Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle

Statue of St. Andrew by Camillo Rusconi in the Cathedral of St. John Lateran, Rome, Italy.

Today is the feast of the great St. Andrew the Apostle -- first called by Our Divine Lord, brother of St. Peter, one-time disciple of St. John the Baptist, and patron of Scotland and Russia.  Of course, we can't neglect to note that the Patriarch of Constantinople is the successor of St. Andrew the Apostle.

St. Andrew was born at Bethsaida, was, like his brother a fisherman.  He also followed St. John the Baptist, which led him to Christ -- Whom St. Andrew brought his brother, St. Peter to see.  When the Apostles went forth to preach the Gospel, St. Andrew is thought to have preached in Cappadocia, Bithynia, Byzantium (where he appoint the first Bishop, St. Stachys), finally being martyred during the reign of Nero in Achaia.  Tradition has him crucified on a cross shaped like an "X," hence the flag of Scotland -- the St. Andrew's Cross.

The Flag of Scotland -- the St. Andrew's Cross.

His relics have ended up, by various twists of history, in several major locations: Patras, Greece; the Cathedral of Amalfi, Italy; the Cathedral of St. Mary's in Edinburgh, Scotland.

You can read a bit about the life of St. Andrew at these sites:

Old Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Andrew the Apostle

Catholic Saints Info: St. Andrew the Apostle

The Facade of Sant'Andrea della Valle in Rome.

One of this blogger's favorite Churches in Rome, Italy, is that of Sant'Andrea della Valle on the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, a Theatine Church where Pope Pius II (AD1458-1464) and Pope Pius III (AD1503), both of the family Piccolomini, are buried.  It is also the burial place of St. Giuseppe Maria Tomasi (+AD1713), a Theatine Cardinal (Catholic Saints Info: St. Joseph Mary Tomasi)  The Church was constructed in its current form from 1590-1650.  Here is the website of the Church: Sant'Andrea della Valle

The interior of the Church of Sant'Andrea della Valle in Rome.
[By Tango7174 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12159267]

Today is also the traditional day to begin the St. Andrew's Novena, reciting the following prayer fifteen times a day until Christmas:

Hail, and blessed be the hour and moment at which the Son of God was born of a most pure Virgin at a stable at midnight in Bethlehem in the piercing cold. At that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, to hear my prayers and grant my desires. (Mention your intentions here) Through Jesus Christ and His most Blessed Mother.

Live well!

The Season of Advent

The Annunciation by Paolo de Matteis, 1712AD.

Ad te levavi animam meam.  To Thee have I lifted up my soul.  (Introit of the First Sunday in Advent, Ps. 24:1)

Much could be said of the season of preparation for the high feast of Christmas, when we celebrate the birth of our Divine Lord, Jesus Christ.  One might note, initially, that it is not the Christmas season, which begins on 25 December, but a season of preparation, and, dare I suggest it, a modicum of penance.

The introduction to the season of Advent in my hand missal admirably describes this time:
"The liturgical texts used during the four weeks of the season of Advent remind the faithful of the ‘absence of Christ.’ The Collects of Advent do not end with, ‘through our Lord Jesus Christ,’ as during the rest of the year. In a spirit of penance and prayer we await the Mediator, the God-Man, preparing for His coming in the flesh, and also for His second coming as our Judge. The Masses for Advent strike a note of preparation and repentance mingled with joy and hope; hence, although the penitential purple is worn and the Gloria is omitted, the joyous Alleluia is retained. The readings from the Old Testament contained in the Introit, Gradual, offertory, and Communion of the Masses, taken mostly from the prophecies of Isaias and from the Psalms, give eloquent expression to the longing of all nations for a Redeemer. We are impressed by repeated and urgent appeals to the Messias: ‘Come, delay no longer.’ The Lessons from St. Paul urge us to dispose ourselves fittingly for His coming. The Gospels describe the terrors of the last Judgment, the Second Coming, and tell of the preaching of St. John the Baptist ‘to prepare the way of the Lord.’

In Advent, the Greek Church celebrates particularly the ancestors of Our Lord – all the Patriarchs and Prophets of the Old Testament, but especially Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Latin Church also mentions them often in this period. In the Breviary, many texts are taken from Isaias (Introit of the second Sunday, Communion of the Third Sunday).

The idea of Advent is ‘Prepare you for the coming of Christ.’ Therefore the very appeals of the Patriarchs and the Prophets are put in our mouths in Advent. Prepare for the coming of Christ the Redeemer, who comes to prepare us for His Second Coming as Judge.

When the oracles of the Prophets were fulfilled and the Jews awaited the Messias, John the Baptist left the desert and came to the vicinity of the Jordan, bringing a baptism of penance to prepare the souls for the coming of Christ. The world took him to be the Messias, but he replied with the words of Isaias: ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: prepare ye the way of the Lord.’

During Advent we make straight for Christ the way to our souls – and behold, our Lord will come at Christmas.”

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962.  (Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)"


So, this is a season of longing, and preparing for, the coming of the Saviour -- both more immediately at Christmas, at the end of our own lives, and more remotely, at the end of the world with His second coming.

This link gives you some contemporary directives on the observance of the season of Advent: USCCB: Liturgical Notes for Advent

This article gives some more of the history and context of this great season: Old Catholic Encyclopedia: Advent

This link will take you to a delightful page featuring some customs and observances traditional to the Advent season: Fisheaters: Advent

Here, at the same site, is a bit more about the custom of Advent wreathes: Fisheaters: Advent Wreath & Candles

I close with one of the great hymns of this season, Creator alme siderum, Creator of the Stars of Night, which I present here; first its text, then a recording:

1	Creátor álme síderum, Aetérna lux credéntium, Jésu, Redémptor ómnium, Inténde vótis súpplicum.	Creator of the starry skies! / Eternal Light of all who live! / Jesus, Redeemer of mankind! / An ear to Thy poor suppliants give.
2	Qui daémonis ne fráudibus Períret órbis, ímpetu Amóris áctus, lánguidi Múndi medéla fáctus es.	When man was sunk in sin and death, / Lost in the depth of Satan's snare, / Love brought Thee down to cure our ills, / By taking of those ills a share.
3	Commúne qui múndi néfas Ut expiáres, ad crúcem E Vírginis sacrário Intácta pródis víctima.	Thou, for the sake of guilty men, / Causing Thine own pure blood to flow, / Didst issue from Thy virgin shrine / And to the corss a Victim go.
4	Cújus potéstas glóriæ, Noménque cum prímum sónat, Et caélites et ínferi Treménte curvántur génu.	So great the glory of Thy might, / If we but chance Thy name to sound / At once all heaven and hell unite / In bending low with awe profound.
5	Te deprecámur, últimæ Mágnum diéi Júdicem, Armis supérnæ grátiæ Defénde nos ab hóstibus.	Great Judge of all! in that last day / When friends shall fail and foes combine, / Be present then with us, we pray, / To guard us with Thine arm divine.
6	Vírtus, hónor, laus, glória, Déo Pátri cum Fílio, Sáncto simul Paráclito, In sæculórum saécula.	To God the Father, and the Son, / All praise and power and glory be: / With Thee, O holy Comforter! / Henceforth through all eternity.
**	Amen.	Amen.

Here is the plainchant version of that hymn:

Live well!

GA State Holiday: Lee's Birthday Observed

Lee in 1863, while Commanding the Army of Northern Virginia


One of the great military leaders in the history of the United States is General Robert E. Lee (+AD1870) of Virginia.  On 19 January 1807, Lee was born at Stratford Hall, in Westmoreland County, Virginia.

In the state of Georgia, today, the Friday after Thanksgiving, is a state holiday: the observance of "19 January."  It is now listed without specific reference to Robert E. Lee, whose birthday it was to commemorate.

In the state code of Georgia discussing those days to be designated state holidays, it notes in O.C.G.A. § 1-4-1, "the Governor shall include at least one of the following dates: January 19, April 26, or June 3."  Currently, 19 January, Lee's Birthday, and 26 April, Confederate Memorial Day, are both on the calendar, though under the title "state holiday" without explanation of the significance of the date, while 3 June, the Birthday of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, is not.

The governor's proclamation of state holidays for 2022 can be found here:
Georgia State Holidays: 2022

For the sake of comparison, here is the same document from 2015, which reflects how the day has been noted each year prior:
Georgia State Holidays: 2015


Who, then, was Confederate General Robert E. Lee?

His father a leader in the American Revolution, "Light Horse" Harry Lee, and his mother a member of the distinguished Carter family of Virginia, Lee certainly had notable bloodlines.

More than this, however, was his own talent and character.  Lee's remarkable military career is well known, with his great victories in command of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, such as that at Second Manassas and Chancellorsville, renowned.  He was loved by his men, feared and respected by his foes, gracious in victory and humble in defeat.

This speaks to his character.  Lee was a devout Episcopalian, who took his faith, and, in particular, his duties, very seriously.  Indeed, just as duty might be said to partly define what a gentleman is, so it defined Robert E. Lee.  There are any number of stories that attest to his great sense of duty and honor.

It was this sense of duty that caused him to remain loyal to his home state of Virginia with the coming of the war, despite the fact that he was no zealot for secession.  When offered command of the armed forces of the Commonwealth of Virginia, his speech to the Convention at Richmond on 23 April 1861 was brief, but very much in character:
"Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Convention: Deeply impressed with the solemnity of the occasion on which I appear before you, and profoundly grateful for the honour conferred upon me, I accept the position your partiality has assigned me, though I would greatly have preferred your choice should have fallen on one more capable.  Trusting to Almighty God, an approving conscience, and the aid of my fellow citizens, I will devote myself to the defense and service of my native State, in whose behalf alone would I have ever drawn my sword."

After the war, he would serve as President of Washington College, now Washington & Lee University, in Lexington, Virginia, where he is buried.

Here is a short biography of Lee:
Civil War Home: Lee

Lee in 1869, while President of Washington College (now Washington & Lee University) in Lexington, Virginia.

On this anniversary of his birth, you might be interested in "virtually" visiting a few of the sites associated with General Lee.

He was born at Stratford Hall, Westmoreland County, Virginia:
Stratford Hall Official Site

He lived for many years with his wife, Mary Anna Randolph Custis, (great-granddaughter of Martha Custis Washington by the first lady's first husband) at the Arlington House, in the county now named for it.  This home is on a magnificent bluff overlooking Washington, DC, and was, of course, seized by the federal government to be used as a cemetery, now Arlington National Cemetery.  The Lee family was later reimbursed for what was determined to be wrongful seizure.  The house itself is now designated as the Robert E. Lee Memorial:
Arlington House: Robert E. Lee Memorial

In Georgia, Fort Pulaski in Chatham County near Savannah, was actually partially designed by a young army engineer, Robert E. Lee:
Robert E. Lee at Fort Pulaski

Finally, Robert E. Lee is buried in the chapel of Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia:
Lee Chapel

May each of us have the character to act with honor and devotion, even in the face of crisis and hardship.

Deo vindice!

Live well!

Feast of St. Catherine of Alexandria

Today is the feast of the great virgin and martyr, St. Catherine of Alexandria!  This great saint of the early 4th century was long an object of great veneration and devotion, is one of the "Fourteen Holy Helpers" and is patron saint of philosophers, maidens, apologists, those that work with wheels, and students, among others.

St. Catherine of Alexandria by Caravaggio

Tradition has it that St. Catherine was a young lady during the persecution of Diocletian, as it was carried out under the psycho Maximinus II Daia, in Egypt.  Her martyrdom account highlights her brilliant debate with her pagan persecutors, the attempt to break her on a wheel, and finally her beheading in around 305AD in Alexandria, Egypt.

As on of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, St. Catherine was immensely popular in the Medieval period, especially, and a great number of chapels and sites were named in her honor.  Indeed, she was on of the saints that appeared to St. Joan of Arc in 15th century France.

For more details, you might consult:
Catholic Saints Info: St. Catherine of Alexandria

Old Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Catherine of Alexandria

This site also includes an account of many of the charming customs of the day:
Fisheaters: St. Catherine of Alexandria

For more on the Fourteen Holy Helpers as a group, you might note
Catholic Saints Info: Fourteen Holy Helpers

Here is a simple list of those fourteen saints:
Fisheaters: Fourteen Holy Helpers List

Worthy of note, finally, is the great monastery bearing the name of St. Catherine on the Sinai peninsula of Egypt, pictured below:

[By Joonas Plaan - https://www.flickr.com/photos/masterplaan/2943447419/sizes/l, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5709086]

Founded during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, the monastery is one of the oldest working monastic houses in the world, and houses the second largest library of codices and manuscripts in the world.

Perhaps you might visit the website of this Orthodox monastery?  Official Website of St. Catherine's Monastery

Live well!

Feast of Pope St. Clement I

The Martyrdom of Pope St. Clement I

Today is the Feast of the great Successor of St. Peter, Pope St. Clement I (Bishop of Rome around the years AD92-99).  He was the third successor of St. Peter, and he is often pictured with an anchor, a reminder of his manner of death.

You can read more about St. Clement at these sites:
Old Catholic Encyclopedia: Pope St. Clement I

Catholic Saints Info: Pope St. Clement I

Interior of the Basilica of San Clemente, Roma.
[By Sixtus - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=707711]

St. Clement is buried in the Romanesque Basilica named for his in Rome -- sitting between the Coloseum and St. John Lateran.  The Basilica is remarkable for its multiple layers: the Basilica built around AD1100 on top of a 4th century Church which sits on first century structure.  San Clemente's official website is here: Basilica of San Clemente

Finally, the letter of Pope St. Clement to the Corinthians is worthy of note.  This authentic letter, one of the oldest extant Christian writings aside from the New Testament, is a remarkable witness to the Apostolic origin of the structure of the Catholic Church and her hierarchy.  St. Clement I addressed the Corinthians, with authority, while St. John the Apostle was yet alive, and makes direct mention of the different Orders.  I present the letter here part, with those aspects, authority, and succession, as highlights.  For the full text, follow the link at the end:

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Pope St. Clement I of Rome, Letter to the Corinthians

Chapter 1. The Salutation. Praise of the Corinthians Before the Breaking Forth of Schism Among Them.

The church of God which sojourns at Rome, to the church of God sojourning at Corinth, to them that are called and sanctified by the will of God, through our Lord Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, from Almighty God through Jesus Christ, be multiplied.

Owing, dear brethren, to the sudden and successive calamitous events which have happened to ourselves, we feel that we have been somewhat tardy in turning our attention to the points respecting which you consulted us; and especially to that shameful and detestable sedition, utterly abhorrent to the elect of God, which a few rash and self-confident persons have kindled to such a pitch of frenzy, that your venerable and illustrious name, worthy to be universally loved, has suffered grievous injury. For who ever dwelt even for a short time among you, and did not find your faith to be as fruitful of virtue as it was firmly established? Who did not admire the sobriety and moderation of your godliness in Christ? Who did not proclaim the magnificence of your habitual hospitality? And who did not rejoice over your perfect and well-grounded knowledge? For you did all things without respect of persons, and walked in the commandments of God, being obedient to those who had the rule over you, and giving all fitting honour to the presbyters among you. You enjoined young men to be of a sober and serious mind, you instructed your wives to do all things with a blameless, becoming, and pure conscience, loving their husbands as in duty bound; and you taught them that, living in the rule of obedience, they should manage their household affairs becomingly, and be in every respect marked by discretion.

Chapter 2. Praise of the Corinthians Continued.

Moreover, you were all distinguished by humility, and were in no respect puffed up with pride, but yielded obedience rather than extorted it, and were more willing to give than to receive. Acts 20:35 Content with the provision which God had made for you, and carefully attending to His words, you were inwardly filled with His doctrine, and His sufferings were before your eyes. Thus a profound and abundant peace was given to you all, and you had an insatiable desire for doing good, while a full outpouring of the Holy Spirit was upon you all. Full of holy designs, you did, with true earnestness of mind and a godly confidence, stretch forth your hands to God Almighty, beseeching Him to be merciful unto you, if you had been guilty of any involuntary transgression. Day and night ye were anxious for the whole brotherhood, 1 Peter 2:17 that the number of God's elect might be saved with mercy and a good conscience. You were sincere and uncorrupted, and forgetful of injuries between one another. Every kind of faction and schism was abominable in your sight. You mourned over the transgressions of your neighbours: their deficiencies you deemed your own. You never grudged any act of kindness, being "ready to every good work." Titus 3:1 Adorned by a thoroughly virtuous and religious life, you did all things in the fear of God. The commandments and ordinances of the Lord were written upon the tablets of your hearts. Proverbs 7:3

Chapter 3. The Sad State of the Corinthian Church After Sedition Arose in It from Envy and Emulation.

Every kind of honour and happiness was bestowed upon you, and then was fulfilled that which is written, "My beloved did eat and drink, and was enlarged and became fat, and kicked." Deuteronomy 32:15 Hence flowed emulation and envy, strife and sedition, persecution and disorder, war and captivity. So the worthless rose up against the honoured, those of no reputation against such as were renowned, the foolish against the wise, the young against those advanced in years. For this reason righteousness and peace are now far departed from you, inasmuch as every one abandons the fear of God, and is become blind in His faith, neither walks in the ordinances of His appointment, nor acts a part becoming a Christian, but walks after his own wicked lusts, resuming the practice of an unrighteous and ungodly envy, by which death itself entered into the world. Wisdom 2:24

Chapter 5. No Less Evils Have Arisen from the Same Source in the Most Recent Times. The Martyrdom of Peter and Paul.

But not to dwell upon ancient examples, let us come to the most recent spiritual heroes. Let us take the noble examples furnished in our own generation. Through envy and jealousy the greatest and most righteous pillars [of the church] have been persecuted and put to death. Let us set before our eyes the illustrious apostles. Peter, through unrighteous envy, endured not one or two, but numerous labours; and when he had at length suffered martyrdom, departed to the place of glory due to him. Owing to envy, Paul also obtained the reward of patient endurance, after being seven times thrown into captivity, compelled to flee, and stoned. After preaching both in the east and west, he gained the illustrious reputation due to his faith, having taught righteousness to the whole world, and come to the extreme limit of the west, and suffered martyrdom under the prefects. Thus was he removed from the world, and went into the holy place, having proved himself a striking example of patience.

Chapter 7. An Exhortation to Repentance.

These things, beloved, we write unto you, not merely to admonish you of your duty, but also to remind ourselves. For we are struggling on the same arena, and the same conflict is assigned to both of us. Wherefore let us give up vain and fruitless cares, and approach to the glorious and venerable rule of our holy calling. Let us attend to what is good, pleasing, and acceptable in the sight of Him who formed us. Let us look steadfastly to the blood of Christ, and see how precious that blood is to God which, having been shed for our salvation, has set the grace of repentance before the whole world. Let us turn to every age that has passed, and learn that, from generation to generation, the Lord has granted a place of repentance to all such as would be converted unto Him. Noah preached repentance, and as many as listened to him were saved. Jonah proclaimed destruction to the Ninevites; Jonah iii but they, repenting of their sins, propitiated God by prayer, and obtained salvation, although they were aliens [to the covenant] of God.

Chapter 42. The Order of Ministers in the Church.

The apostles have preached the gospel to us from the Lord Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ [has done so] from God. Christ therefore was sent forth by God, and the apostles by Christ. Both these appointments, then, were made in an orderly way, according to the will of God. Having therefore received their orders, and being fully assured by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and established in the word of God, with full assurance of the Holy Ghost, they went forth proclaiming that the kingdom of God was at hand. And thus preaching through countries and cities, they appointed the first fruits [of their labours], having first proved them by the Spirit, to be bishops and deacons of those who should afterwards believe. Nor was this any new thing, since indeed many ages before it was written concerning bishops and deacons. For thus says the Scripture in a certain place, "I will appoint their bishops in righteousness, and their deacons in faith."

Chapter 57. Let the Authors of Sedition Submit Themselves.

You therefore, who laid the foundation of this sedition, submit yourselves to the presbyters, and receive correction so as to repent, bending the knees of your hearts. Learn to be subject, laying aside the proud and arrogant self-confidence of your tongue. For it is better for you that you should occupy a humble but honourable place in the flock of Christ, than that, being highly exalted, you should be cast out from the hope of His people. For thus speaks all-virtuous Wisdom: "Behold, I will bring forth to you the words of my Spirit, and I will teach you my speech. Since I called, and you did not hear; I held forth my words, and you regarded not, but set at naught my counsels, and yielded not at my reproofs; therefore I too will laugh at your destruction; yea, I will rejoice when ruin comes upon you, and when sudden confusion overtakes you, when overturning presents itself like a tempest, or when tribulation and oppression fall upon you. For it shall come to pass, that when you call upon me, I will not hear you; the wicked shall seek me, and they shall not find me. For they hated wisdom, and did not choose the fear of the Lord; nor would they listen to my counsels, but despised my reproofs. Wherefore they shall eat the fruits of their own way, and they shall be filled with their own ungodliness. Proverbs 1:22-33 …For, in punishment for the wrongs which they practised upon babes, shall they be slain, and inquiry will be death to the ungodly; but he that hears me shall rest in hope and be undisturbed by the fear of any evil."

Chapter 59. Warning Against Disobedience. Prayer.

If, however, any shall disobey the words spoken by Him through us, let them know that they will involve themselves in transgression and serious danger; but we shall be innocent of this sin, and, instant in prayer and supplication, shall desire that the Creator of all preserve unbroken the computed number of His elect in the whole world through His beloved Son Jesus Christ, through whom He called us from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge of the glory of His name, our hope resting on Your name which is primal cause of every creature,—having opened the eyes of our heart to the knowledge of You, who alone "dost rest highest among the highest, holy among the holy," Isaiah 57:15 who "layest low the insolence of the haughty," Isaiah 13:11 who "destroyest the calculations of the heathen," who "settest the low on high and bringest low the exalted;" who "makest rich and makest poor," 1 Samuel 2:7 who "killest and makest to live," Deuteronomy 32:39 only Benefactor of spirits and God of all flesh, who beholdest the depths, the eye-witness of human works, the help of those in danger, the Saviour of those in despair, the Creator and Guardian of every spirit, who multipliest nations upon earth, and from all made choice of those who love You through Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, through whom You instructed, sanctify, honour us. We would have You, Lord, to prove our help and succour. Those of us in affliction save, on the lowly take pity; the fallen raise; upon those in need arise; the sick heal; the wandering ones of Your people turn; fill the hungry; redeem those of us in bonds; raise up those that are weak; comfort the faint-hearted; let all the nations know that You are God alone and Jesus Christ Your Son, and we are Your people and the sheep of Your pasture.

Chapter 64. Blessings Sought for All that Call Upon God.

May God, who sees all things, and who is the Ruler of all spirits and the Lord of all flesh—who chose our Lord Jesus Christ and us through Him to be a peculiar Titus 2:14 people—grant to every soul that calls upon His glorious and holy name, faith, fear, peace, patience, long-suffering, self-control, purity, and sobriety, to the well-pleasing of His name, through our High Priest and Protector, Jesus Christ, by whom be to Him glory, and majesty, and power, and honour, both now and for evermore. Amen.

Chapter 65. The Corinthians are Exhorted Speedily to Send Back Word that Peace Has Been Restored. The Benediction.

Send back speedily to us in peace and with joy these our messengers to you: Claudius Ephebus and Valerius Bito, with Fortunatus; that they may the sooner announce to us the peace and harmony we so earnestly desire and long for [among you], and that we may the more quickly rejoice over the good order re-established among you. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, and with all everywhere that are the called of God through Him, by whom be to Him glory, honour, power, majesty, and eternal dominion, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen.

Source. Translated by John Keith. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 9. Edited by Allan Menzies. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1896.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight.
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For the full text, follow this link: New Advent: Letter of St. Clement to the Corinthians

Live well!

Feast of St. Cecilia of Rome

St. Cecilia by Domenichino (+1641).

St. Cecilia of Rome, martyred during the pontificate of Pope St. Urban I (Bishop of Rome, AD222-230), is justly famous as the patroness of Music, for her remains found incorrupt over a thousand years after her death, and for the wonderful basilica dedicated to her in Rome.

St. Cecilia was a member of a noble Roman family, who managed to convert her husband, Valerianus, and brother-in-law, Tiburtius, who had been pagans.  She would be condemned to death all the same.  Tragically, when she was being executed, the executioner failed to sever her head in three strikes, leaving her to linger for three days.  She is reputed to have sung, as she could, in those days before she died, and hence her patronage of musicians.

Here are a couple of links to accounts of the life of St. Cecilia:
Catholic Saints Info: St. Cecilia

Old Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Cecilia

Butler's Lives of the Saints: St. Cecilia

The Statue the Martyrdom of St. Cecilia by Stefano Maderno (+1636AD).  It is located under the main altar of the Basilica of Santa Cecilia in Rome.
[By Dickstracke at English Wikipedia - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by ТимофейЛееСуда using CommonsHelper., CC BY 1.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18187006]

When the tomb of St. Cecilia was opened in 1599AD, around the time of a massive renovation of the Basilica in Trastevere bearing her name, her remains were found to be incorrupt.  The scupltor, Stefano Maderno, carved what it was that they saw upon finding the incorrupt saints relics.  Notice her hands held in such that there are three fingers extended on one hand, and but one on the other -- an affirmation of her belief in the Holy Trinity.

The facade of the Basilica of St. Cecilia.  The facade itself dates to the 18th century.
[By Sailko - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=55589227]

The interior of the Basilica of St. Cecilia in Rome.
[By Dreamword at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2340400]

The Basilica in Rome that houses the relics of St. Cecilia and bears her name is located in the Roman neighborhood of Trastevere ("across the Tiber").  Santa Cecilia in Trastevere is a Romanesque-style Basilica that was first constructed in the 5th century, on the site of an earlier Church, and, according to a tradition, the home of St. Cecilia.  The church has since undergone a series of renovations and improvements.

Here is a link to the website of the Church: Basilica di Santa Cecilia

Finally, here is a splendid piece of Baroque music in honor of the great St. Cecilia from H. Purcell:

Live well!

Feast of the Dedication of the Basilicas of Peter & Paul

18 November is the feast of the Dedication of the Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul in Rome.

These two great Archbasilicas house the relics of the great Saints and Apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul, the patron saints of Rome.  They sit at the Vatican hill just west of the Tiber and on the Ostian Way just south of the city walls, respectively.

St. Peter's Basilica with the Tiber River and Ponte Sant'Angelo in the foreground.
[By Rabax63 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59186870]

St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican is perhaps the most famous church in the world.  It was constructed on the site of the tomb of St. Peter -- the first Basilica constructed during the reign of the Emperor Constantine.  Indeed, the November feast commemorates the dedication of the structure in AD325 by Pope St. Sylvester I.  Beginning in 1506 under Pope Julius II, and concluding in 1626, the current structure was constructed.

An interior view of St. Peter's with the confessio and main altar in the center.
[By Patrick Landy known as FSU Guy at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7373081]

Here is an article on St. Peter's Basilica: Old Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Peter's Basilica

Follow this to the official webpage of the Basilica: Basilica of San Pietro in Vaticano

The facade of St. Paul's Outside the Walls, with the splendid statue of St. Paul -- in Italian San Paulo fuori le mura.
[By I, Alberto Fernandez Fernandez, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2658277]

St. Paul's Basilica -- St. Paul's Outside the Walls -- is the burial place of St. Paul the Apostle, and home to a Benedictine Abbey.  This Basilica, located on the Ostian Way, was, like St. Peter's first constructed during the time of the Emperor Constantine.  A fire in the 19th century, however, meant that the majority of the structure was rebuilt and rededicated in 1823.  When it was reconstructed, however, it was done in much the same style of its original construction.  The Basilica of St. Paul's is famous for its medallions of all of the Popes.

The interior of St. Paul's.  Notice the circular medallions right above the arches -- those picture the various successors of St. Peter.
[By Dnalor 01 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32422029]

Here is an article on the Basilica of St. Paul's: Old Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Paul's

Follow this link to the official website of the Basilica: Basilica of San Paolo fuori le mura

Live well!

Martinmas & St. Martin of Tours

In the United States, today is celebrated as Veterans Day; elsewhere, today is Armistice Day or Remembrance Day.  These civil observances this day are derived from the Armistice signed on 11 November AD1918 that ended the First World War.  Hence, it is a fitting time to offer prayers and express gratitude to those Veterans that have offered their service to their country in the Armed Forces, especially on the anniversary of the end of that Great War.

St. Martin and the Beggar by El Greco.

11 November is also the rather ancient feast of St. Martin of Tours -- himself a veteran before he would become a bishop -- who died in AD397.  Thus, today is Martinmas!

St. Martin of Tours was long one of the most beloved saints in the history of the Church, and his life is a remarkable example of virtue in one of the first to be celebrated on the Church calendar as a saint without having been martyred: a "confessor."

The Charity of St. Martin, by Jean Fouquet.

St. Martin was born a pagan in the area of modern Hungary.  He would end up in the Roman army, and, while in Gaul, received baptism at the age of 18.  The famous episode of St. Martin dividing his cloak for the beggar took place prior to his baptism!  Departing the army, St. Martin would become a monk, receive guidance from the great Doctor of the Church, St. Hilary of Poitiers, and, in the end, become Bishop of Tours.  St. Martin, as bishop, was a bulwark against the external attacks on the Church by paganism and those internal from Arianism.  More than anything else, St. Martin was known for his "boundless charity to the poor."

St. Martin, then, would quickly become a widely beloved saint.  This next site is a good resource for a few customs of the day, and a wonderful weather prediction of our Medieval forebears; it notes, in part: "St. Martin's Feast is considered the first day of Winter for practical purposes, so, alluding to the snows of that season, the Germans say that 'St Martin comes riding on a white horse.' Of course, it might not feel like Winter if one is experiencing a 'St. Martin's Summer' -- the equivalent of an 'Indian Summer.' It is said, too, that one can predict what sort of Winter one will have by the conditions of St. Martin's Day: 'If the geese at Martin’s Day stand on ice, they will walk in mud at Christmas.'

The Feast coincides not only with the end of the Octave of All Souls, but with harvest time, the time when newly-produced wine is ready for drinking, and the end of winter preparations, including the butchering of animals (an old English saying is 'His Martinmas will come as it does to every hog,' meaning 'he will get his comeuppance' or 'everyone must die'). Because of this, St. Martin's Feast is much like the American Thanksgiving (celebrated on the 4th Thursday in November) -- a celebration of the earth's bounty. Because it also comes before the penitential season of Advent, it is seen as a mini 'carnivale' with all the feasting and bonfires."

Fisheaters: St. Martin of Tours (Martinmas)

Statue of St. Martin in St. Martinsville, Louisiana.

Innumerable places and individuals would bear the name of St. Martin -- from St. Martinville, Louisiana, burial place of Longfellow's Evangeline, to the Protestant notable, Martin Luther.  It is said that over 400 towns and 4,000 churches have been named for St. Martin in France alone.

For more on his life you should note:
Old Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Martin of Tours

Patron Saints Index: St. Martin of Tours

Butler's Lives of the Saints: St. Martin of Tours

The Basilica of St. Martin in Tours.
["Tours, Saint Martin" by Parsifall - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons]

St. Martin is buried in a grand Basilica bearing his name in Tours, France -- location of the great battle in AD732 when Charles Martel turned back the Islamic invader.  You can view the official website of the Church where he is buried here: Basilica of St. Martin

The Tomb of St. Martin in Tours, France.

Perhaps today is the day to revive a few Martinmas customs, and give a toast to our Veterans while we are at it?

Live well!

Feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran

 The Facade of St. John Lateran by Alessandro Galilei, 1735.
[By MrPanyGoff - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52179213]

Today is the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Archbasilica in Rome that is, technically, the Cathedral Church of the Pope.  It sits in the southeast corner of the old city, just inside the Aurelian walls.

The Interior of St. John Lateran.  Enclosed in the Baldachin over the altar are the relics of the heads of Sts. Peter and Paul.  Inside the altar itself is the relic of an altar of St. Peter.
[By Tango7174 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11955729]

The Basilica was originally donated to the Church by the Emperor Constantine sometime in the early 4th century.  It was officially dedicated by Pope St. Sylvester in AD324 on this day of 9 November.  Originally dedicated to our Holy Savior, it has come to be associated also with St. John the Apostle and St. John the Baptist -- hence its popular name, which also notes its location at the Lateran.  From that time, until the Popes took up their temporary residence in Avignon during the 14th century, the Lateran Palace adjacent to the Basilica was the residence of the Pope.  Indeed, five Ecumenical Councils of the Church have also been held at the Lateran.

By title, the head of state of France, since the time of King Henry IV, is the proto-canon of St. John Lateran.  I'd rather not say who that is now; let it suffice to know that it is the President of France.  For the sake of trivia, I might note that the King of Spain is the proto-canon of St. Mary Major in Rome.

As the Pope's Cathedral, St. John Lateran is the mother and head Church of Rome and the World!
[By © Marie-Lan Nguyen / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2845474]

Notably, buried here are Pope Innocent III of the 13th century, Pope Leo XIII, who died in 1903, and housed here are the relics of the heads of Sts. Peter and Paul, an altar of St. Peter, and a piece of wood from the table of the Last Supper.

Here is a link to the official website: Basilica of San Giovanni Laterano

This goes to the Old Catholic Encyclopedia article on the great Church: Old Catholic Encyclopedia: Basilica of St. John Lateran

The gentle reader might also note the plenary indulgence for visiting any cathedral church on this day, from the Manual of Indulgences:

"Grant 33 -- Visiting Sacred Places

"§1 A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who visit, and there devoutly recite an Our Father and the Creed,

3° the cathedral church

d. on the dedication of the Archbasilica of the Most Holy Savior [9 November]."

As a final note, on this day 26 years ago, this blogger entered the Roman Catholic Church with his family.  Te Deum Laudamus!

Live well!

Election Day & Catholics

The County Election by George Caleb Bingham (AD1846).

Elections have long been a part of the American landscape -- long before the Revolution, actually.  Drawing upon the customs of England, with her House of Commons, many of the New World English colonies boasted elected assemblies.  The oldest, that of Virginia, dated to AD1619, only a few years after the foundation of the colony in 1607.

Today, 8 November 2022, the voters choose members of their delegation to the United State House of Representatives, those in a third of the states, U.S. Senators of the 3rd Class, in addition to a wide variety of local offices and ballot measures. In this blogger's own home State of Georgia, voters will choose statewide officials, including the Governor, a number of local officials, along with all 236 members of the State General Assembly; that is not to mention a number of other items (including Constitutional Amendments) on the ballot!

An interesting point of trivia on the matter of American elections -- during the AD1800 Presidential Election, when the Federalist John Adams of Massachusetts ran against Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, "Turnout in Virginia, 25 percent of the eligible electorate, was the highest yet for a presidential or congressional election and was higher than it would be for another thirty years." (From Old Dominion, New Commonwealth, pg. 156)  That was in an era where ownership of property, and being a white male, was required to vote.  So, it seems that low voter turnout among the eligible electorate is a tradition in the American Republic!  Is 2022 un-American?



For the voter who is interested in the Art of Dying Well, however, elections are serious exercises with grave moral obligations attached.  The Catechism reminds us: "2240 Submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one's country"

The act of voting is, above all, a practical exercise.  The voter is given the opportunity to either choose a candidate, or accept or reject a ballot proposal.  In so doing, it is, of course, important the the voter know who are what he is voting for or against, and to prepare himself to cast his ballot by research and investigation.  Know what will be on your ballot before you arrive to vote!

That having been said, it is then incumbent upon the voter, well grounded in sound political principles and keenly aware of the ideal, to cast his vote so as to bring about the greatest good practically possible.  Choosing the lesser of evils is no way to operate -- we always vote for a candidate or a measure because of the good that we hope results, and any evil must merely be tolerated, not willed.

Hence, the voter should consider, in the case of candidates, their positions on a range of issues, but most especially those most fundamental to the common good (more on that in a minute).  In addition, it is naive to approach an election supposing that an ideal candidate will present himself for selection.  Not among fallen men, and not in a society so very confused on so many fundamental positions do we find "ideal" candidates.  All will at least advocate the toleration of some grave moral evils.  The circumstances of the vote must, as with any moral decision, be weighed, and the practical result of one's vote must be considered.  What is the greatest good that can be, practically speaking, brought about?

Among the great variety of issues facing the politician, there are some that are matters of prudential judgment, but others are simply non-negotiable matters that, as such gross violations of the natural moral law, must be opposed by the faithful Catholic.  Catholics, who wish to be worthy of that name, should take care to shun those candidates that would promote or support abortion, euthanasia, same sex marriage, and violations of conscience and the freedom of the Church, in particular.


Recent popes have been quite clear on these particular issues:
In Evangelium Vitae, John Paul II reminds us:
"73. Abortion and euthanasia are thus crimes which no human law can claim to legitimize. There is no obligation in conscience to obey such laws; instead there is a grave and clear obligation to oppose them by conscientious objection. From the very beginnings of the Church, the apostolic preaching reminded Christians of their duty to obey legitimately constituted public authorities (cf. Rom 13:1-7; 1 Pet 2:13-14), but at the same time it firmly warned that "we must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). In the Old Testament, precisely in regard to threats against life, we find a significant example of resistance to the unjust command of those in authority. After Pharaoh ordered the killing of all newborn males, the Hebrew midwives refused. "They did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live" (Ex 1:17). But the ultimate reason for their action should be noted: "the midwives feared God" (ibid.). It is precisely from obedience to God-to whom alone is due that fear which is acknowledgment of his absolute sovereignty-that the strength and the courage to resist unjust human laws are born. It is the strength and the courage of those prepared even to be imprisoned or put to the sword, in the certainty that this is what makes for "the endurance and faith of the saints" (Rev 13:10).
In the case of an intrinsically unjust law, such as a law permitting abortion or euthanasia, it is therefore never licit to obey it, or to "take part in a propaganda campaign in favour of such a law, or vote for it.""
[cf., Pope St. John Paul II: EVANGELIUM VITAE]


Pope Benedict XVI, in a letter noting the great importance of protecting the traditional family, reinforces some of the fundamental principles that have to be remembered by the voter:
"In this regard, particular mention must be made of the powerful political and cultural currents seeking to alter the legal definition of marriage. The Church’s conscientious effort to resist this pressure calls for a reasoned defense of marriage as a natural institution consisting of a specific communion of persons...Defending the institution of marriage as a social reality is ultimately a question of justice, since it entails safeguarding the good of the entire human community and the rights of parents and children alike."
[cf., Pope Benedict XVI: ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI, 9 March 2012]


Do recall this statement from the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith's Consideration, approved by John Paul II in 2003:
"When legislation in favour of the recognition of homosexual unions is proposed for the first time in a legislative assembly, the Catholic law-maker has a moral duty to express his opposition clearly and publicly and to vote against it. To vote in favour of a law so harmful to the common good is gravely immoral."

The full text is here: CDF: CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING PROPOSALS TO GIVE LEGAL RECOGNITION TO UNIONS BETWEEN HOMOSEXUAL PERSONS


Finally, with the federal government, and some state governments seeking to coerce individuals in directly paying for intrinsically evil procedures or programs, we should recall the words of Pope Benedict XVI to the American bishops on that subject:
"In the light of these considerations, it is imperative that the entire Catholic community in the United States come to realize the grave threats to the Church’s public moral witness presented by a radical secularism which finds increasing expression in the political and cultural spheres. The seriousness of these threats needs to be clearly appreciated at every level of ecclesial life. Of particular concern are certain attempts being made to limit that most cherished of American freedoms, the freedom of religion. Many of you have pointed out that concerted efforts have been made to deny the right of conscientious objection on the part of Catholic individuals and institutions with regard to cooperation in intrinsically evil practices. Others have spoken to me of a worrying tendency to reduce religious freedom to mere freedom of worship without guarantees of respect for freedom of conscience."

Full text: Pope Benedict XVI: ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI TO THE BISHOPS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 19 January 2012


I can understand some voting for someone that might be better on particular issues, but who has practically no chance of success; I can also understand others voting for a more deeply flawed candidate who has some legitimate promise and can prevent someone profoundly wrong on key issues from taking office.  What is the greater good?  I tend toward the latter position.  Voting is a practical exercise.  At times we must tolerate lesser evils to prevent great ones; all the time willing the good.

Let us pray for our Republic.

Live, and vote, well!

Feast of St. Charles Borromeo

Today is the great feast of St. Charles Borromeo (+AD1584), Cardinal and Archbishop of Milan.  He is certainly worth a mention!

Many were skeptical of his appointment to the see of Milan -- his uncle, Pope Pius IV, made the selection, and he was 21 when made Cardinal-Administrator of the diocese, and 25 when finally ordained a bishop (cf., Catholic Hierarchy: St. Charles Borromeo).  Surely this was yet another example of the kind of nepotism that plagued the Church in that era.

Not so.  St. Charles, who led the Archdiocese of Milan, the See of St. Ambrose, from 1561-1584, proved a saintly model bishop.  His initiatives touched every part of his administration, form the implementation of the decrees of the Council of Trent, to the care of the poor, to the visitation of his parishes, to the establishment of seminary training for men studying for the priesthood.

He was also the papal-appointed protector of the Catholic Swiss Cantons, doing a great deal to see to their reform and health.

His motto: Humilitas.


Duomo of Milan, where St. Charles reigned as Archbishop, and where he is now buried.

When he died in 1584AD, his was buried in that Cathedral of Milan, the famous Duomo (cf., Official Site), while his heart would be reserved in the Milanese parish in Rome, Sant'Ambrogio e Carlo on Via del Corso (cf., Official Site).  He was canonized by Pope Paul V in 1610AD.


The interior of the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio e Carlo in Rome -- the heart of St. Charles is reserved behind the altar. ["San Carlo al Corso September 2015-11" by Alvesgaspar - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Commons]

For more:
Old Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Charles Borromeo

Catholic Saints Info: St. Charles Borromeo

Let us pray that St. Charles Borromeo intercedes for our bishops!

Live well!

Purgatorio: All Souls' Day

All Souls' Day.  On 2 November, the Church observes the great day of All Souls', when our attention turns to the Poor Souls in Purgatory.

It is on All Souls' that we recall, and pray for, all of those Souls enduring the torments of Purgatory.  Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis.  Eternal Rest give unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.


Dante next to the pit of Hell to the left, Florence to the right, and the Mountain of Purgatory behind.


The Old Catholic Encyclopedia has a good, if brief, article on the Feast of All Souls: Old Catholic Encyclopedia: All Souls' Day

The Fisheaters site, for its part, has some splendid details, especially of traditional customs: Fisheaters: All Souls' Day


Of course, the indulgence for the Poor Souls' continues today, through 8 November, for visiting a cemetery; likewise, there is a particular indulgence today, All Souls' Day, for visiting a Church or Oratory and praying for the dead, along with an Our Father and Creed.  Note the Enchiridion Indulgentiarum:
"29 Pro fidelibus defunctis 

§ 1. Plenaria indulgentia, animabus in Purgatorio detentis tantummodo applicabilis, conceditur christifideli qui 

1° singulis diebus, a primo usque ad octavum novembris, coemeterium devote visitaverit et, vel mente tantum, pro defunctis exoraverit; 

2° die Commemorationis omnium fidelium defunctorum (vel, de consensu Ordinarii, die Dominico antecedenti aut subsequenti aut die sollemnitatis Omnium Sanctorum) ecclesiam aut oratorium pie visitaverit ibique recitaverit Pater et Credo."

[cf., Vatican: Enchiridion indulgentiarum]

The details, in English, are as follows:
"§1 A plenary indulgence, applicable only to the souls in purgatory, is granted to the faithful who,
1° on any and each day from November 1 to 8, devoutly visit a cemetery and pray, if only mentally, for the departed;
2° on All Souls' Day...devoutly visit a church or an oratory and recite an Our Father and the Creed."

Father Zuhlsdorf, on his blog, has a great discussion of these indulgences: Fr. Z's Blog: All Souls' Day Indulgences


Image of Purgatory by Carracci.


Looking, then, at Purgatory, as its existence, and recalling the souls detained therein, is the basis of this feast!

The Catechism of the Catholic Church summarizes the teaching on Purgatory as follows:
---

III. The Final Purification, or Purgatory

1030 All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.

1031 The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned.⁶⁰⁴ The Church formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory especially at the Councils of Florence and Trent. the tradition of the Church, by reference to certain texts of Scripture, speaks of a cleansing fire:⁶⁰⁵

As for certain lesser faults, we must believe that, before the Final Judgment, there is a purifying fire. He who is truth says that whoever utters blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will be pardoned neither in this age nor in the age to come. From this sentence we understand that certain offenses can be forgiven in this age, but certain others in the age to come.⁶⁰⁶

1032 This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: "Therefore Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin."⁶⁰⁷ From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God.⁶⁰⁸ The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead:

Let us help and commemorate them. If Job's sons were purified by their father's sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.⁶⁰⁹

---

604 Cf. Council of Florence (1439): DS 1304; Council of Trent (1563): DS 1820; (1547): 1580; see also Benedict XII, Benedictus Deus (1336): DS 1000.605 Cf. ⇒ 1 Cor 3:15; ⇒ 1 Pet 1:7.606 St. Gregory the Great, Dial. 4, 39: PL 77, 396; cf. ⇒ Mt 12:31.607 ⇒ 2 Macc 12:46.608 Cf. Council of Lyons II (1274): DS 856.609 St. John Chrysostom, Hom. in 1 Cor. 41, 5: PG 61, 361; cf. ⇒ Job 1:5.

---
[Original text of the Catechism can be found here: Vatican: Catechism of the Catholic Church]


Likewise, the Old Catholic Encyclopedia has a rather informative article on the subject: Old Catholic Encyclopedia: Purgatory

Finally, in the Appendix of the Supplement to the Summa Theologiae of St. Thomas Aquinas, there is a discussion of purgatory, including: Question 2 on the Souls in Purgatory; Appendix II: on Purgatory. The articles that follow add a few more details.


Of course, one of the greatest literary works of the West, in this bloggers opinion, the Divine Comedy of Dante. How many other authors have a Papal Encyclical about their work? (cf. Benedict XV, In Praeclara Summorum). While not a theological manual, the Divine Comedy does embody a Catholic worldview in his presentation. So, why not go check out the final section of the work that fits with our post? Here is a copy of the Purgatorio, which is my own favorite in the Divine Comedy trilogy: Dante's Purgatorio


Finally, perhaps one of the most brilliant of all Gregorian Chants, is the Sequence for All Souls Day, the Dies Irae:

Live well, so as to avoid Purgatory, or at least minimize our time there!