Christmas around the world

It was rather encouraging to see pictures on Andrew Cusack's blog of Christmas celebrations in Iran, which to be honest wasn't something I expected to encounter (please note that this is nothing to do with politics, merely the fact that Iran's Christians are a minority who I am afraid I had not considered much before).

You may disagree with me on this, and I may well be wrong, but I would consider it accurate to say that at this time of year more people consider the situation in the Holy Land than usual, but at any rate, I am sure many of you will find these descriptions of Christmas in the Holy Land interesting.

Possibly the most encouraging story which I have encountered so far this Christmas however, has been this one of churches in Baghdad.

I for one look forward to adding all of these to my currently non-existent "Commonplace Book" and coming back to to them each Christmas. Amongst everything which has been happening recently, this news is greatly encouraging. Deo Gratias!

Holy Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for our brethren in the Middle-East.

Happy Christmas!

Yes I know today is the feast of St John the Apostle, but we are still in the Christmas octave and I did not get round to wishing you a Happy Christmas earlier. As you can see, I haven't posted anything for a while (although I narrowly managed to miss Mac's cull earlier this year!)mainly because I have been without easy access to a computer and have been trying to devote more time to prayers, study, and so forth. I can't promise anything for now, but heartily recommend this honest post by Cathy. God bless you all, and I wish you all had a holy and happy Christmas!

Well, where do we start?

Not long ago, I came across a rather intriguing message in the comments box. The commentator 'John' seems to have misunderstood my last post about the suppression of religion in China. Looking at this post, I don't quite understand how he came to his conclusion-that I was in some way endorsing religious persecution. This comment has not been published because it was frankly bad-mannered and deserves no attention. Please note that I am not particularly offended by his personal insult (tasteless), but by an offensive remark about the Holy Father which he made-whether it was aimed at the office or the office-holder is unknown to me, but in either case it was not a clever thing to say.

I only intend to say this once: I am aware that people say and do unpleasant things over the internet, and I am aware that this blog is likely to be encountered by non-Catholics and also by a number of people who do not agree with me, but I will not tolerate bad manners or publish inappropriate matter.

Now, 'John' was clearly not a Catholic. Please pray for him.

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!