That'll teach 'em!

Courtesy of Don Jim, I just came across this story about the Chinese goverment's declaration that "re-incarnations of living Buddhas" are invalid without their approval. Now, I am not going to discuss Buddhism here, but I find this sort of thing exemplifies the arrogant attitude of atheists in positions of authority. Is it me, or is there something completely ironic about those without religion dictating to religious believers what they should accept?

Anyway, as I have said before about the situation in China and Tibet, let's pray for our brethren there, but also for the conversion of non-Catholics (including the Commies and Secularists-that will really annoy them!). I believe that in doing so we may perform a work of spiritual mercy.

Viva il Papa!

I know that it is now a week after the Holy Father released Summorum Pontificum, but we should still be grateful for this wonderful grace. Thank you Holy Father!
Across the blogosphere are a number of posts deriding the bishops and expressing delight that they have been upset by the Motu Proprio. Please pardon this small rant, but that kind of thing really annoys me. The actions, views, and comments of some bishops can be unfortunate, but Catholics (especially those who consider themselves more Traditional) should remember that the bishops are the successors of the Apostles. We may well not get on with the office-holder, but we should still respect the office which they hold.
So as not to end on a sour note, there has been a rather encouraging reaction from the Archbishop of Mumbai, which further demonstrates how the need for genuine liturgical renewal is hardly a 'Eurocentric' issue. Let's thank God for such a wise reaction, and for a Pope who has granted a great boon to the entire Church.

Deo Gratias!

Looking and loving

Don Marco has a particularly wonderful meditation on a painting of Christ crucified with Saints Francis, Benedict, and Romuald. I do not presume to place myself alongside dear Father Marco, but must admit I do enjoy walking around art galleries in order to look at Christian art and then meditating on what they can say to us. Enjoy!

Feast of the Sacred Heart

I wish you all a very Holy and Happy feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Our Lord is something in need of revival, and is given highly informative raise from the Servant of God Pius XII in his encyclical Haurietis Aquas, which I recommend heartily.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!

The foundation of Faith, Hope, and Charity

Blessed be the holy Trinity and undivided unity: we will give glory to Him, because He hath shown his mercy to us.

I wish you all a very Holy and Happy Feast of the Most Holy Trinity tomorrow. If you think that you already know all there is to know about this mystery (or not), then it will be of no small benefit to read this excellent article.

The need to rejoice

Over the next few weeks, I will be posting a series of brief meditations on the need for Catholics to rejoice. We are living in a world which is troubled because so many people have refused to listen to God. The consequence of separation from God, Whom is Love, is unhappiness. This unhappiness is manifest in many ways: violence, lack of respect, and distrust-to name but a few. It is very easy to be down-hearted about the state of the world, but we must never let this affect our trust in God. Look at a depiction of the Crucifixion, and the love of God for a fallen race is shown. Look at the condemned thief turning to the sinless Word dying for sin and turning to the dying Son of God to plead for help, and the grace of God to a sinner is shown. Monsignor Gilbey pointed out that we should thank God daily for sending His Son into the world to redeem us, and that I think that is an ideal place to begin to realise that we have something to be thankful for.

150th Post!

Dear readers,
Once again, I apologise for the lack of posting. I am afraid that I have nothing special to write about, as I have not been following events on the blogosphere lately.
As this post is the 150th since I launched the blog in January, it would be nice to write a special post, but circumstances have not allowed this. I am considering a temporary hibernation from this blog, or possibly a complete break, but have decided nothing yet.
God bless you all, and I wish you all a happy feast of the Ascension of Our Lord for tomorrow.