contention that Evangelicals of Mr. Bush’s ilk and his neo-con supporters cheer as Catholics die.

But woe…

Then he will say to those at his left hand, `Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels;
for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’
Then they also will answer, `Lord, when did we see thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to thee?’
Then he will answer them, `Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.’
And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

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