Wednesday (September 28th) is the feast of Saint Wenceslas. He was born in 907 near Prague, son of the Duke of Bohemia. His saintly grandmother, Ludmilla, raised him and sought to promote him as ruler of Bohemia in place of his mother, who favored the anti-Christian factions. Ludmilla was eventually murdered, but rival Christian forces enabled Wenceslaus to assume leadership of the government.
His rule was marked by efforts toward unification within Bohemia, support of the Church and peace-making negotiations with Germany, a policy which caused him trouble with the anti-Christian opposition. His brother Boleslav joined in the plotting, and in September of 929 invited Wenceslaus to Alt Bunglou for the celebration of the feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian (September 26). On the way to Mass, Boleslav attacked his brother, and in the struggle, Wenceslaus was killed by supporters of Boleslav.
Although his death resulted primarily from political upheaval, Wenceslaus was hailed as a martyr for the faith, and his tomb became a pilgrimage shrine.
Sung by Candice Night from Blackmore Night
Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight
Gath'ring winter fuel
"Hither, page, and stand by me
If thou know'st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes' fountain."
"Bring me bread and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear him thither."
Page and monarch forth they went
Forth they went together
Through the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather
In his master's steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed
Therefore, Christian men, be sure
Wealth or rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing
Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight
Gath'ring winter fuel
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
Sunday, 25 September 2011
Catholics and Palestine
Some years ago I read about the first intifada (1983-1993) in Israel. There was a popular uprising by the Palestinians due to Israeli occupation of Palestinian Territories. The Intifada came with a news blockade of the Palestinians by the Israelis. Whenever information came out, the world heard about the Palestinians and naturally assumed they were only muslim. The truth is that there were many Christians affected by the intifada.
Of the supposed 3 million Palestinians in the independent lands there are around 3 hundred thousand Christians of various sects. While many Christians have migrated those that remain long for a better life. A catholic Bishop from Palestine, Bishop Shomali lauds those who stayed: “The mission and calling of Christians is to remain in the Holy Land and work toward change,”
According to a news article by David Kerr on the Catholic News Agency:
"the Palestinian officials say they will launch their application for full United Nations membership next week at the U.N. headquarters in New York. They intend to ask for international recognition based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as a capital. The idea is strongly opposed by Israel and the United States."
American President Barack Obama has publicly stated that he will not support it.
Now we are hearing the the Vatican has remained neutral on the matter. Again from the article by David Kerr:
"A spokesman for the Apostolic Nuncio to Israel confirmed to CNA that the Vatican backs a “two-state solution” with a sovereign Palestine peacefully co-existing alongside Israel. He refused, however, to comment on the impending Palestinian bid for U.N. membership."
In June this year (2011) Pope Benedict described Palestine’s aspiration to statehood as “legitimate” during a meeting at the Vatican with the President of the Palestinian National Authority, Mahmoud Abbas. The Pope also cautioned that this should be achieved with the “just and lasting respect of everyone’s rights.”
Despite all this craziness the Bishop of Jerusalem William Shomali has the solution. He says “The Lord told us to pray for peace. Jerusalem will attain peace through the power of God, and not merely through the acts of politicians,”
Of the supposed 3 million Palestinians in the independent lands there are around 3 hundred thousand Christians of various sects. While many Christians have migrated those that remain long for a better life. A catholic Bishop from Palestine, Bishop Shomali lauds those who stayed: “The mission and calling of Christians is to remain in the Holy Land and work toward change,”
According to a news article by David Kerr on the Catholic News Agency:
"the Palestinian officials say they will launch their application for full United Nations membership next week at the U.N. headquarters in New York. They intend to ask for international recognition based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as a capital. The idea is strongly opposed by Israel and the United States."
American President Barack Obama has publicly stated that he will not support it.
Now we are hearing the the Vatican has remained neutral on the matter. Again from the article by David Kerr:
"A spokesman for the Apostolic Nuncio to Israel confirmed to CNA that the Vatican backs a “two-state solution” with a sovereign Palestine peacefully co-existing alongside Israel. He refused, however, to comment on the impending Palestinian bid for U.N. membership."
In June this year (2011) Pope Benedict described Palestine’s aspiration to statehood as “legitimate” during a meeting at the Vatican with the President of the Palestinian National Authority, Mahmoud Abbas. The Pope also cautioned that this should be achieved with the “just and lasting respect of everyone’s rights.”
Despite all this craziness the Bishop of Jerusalem William Shomali has the solution. He says “The Lord told us to pray for peace. Jerusalem will attain peace through the power of God, and not merely through the acts of politicians,”
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Jesus explosion Revival
Today was the Jesus Explosion Revival. I did not go. Instead I went to a friends wedding. It rocked
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Saint. Padre Pio da Pietrelcina
Happy Feast day to the patron Saint of my family - Padre Pio.
"Pray, hope, and don't worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer." - Padre Pio
"Pray, hope, and don't worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer." - Padre Pio
Artwork sale to raise funds for the Cathedral Restoration
I was looking through the brochure of artwork to be auctioned on October 1st 2011 to raise funds for the Cathedral Restoration. I saw many great artists that I know and love, and others who I only know by name - that is to say that I know their art, not them.
The collection includes paintings, photographs, ceramics, pottery and jewelry. I didn't see any collages, and I dare say they missed an opportunity for some really good ones, as they never bothered to show up for the two offered by a really great artist that I know (not me, in case you were wondering).
It is interesting to note that some of the artists are not Catholic and would probably not enter a catholic church if they could avoid it, yet they have contributed of their energies. There are even works for prisoners. God Bless them all.
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is one of the few Historic sites that is not owned by the government (please someone restore Mille Fleur) or by a private individual who would want to knock it down to build something big. Come on Trinidad, we can do better.
I got a little confused when I read the article in the Catholic News.... I saw art that was not in the brochure... whats up with that?
I hope to be at the auction on October 1st. I hope to enjoy the Archbishop house, I hope to wish my Archbishop farewell, I hope to dine of the wonderful treats of the Syrian Lebanese woman who are doing the catering, I hope to go home with a great work of art. We have already RSVPed.
God bless us who belong to the Cathedral... great things are being done for us little people by some who are tall in society. We who worship in the old building thank you for your efforts and ask you to remember us in your prayers as we pray for you.
The collection includes paintings, photographs, ceramics, pottery and jewelry. I didn't see any collages, and I dare say they missed an opportunity for some really good ones, as they never bothered to show up for the two offered by a really great artist that I know (not me, in case you were wondering).
It is interesting to note that some of the artists are not Catholic and would probably not enter a catholic church if they could avoid it, yet they have contributed of their energies. There are even works for prisoners. God Bless them all.
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is one of the few Historic sites that is not owned by the government (please someone restore Mille Fleur) or by a private individual who would want to knock it down to build something big. Come on Trinidad, we can do better.
I got a little confused when I read the article in the Catholic News.... I saw art that was not in the brochure... whats up with that?
I hope to be at the auction on October 1st. I hope to enjoy the Archbishop house, I hope to wish my Archbishop farewell, I hope to dine of the wonderful treats of the Syrian Lebanese woman who are doing the catering, I hope to go home with a great work of art. We have already RSVPed.
God bless us who belong to the Cathedral... great things are being done for us little people by some who are tall in society. We who worship in the old building thank you for your efforts and ask you to remember us in your prayers as we pray for you.
Bishop Jason Gordon of Barbados
From the Catholic news of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain:
The Caribbean's newest bishop, Bishop Jason Gordon receives applause from the congregation. At left, Archbishop Robert Rivas of Castries, St Lucia archdiocese, and recently ordained Co-adjutor Archbishop Joseph Harris of Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago archdiocese.
The Caribbean's newest bishop, Bishop Jason Gordon receives applause from the congregation. At left, Archbishop Robert Rivas of Castries, St Lucia archdiocese, and recently ordained Co-adjutor Archbishop Joseph Harris of Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago archdiocese.
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
Catholic population in Trinidad. - not doing too good.
In 1950 the archdiocese of Port of Spain had 280,000 Catholics in 63 parishes out of a population of 750,000 people. In that year 37% of the population were Catholic.
In 1990 (forty years later) there were 400,000 Catholics in 61 parishes out of a population of 1,235,400. The percentage of Catholics that year were 32%.
It is significant to note that while the population grew, and the number of Catholics grew also, the numbers were not proportionate. 1990 was a peak for the number of Catholics in the Archdiocese.
In 2010 we have a similar situation with the number of Catholics being 26% of the Population. However the population grew and the number of Catholics Shrunk. In 2010 there were 340,000 Catholics in a population of 1,310,000.
In those 60 years there has not been much movement in the number of priests. In 1950 there were 110. In 2010 there were 106. There was a peak in 1968 when the number of priest went up to 136. It fell gradually to a low point of 90 in 1999, but made comeback peaking at 121 in 2004.
In 1990 (forty years later) there were 400,000 Catholics in 61 parishes out of a population of 1,235,400. The percentage of Catholics that year were 32%.
It is significant to note that while the population grew, and the number of Catholics grew also, the numbers were not proportionate. 1990 was a peak for the number of Catholics in the Archdiocese.
In 2010 we have a similar situation with the number of Catholics being 26% of the Population. However the population grew and the number of Catholics Shrunk. In 2010 there were 340,000 Catholics in a population of 1,310,000.
In those 60 years there has not been much movement in the number of priests. In 1950 there were 110. In 2010 there were 106. There was a peak in 1968 when the number of priest went up to 136. It fell gradually to a low point of 90 in 1999, but made comeback peaking at 121 in 2004.
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Welcome Cherise
MY good friend at the Cathedral, Cherise, has put together a blog of her own. The Caribbean Catholic would like to welcome Cherise to the blogger world and wish you lots of success.
Sometimes you need to post and you wonder... what should I put on? but by the grace of God something always comes to mind.
God bless you and your work...
Cherise's blog can be found here
Sometimes you need to post and you wonder... what should I put on? but by the grace of God something always comes to mind.
God bless you and your work...
Cherise's blog can be found here
Thursday, 15 September 2011
Receiving the fulness of Christs Priesthood
This photograph appeared on the Trinidad daily newspaper "Newsday" on Thursday, September 15th 2011, showing the laying of hands on Father Joseph Harris, by the Archbishop Edward Gilberte, on the occasion of his installation ceremony at the Basilica Minor, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Wednesday September, 14th.
First they came...
First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
- Pastor Martin Niemöller (Lutheran)(1892–1984) about the inactivity of German intellectuals following the Nazi rise to power and the purging of their chosen targets, group after group.
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
- Pastor Martin Niemöller (Lutheran)(1892–1984) about the inactivity of German intellectuals following the Nazi rise to power and the purging of their chosen targets, group after group.
Theocrat, Dominionist, Christianist, and other fun words
“Theocrat,” and related words like “Dominionist” and “Christianist,” are the latest in a series of epithets directed at Christians who insist that their faith is not merely a private matter. Suggesting Christians want to impose biblical law on civil society is an attempt to make a comparison between us and people like the Mullahs in Iran and the Taliban in Afghanistan.
- Chuck Colson - "Are you a theocrat? Secular scare tactics" (Sep 14,2011)
If I cannot promote my faith, then the health gurus should not be allowed to toute their exercise programmes, politicians should not promote themselves, their party and their views. Atheists should not have a say against religion, and other faiths should not be allowed to say anything.. even if they put out a paid ad.
The freedom of speech would be compromised. Thank God I can still discuss my faith publicly.
- Chuck Colson - "Are you a theocrat? Secular scare tactics" (Sep 14,2011)
If I cannot promote my faith, then the health gurus should not be allowed to toute their exercise programmes, politicians should not promote themselves, their party and their views. Atheists should not have a say against religion, and other faiths should not be allowed to say anything.. even if they put out a paid ad.
The freedom of speech would be compromised. Thank God I can still discuss my faith publicly.
Stop and thank the Lord Now!
DEAR GOD:
I want to thank You for what you have already done.
I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me;
I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears;
I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves;
I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet;
I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job;
I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief;
I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed;
I am thanking you right now.
I am thanking you because I am alive.
I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties.
I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.
I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better.
I'm thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me.
God is just so good, and he's good all the time. Send this message to 8 friends, not to the friend who sent it to you and continue praising God.
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Congratulations Archbishop Joe Harris
The Caribbean Catholic blog wish to congratulate Archbishop Joe Harris on his installation as the 10th Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain.
Ad multos Anos
Ad multos Anos
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
marraige - out of the box - becoming a loving couple
Not too long after I got married I was sitting with some veterans in the field – Men who had been married for more than 25 years. We were having a few beers and then the wife complaints started to cross the table. The conversation degenerated into “who had the worse wife.” I was horrified.
Later on I was privy to a conversation by a mother to her daughter: “You must train your man. Time away from him is good. Who would want to spend every minute with their spouse?” I was horrified.
First off, I love my wife. I married her not because I needed a sometime companion but because I could not imagine my life without her. I wanted to (and still want to) spend every waking moment with this wonderful human being. We do not agree on everything, and we do fight, but these moments are worked out.
I do not profess to be an expert on love. What I know is that my wife and I have a series of rules that we follow and so far we have been doing ok
1. Pray together
2. Always be honest.
3. Pick each other up when there is a sad or hurt situation.
4. Keep no secrets (except about presents)
5. Say “I love you” every day.
6. Be good catholics.
7. There is no right or wrong – in the end it is all about how you make your partner feel. If I am right and you are right and we can both back up our position academically, what does it profit us to hurt each other.
8. Do things as a family.
9. Eat together every evening. …. Well this one is not doing so good.
10. Pray as a family
Later on I was privy to a conversation by a mother to her daughter: “You must train your man. Time away from him is good. Who would want to spend every minute with their spouse?” I was horrified.
First off, I love my wife. I married her not because I needed a sometime companion but because I could not imagine my life without her. I wanted to (and still want to) spend every waking moment with this wonderful human being. We do not agree on everything, and we do fight, but these moments are worked out.
I do not profess to be an expert on love. What I know is that my wife and I have a series of rules that we follow and so far we have been doing ok
1. Pray together
2. Always be honest.
3. Pick each other up when there is a sad or hurt situation.
4. Keep no secrets (except about presents)
5. Say “I love you” every day.
6. Be good catholics.
7. There is no right or wrong – in the end it is all about how you make your partner feel. If I am right and you are right and we can both back up our position academically, what does it profit us to hurt each other.
8. Do things as a family.
9. Eat together every evening. …. Well this one is not doing so good.
10. Pray as a family
marraige - out of the box - becoming a loving couple
Not too long after I got married I was sitting with some veterans in the field – Men who had been married for more than 25 years. We were having a few beers and then the wife complaints started to cross the table. The conversation degenerated into “who had the worse wife.” I was horrified.
Later on I was privy to a conversation by a mother to her daughter: “You must train your man. Time away from him is good. Who would want to spend every minute with their spouse?” I was horrified.
First off, I love my wife. I married her not because I needed a sometime companion but because I could not imagine my life without her. I wanted to (and still want to) spend every waking moment with this wonderful human being. We do not agree on everything, and we do fight, but these moments are worked out.
I do not profess to be an expert on love. What I know is that my wife and I have a series of rules that we follow and so far we have been doing ok
1. Pray together
2. Always be honest.
3. Pick each other up when there is a sad or hurt situation.
4. Keep no secrets (except about presents)
5. Say “I love you” every day.
6. Be good catholics.
7. There is no right or wrong – in the end it is all about how you make your partner feel. If I am right and you are right and we can both back up our position academically, what does it profit us to hurt each other.
8. Do things as a family.
9. Eat together every evening. …. Well this one is not doing so good.
10. Pray as a family
Later on I was privy to a conversation by a mother to her daughter: “You must train your man. Time away from him is good. Who would want to spend every minute with their spouse?” I was horrified.
First off, I love my wife. I married her not because I needed a sometime companion but because I could not imagine my life without her. I wanted to (and still want to) spend every waking moment with this wonderful human being. We do not agree on everything, and we do fight, but these moments are worked out.
I do not profess to be an expert on love. What I know is that my wife and I have a series of rules that we follow and so far we have been doing ok
1. Pray together
2. Always be honest.
3. Pick each other up when there is a sad or hurt situation.
4. Keep no secrets (except about presents)
5. Say “I love you” every day.
6. Be good catholics.
7. There is no right or wrong – in the end it is all about how you make your partner feel. If I am right and you are right and we can both back up our position academically, what does it profit us to hurt each other.
8. Do things as a family.
9. Eat together every evening. …. Well this one is not doing so good.
10. Pray as a family
marraige - out of the box - becoming a loving couple
Not too long after I got married I was sitting with some veterans in the field – Men who had been married for more than 25 years. We were having a few beers and then the wife complaints started to cross the table. The conversation degenerated into “who had the worse wife.” I was horrified.
Later on I was privy to a conversation by a mother to her daughter: “You must train your man. Time away from him is good. Who would want to spend every minute with their spouse?” I was horrified.
First off, I love my wife. I married her not because I needed a sometime companion but because I could not imagine my life without her. I wanted to (and still want to) spend every waking moment with this wonderful human being. We do not agree on everything, and we do fight, but these moments are worked out.
I do not profess to be an expert on love. What I know is that my wife and I have a series of rules that we follow and so far we have been doing ok
1. Pray together
2. Always be honest.
3. Pick each other up when there is a sad or hurt situation.
4. Keep no secrets (except about presents)
5. Say “I love you” every day.
6. Be good catholics.
7. There is no right or wrong – in the end it is all about how you make your partner feel. If I am right and you are right and we can both back up our position academically, what does it profit us to hurt each other.
8. Do things as a family.
9. Eat together every evening. …. Well this one is not doing so good.
10. Pray as a family
Later on I was privy to a conversation by a mother to her daughter: “You must train your man. Time away from him is good. Who would want to spend every minute with their spouse?” I was horrified.
First off, I love my wife. I married her not because I needed a sometime companion but because I could not imagine my life without her. I wanted to (and still want to) spend every waking moment with this wonderful human being. We do not agree on everything, and we do fight, but these moments are worked out.
I do not profess to be an expert on love. What I know is that my wife and I have a series of rules that we follow and so far we have been doing ok
1. Pray together
2. Always be honest.
3. Pick each other up when there is a sad or hurt situation.
4. Keep no secrets (except about presents)
5. Say “I love you” every day.
6. Be good catholics.
7. There is no right or wrong – in the end it is all about how you make your partner feel. If I am right and you are right and we can both back up our position academically, what does it profit us to hurt each other.
8. Do things as a family.
9. Eat together every evening. …. Well this one is not doing so good.
10. Pray as a family
Miss Universe - would you change your religion?
While Trinidad and Tobago is disappointed in Gabrielle Walcott not doing well in the Miss Universe 2011 pageant (we still love you), I wish to give kudos to Miss Philipines: Shamcey Supsup.
Shamcey was the third runner-up, but it was the answer to her question that got me all happy. Shamncey's bio lists her as a Protestant and when she was asked by Vivica Fox:
“Would you change your religious beliefs to the person you love and why?’’
She replied:
“If I have to change my religious belief, I will not marry the person I love because the first person that I love is God and He created me. And I have my faith, my principles and it what makes me who I am. And if that person loves me, he should love my God.’’
The audience too liked her response.
Shamcey was the third runner-up, but it was the answer to her question that got me all happy. Shamncey's bio lists her as a Protestant and when she was asked by Vivica Fox:
“Would you change your religious beliefs to the person you love and why?’’
She replied:
“If I have to change my religious belief, I will not marry the person I love because the first person that I love is God and He created me. And I have my faith, my principles and it what makes me who I am. And if that person loves me, he should love my God.’’
The audience too liked her response.
Congratulations Miss Universe 2011 - Miss Angola -Leila Lopes
Congratulations to Miss Angola, Leila Lopes, for wining the Miss Universe Pageant 2011. Angola has had a recent history or war, poverty and death. She has come out as a champion to repair this terrible history. According to a Associated Press article by Bradley Brooks she says the following:
Newly crowned Miss Universe Leila Lopes hopes her victory will allow her to assist her native Angola further escape its history of war and impoverishment and said she plans to focus on combatting HIV around the globe.
ON HELPING PEOPLE: "as Miss Angola I've already done a lot to help my people. I've worked with various social causes. I work with poor kids, I work in the fight against HIV. I work to protect the elderly ... I think now as Miss Universe I will be able to do much more."
ON SELF: "Thank God I'm very satisfied with the way God created me and I wouldn't change a thing," Lopes said. "I consider myself a woman endowed with inner beauty. I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family and I intend to follow these for the rest of my life."
ON BEING BLACK: Of course being a black woman someone has to ask the stupid question "about racism in light of the fact that she's one of the few blacks ever crowned Miss Universe, Lopes said that "any racist needs to seek help. It's not normal in the 21st century to think in that way."
Congratulations to Angola for having one of their own win the contest. Angola has never had a miss Universe as one of their own.
Trinidad and Tobago has had a winner. Miss Jenelle Penny Commissiong. She won the Miss Universe title as Miss Trinidad & Tobago in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 16, 1977. She was the first Black woman to win the title. She was also voted Miss Photogenic in that same contest.
Penny Commissiong - Miss Universe 1977
Sunday, 11 September 2011
A PILGRIMS STORY – remembering world youth day 2011
Geneva, a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception tells about her journey to Spain.
It was my first time visiting a country other than my home islands of Trinidad and Tobago. I always wanted to go to Spain. As far as I understood, World Youth Day is the gathering of youths from all over the world to have Holy Mass with His Holiness, the Pope.
There were many, many people, but at no time was I afraid. I was in a foreign country but at no time did I feel alone. I made friends with Spaniards, other trinbagonians and people from other countries. Here is my story -
We left home and arrived to London, I was very enthusiastic when the plane lifted off on it’s long flight. When we arrived in Madrid, I realized the difference between London and Spain, London was green and Spain was dry and brown. That made me really sad, but when we landed I wanted to scream "Spain here I am, finally I have arrived, woo hoo!".
Our first stop was a College in Toledo. We stayed there from the Monday (8th August) to Thursday (11th August). I found Toledo interesting and it’s Cathedral very beautiful (hermosa) and very big (grande). Much larger than our own. We were forbidden from taking photos on the inside. It was like a museum, instead of a church, their patron saint was exposed and acknowledgement was made. I can clearly remember there were ancient artifacts stored and preserved inside the cathedral, rings, crosses, crucifixes and books, very big books, gold and silver items.
What awed me the most, was that all the churches that I visited in Spain, had paintings all over: the floor; the ceilings and walls. There were many statues and carvings in the architecture of the buildings, especially the cathedral in Toledo, there were also a huge crypt, which was not open for viewing.
The Toledo hosts were very friendly, kind and extremely helpful. With so many people from different countries in the same place at the same time it can be difficult. Still, praise and worship were organized every morning and it was great. Even in the night there were praise and worship. Every one participated. I really enjoyed it.
In the morning the breeze was cold, but as the day wore on it became very hot. Money was spent on water everywhere, and we endured.
Then on the Thursday evening the Trinidad and Tobago contingent left for Mocejon, where we met our host families. There was a Joy of belonging in my heart, to see strangers waiting and welcoming us with their arms open wide, I have never felt that feeling before, I wanted to cry. Both anthems of the countries were played, and the people were anxiously waiting to see who they were taking home with them and we (trinbagonians) were waiting nervously to see who we were going home with.
After meeting our new siblings, mummies and daddies, our youths gave them a taste of home. "I is Ah Trini" was our anthem and the Mocejon folks enjoyed it, the welcoming was finished off with fireworks. I must say staying at our host families was very entertaining, and marvelous, we were treated like royalty. We even got a chance to see the famous “running of the bulls” in a neighbouring town.
The people fed us like crazy, there were food everywhere. On Monday 15th we left for Madrid. It was a very emotional parting.
We stopped over in Toledo one last time for a mass and entertainment, where we (TnT) stared on stage. In Madrid we stayed at a Sports complex with people from other countries.
One day, the Dominican Sisters headed by Sr. Alleyne, went to Calegruega, where Saint Dominic was born. The relics of Saint Dominic's father and elder brother were there as well. We saw the only statue in the world that had a chastity belt with no lock on the Virgin Mary and she was also pregnant.
For the opening mass of the welcoming of the Pope, everyone were chanting "Esta Es La Juventud de Papa" which means “this is the youths' father”, and "Benedicto".
Leaving Spain was a bitter-sweet moment. I will cherish every moment.
It was my first time visiting a country other than my home islands of Trinidad and Tobago. I always wanted to go to Spain. As far as I understood, World Youth Day is the gathering of youths from all over the world to have Holy Mass with His Holiness, the Pope.
There were many, many people, but at no time was I afraid. I was in a foreign country but at no time did I feel alone. I made friends with Spaniards, other trinbagonians and people from other countries. Here is my story -
We left home and arrived to London, I was very enthusiastic when the plane lifted off on it’s long flight. When we arrived in Madrid, I realized the difference between London and Spain, London was green and Spain was dry and brown. That made me really sad, but when we landed I wanted to scream "Spain here I am, finally I have arrived, woo hoo!".
Our first stop was a College in Toledo. We stayed there from the Monday (8th August) to Thursday (11th August). I found Toledo interesting and it’s Cathedral very beautiful (hermosa) and very big (grande). Much larger than our own. We were forbidden from taking photos on the inside. It was like a museum, instead of a church, their patron saint was exposed and acknowledgement was made. I can clearly remember there were ancient artifacts stored and preserved inside the cathedral, rings, crosses, crucifixes and books, very big books, gold and silver items.
What awed me the most, was that all the churches that I visited in Spain, had paintings all over: the floor; the ceilings and walls. There were many statues and carvings in the architecture of the buildings, especially the cathedral in Toledo, there were also a huge crypt, which was not open for viewing.
The Toledo hosts were very friendly, kind and extremely helpful. With so many people from different countries in the same place at the same time it can be difficult. Still, praise and worship were organized every morning and it was great. Even in the night there were praise and worship. Every one participated. I really enjoyed it.
In the morning the breeze was cold, but as the day wore on it became very hot. Money was spent on water everywhere, and we endured.
Then on the Thursday evening the Trinidad and Tobago contingent left for Mocejon, where we met our host families. There was a Joy of belonging in my heart, to see strangers waiting and welcoming us with their arms open wide, I have never felt that feeling before, I wanted to cry. Both anthems of the countries were played, and the people were anxiously waiting to see who they were taking home with them and we (trinbagonians) were waiting nervously to see who we were going home with.
After meeting our new siblings, mummies and daddies, our youths gave them a taste of home. "I is Ah Trini" was our anthem and the Mocejon folks enjoyed it, the welcoming was finished off with fireworks. I must say staying at our host families was very entertaining, and marvelous, we were treated like royalty. We even got a chance to see the famous “running of the bulls” in a neighbouring town.
The people fed us like crazy, there were food everywhere. On Monday 15th we left for Madrid. It was a very emotional parting.
We stopped over in Toledo one last time for a mass and entertainment, where we (TnT) stared on stage. In Madrid we stayed at a Sports complex with people from other countries.
One day, the Dominican Sisters headed by Sr. Alleyne, went to Calegruega, where Saint Dominic was born. The relics of Saint Dominic's father and elder brother were there as well. We saw the only statue in the world that had a chastity belt with no lock on the Virgin Mary and she was also pregnant.
For the opening mass of the welcoming of the Pope, everyone were chanting "Esta Es La Juventud de Papa" which means “this is the youths' father”, and "Benedicto".
Leaving Spain was a bitter-sweet moment. I will cherish every moment.
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
The Birth of the Virgin Mary - her Nativity
Thursday September 8th is the feast of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. below is a chapter from the book the life of the blessed virgin Mary from the visionary Anne Catherine Emmerich.
Several days before the Blessed Virgin's birth Anna had told Joachim that the time was approaching for her to be delivered. She sent messengers to Sephoris, where her younger sister Maraha lived; to the widow Enue (sister of Elizabeth) in the valley of Zabulon; and to her niece Mary Salome at Bethsaida, asking these three women to come to her. I saw them on their journeys. The widow Enue had a serving lad with her; the other two women were accompanied by their husbands who, however, went back on approaching Nazareth. I saw that on the day before Anna was delivered Joachim sent his many menservants out to the herds, and among Anna's new maidservants he kept in the house only those who were needed. He, too, went out into his nearest pasture. I saw that Anna's firstborn daughter, Mary Heli, looked after the house. She was then about nineteen years old and was married to Cleophas, one of Joachim's chief shepherds, by whom she had a little daughter, Mary Cleophas, now about four years old. After praying, Joachim chose out his finest lambs, kids, and cattle, sending shepherds to take them to the Temple as a thank-offering. He did not return home until nightfall.
I saw the three cousins arriving at Anna's house in the evening. They went to her in her room behind the hearth and embraced her. After Anna had told them that the time was near for her to be delivered, they stood up and sang a hymn together: Praise the Lord God; He has shown mercy to His people, and has redeemed Israel, and has fulfilled the promise which He gave to Adam in Paradise that the seed of the woman should crush the head of the serpent,' and so on. I can no longer recite it all by heart. Anna prayed as though in ecstasy. She introduced into the hymn all the prophetic symbols of Mary. She said: The seed given by God to Abraham has ripened in me.' She spoke of the promise to Sarah of Isaac's birth and said: The blossoming of Aaron's rod is perfected in me.' At that moment I saw her as though suffused with light; I saw the room full of radiance, and Jacob's ladder appearing above it. The women were overcome with astonishment and joy, and I think that they also saw the vision. When the prayer of welcome was over, the travelers were refreshed with a slight meal of bread and fruit, and water mixed with balsam. They ate and drank standing up, and then lay down till midnight to rest from their journey. Anna did not go to bed, but prayed, and at midnight woke the other women to pray with her. They followed her to her praying-place behind a curtain.
Anna opened the doors of a little cupboard in the wall which contained a casket with holy objects. On each side were lights--perhaps lamps, but I am not sure. They had to be pushed up in their holders, and then little bits of shavings put underneath to prevent them from sinking down. After this the lights were lit. There was a cushioned stool at the foot of this sort of little altar. The casket contained some of Sarah's hair (Anna had a great veneration for her), some of Joseph's bones (brought by Moses from Egypt), and something belonging to Tobias, I think a relic of his clothing; also the little shining, white, pear-shaped goblet from which Abraham had drunk when blessed by the angel. (This had been given to Joachim from the Ark of the Covenant when he was blessed in the Temple. I now know that this blessing took the form of wine and bread and was a strengthening and sacramental food.)
Anna knelt before the little cupboard with one of the women on each side and the third behind her. She recited another hymn; I think it mentioned the burning bush of Moses. Then I saw the room filled with supernatural light which became more intense as it wove itself round Anna. The women sank to the ground as though stunned. The light round Anna took the exact form of the burning bush of Moses on Horeb, and I could no longer see her. The whole flame streamed inwards; and then I suddenly saw that Anna received the shining child Mary in her hands, wrapped her in her mantle, pressed her to her heart, and laid her naked on the stool in front of the holy relics, still continuing her prayer. Then I heard the child cry, and saw that Anna brought out wrappings from under the great veil which enveloped her. She wrapped the child first in gray and then in red swaddling bands up to her arms; her breast, arms, and head were bare. The appearance of the burning bush around Anna had now vanished.
The women stood up and received the newborn child in their arms with great astonishment. They shed tears of joy. They all joined in a hymn of praise, and Anna lifted her child up on high as though making an offering. I saw at that moment the room full of light, and beheld several angels singing Gloria and Alleluia. I heard all their words. They announced that on the twentieth day the child was to be called Mary.
Anna now went into her bedroom and lay down on her couch. The women in the meantime unwrapped the child, bathed it, and wrapped it up again, and then laid it beside its mother. There was a little woven wicker basket which could be fastened beside the bed or against the wall or at the foot of the bed, whichever was wanted, so that the child could always have its place near its mother and yet separate.
The women now called Joachim, the father. He came to Anna's couch and knelt down weeping, his tears falling on the child; then he lifted it up in his arms and uttered his song of praise, like Zechariah at John's birth. He spoke in this hymn of the holy seed, implanted by God in Abraham, which had continued amongst God's people by means of the covenant ratified by circumcision, but had now reached its highest blossoming in this child and was, in the flesh, completed. I also heard how this song of praise declared that now was fulfilled the word of the prophet: There shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse.' He said, too, in great humility and devoutness, that he would now gladly die.
It was only then that I noticed that Mary Heli, Anna's elder daughter, did not have sight of the child until later. Although she had become the mother of Mary Cleophas several years before, she was not present at the Blessed Virgin's birth--perhaps because, according to Jewish rules, it was not considered seemly for a daughter to be with her mother at such a time.
Next morning I saw the serving men and maids and many people from nearby gathered round the house. They were allowed to enter in groups, and the child was shown by the women to them all. Many were greatly moved, and some led better lives thereafter. The neighbors had come because they had seen in the night a glowing light above the house, and because the birth of Anna's child after long unfruitfulness was looked upon as a great favor from heaven.
Several days before the Blessed Virgin's birth Anna had told Joachim that the time was approaching for her to be delivered. She sent messengers to Sephoris, where her younger sister Maraha lived; to the widow Enue (sister of Elizabeth) in the valley of Zabulon; and to her niece Mary Salome at Bethsaida, asking these three women to come to her. I saw them on their journeys. The widow Enue had a serving lad with her; the other two women were accompanied by their husbands who, however, went back on approaching Nazareth. I saw that on the day before Anna was delivered Joachim sent his many menservants out to the herds, and among Anna's new maidservants he kept in the house only those who were needed. He, too, went out into his nearest pasture. I saw that Anna's firstborn daughter, Mary Heli, looked after the house. She was then about nineteen years old and was married to Cleophas, one of Joachim's chief shepherds, by whom she had a little daughter, Mary Cleophas, now about four years old. After praying, Joachim chose out his finest lambs, kids, and cattle, sending shepherds to take them to the Temple as a thank-offering. He did not return home until nightfall.
I saw the three cousins arriving at Anna's house in the evening. They went to her in her room behind the hearth and embraced her. After Anna had told them that the time was near for her to be delivered, they stood up and sang a hymn together: Praise the Lord God; He has shown mercy to His people, and has redeemed Israel, and has fulfilled the promise which He gave to Adam in Paradise that the seed of the woman should crush the head of the serpent,' and so on. I can no longer recite it all by heart. Anna prayed as though in ecstasy. She introduced into the hymn all the prophetic symbols of Mary. She said: The seed given by God to Abraham has ripened in me.' She spoke of the promise to Sarah of Isaac's birth and said: The blossoming of Aaron's rod is perfected in me.' At that moment I saw her as though suffused with light; I saw the room full of radiance, and Jacob's ladder appearing above it. The women were overcome with astonishment and joy, and I think that they also saw the vision. When the prayer of welcome was over, the travelers were refreshed with a slight meal of bread and fruit, and water mixed with balsam. They ate and drank standing up, and then lay down till midnight to rest from their journey. Anna did not go to bed, but prayed, and at midnight woke the other women to pray with her. They followed her to her praying-place behind a curtain.
Anna opened the doors of a little cupboard in the wall which contained a casket with holy objects. On each side were lights--perhaps lamps, but I am not sure. They had to be pushed up in their holders, and then little bits of shavings put underneath to prevent them from sinking down. After this the lights were lit. There was a cushioned stool at the foot of this sort of little altar. The casket contained some of Sarah's hair (Anna had a great veneration for her), some of Joseph's bones (brought by Moses from Egypt), and something belonging to Tobias, I think a relic of his clothing; also the little shining, white, pear-shaped goblet from which Abraham had drunk when blessed by the angel. (This had been given to Joachim from the Ark of the Covenant when he was blessed in the Temple. I now know that this blessing took the form of wine and bread and was a strengthening and sacramental food.)
Anna knelt before the little cupboard with one of the women on each side and the third behind her. She recited another hymn; I think it mentioned the burning bush of Moses. Then I saw the room filled with supernatural light which became more intense as it wove itself round Anna. The women sank to the ground as though stunned. The light round Anna took the exact form of the burning bush of Moses on Horeb, and I could no longer see her. The whole flame streamed inwards; and then I suddenly saw that Anna received the shining child Mary in her hands, wrapped her in her mantle, pressed her to her heart, and laid her naked on the stool in front of the holy relics, still continuing her prayer. Then I heard the child cry, and saw that Anna brought out wrappings from under the great veil which enveloped her. She wrapped the child first in gray and then in red swaddling bands up to her arms; her breast, arms, and head were bare. The appearance of the burning bush around Anna had now vanished.
The women stood up and received the newborn child in their arms with great astonishment. They shed tears of joy. They all joined in a hymn of praise, and Anna lifted her child up on high as though making an offering. I saw at that moment the room full of light, and beheld several angels singing Gloria and Alleluia. I heard all their words. They announced that on the twentieth day the child was to be called Mary.
Anna now went into her bedroom and lay down on her couch. The women in the meantime unwrapped the child, bathed it, and wrapped it up again, and then laid it beside its mother. There was a little woven wicker basket which could be fastened beside the bed or against the wall or at the foot of the bed, whichever was wanted, so that the child could always have its place near its mother and yet separate.
The women now called Joachim, the father. He came to Anna's couch and knelt down weeping, his tears falling on the child; then he lifted it up in his arms and uttered his song of praise, like Zechariah at John's birth. He spoke in this hymn of the holy seed, implanted by God in Abraham, which had continued amongst God's people by means of the covenant ratified by circumcision, but had now reached its highest blossoming in this child and was, in the flesh, completed. I also heard how this song of praise declared that now was fulfilled the word of the prophet: There shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse.' He said, too, in great humility and devoutness, that he would now gladly die.
It was only then that I noticed that Mary Heli, Anna's elder daughter, did not have sight of the child until later. Although she had become the mother of Mary Cleophas several years before, she was not present at the Blessed Virgin's birth--perhaps because, according to Jewish rules, it was not considered seemly for a daughter to be with her mother at such a time.
Next morning I saw the serving men and maids and many people from nearby gathered round the house. They were allowed to enter in groups, and the child was shown by the women to them all. Many were greatly moved, and some led better lives thereafter. The neighbors had come because they had seen in the night a glowing light above the house, and because the birth of Anna's child after long unfruitfulness was looked upon as a great favor from heaven.
The life of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Anne Catherine Emmerich
The Catholic visionary nun Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich's visions are the source for the book "The life of the Blessed Virgin Mary" The book is broken into 14 chapters the first deals with the "Ancestors of the Blessed Virgin" .the second chapter deals with the "Immaculate Conception".
1. JOACHIM AND ST. ANNE MEET BENEATH THE GOLDEN GATE.
2. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
2.1 THE ANGELS ARE SHOWN THE RESTORATION OF MANKIND.
2.2 AN EGYPTIAN REPRESENTATION OF MARY PRIOR TO ELIJAH.
2.3 ELIJAH'S VISION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
2.4 AN EXPOUNDING ON ELIJAH'S VISION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
2.5 A REPRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN IN EGYPT.
2.6 MARY PROCLAIMED TO PIOUS PAGANS.
2.7 THE LIFE STORY OF TOBIAS. AN ALLEGORY OF THE COMING OF SALVATION.
2.8 THE GENEALOGICAL TREE OF THE MESSIAH.
2.9 APPARITION OF SAINT ANNE.
2.10 VISION OF THE FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.
2.11 THE BLESSED VIRGIN REVEALS SECRETS ABOUT THEIR LIVEs.
2.12 CELEBRATION OF THE CONCEPTION OF MARY IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS.
2.13 THE HOLY KINGS CELEBRATE A FEAST HONORING MARY'S CONCEPTION.
2.14 ELIMINATION OF HUMAN SACRIFICE BY THE STAR-WORSHIPPERS.
2.15 A PARALLEL VISION OF CHILD SACRIFICE.
2.16 HISTORY OF THE CELEBRATIONS OF THE CONCEPTION OF MARY.
3. THE ACTUAL SEASON OF MARY'S CONCEPTION (NOTE BY THE WRITER).
4. THE INFUSING OF MARY'S SOUL AND HER BIRTH.
4.1 THE UNITING OF MARY'S SOUL AND BODY.
4.2 MARY'S BIRTH.
4.3 JOY AT MARY'S BIRTH IN HEAVEN.
4.4 THE PROCLAIMING OF MARY'S BIRTH IN LIMBO.
4.5 AGITATION IN NATURE AND MANKIND AT MARY'S BIRTH.
4.6 THE PROCLAIMING OF MARY'S BIRTH IN CHALDEA.
4.7 EVENTS IN EGYPT DURING MARY'S BIRTH.
4.8 VISITS WITH THE NEWBORN BABY MARY.
4.9 THE CHILD RECEIVES THE NAME MARY.
5. CAUSE OF THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF MARY.
6. THE EFFECT OF PRAYING ON THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF MARY.
7. THE PURIFICATION OF ST. ANNE.
The book can be read online here
1. JOACHIM AND ST. ANNE MEET BENEATH THE GOLDEN GATE.
2. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
2.1 THE ANGELS ARE SHOWN THE RESTORATION OF MANKIND.
2.2 AN EGYPTIAN REPRESENTATION OF MARY PRIOR TO ELIJAH.
2.3 ELIJAH'S VISION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
2.4 AN EXPOUNDING ON ELIJAH'S VISION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
2.5 A REPRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN IN EGYPT.
2.6 MARY PROCLAIMED TO PIOUS PAGANS.
2.7 THE LIFE STORY OF TOBIAS. AN ALLEGORY OF THE COMING OF SALVATION.
2.8 THE GENEALOGICAL TREE OF THE MESSIAH.
2.9 APPARITION OF SAINT ANNE.
2.10 VISION OF THE FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.
2.11 THE BLESSED VIRGIN REVEALS SECRETS ABOUT THEIR LIVEs.
2.12 CELEBRATION OF THE CONCEPTION OF MARY IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS.
2.13 THE HOLY KINGS CELEBRATE A FEAST HONORING MARY'S CONCEPTION.
2.14 ELIMINATION OF HUMAN SACRIFICE BY THE STAR-WORSHIPPERS.
2.15 A PARALLEL VISION OF CHILD SACRIFICE.
2.16 HISTORY OF THE CELEBRATIONS OF THE CONCEPTION OF MARY.
3. THE ACTUAL SEASON OF MARY'S CONCEPTION (NOTE BY THE WRITER).
4. THE INFUSING OF MARY'S SOUL AND HER BIRTH.
4.1 THE UNITING OF MARY'S SOUL AND BODY.
4.2 MARY'S BIRTH.
4.3 JOY AT MARY'S BIRTH IN HEAVEN.
4.4 THE PROCLAIMING OF MARY'S BIRTH IN LIMBO.
4.5 AGITATION IN NATURE AND MANKIND AT MARY'S BIRTH.
4.6 THE PROCLAIMING OF MARY'S BIRTH IN CHALDEA.
4.7 EVENTS IN EGYPT DURING MARY'S BIRTH.
4.8 VISITS WITH THE NEWBORN BABY MARY.
4.9 THE CHILD RECEIVES THE NAME MARY.
5. CAUSE OF THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF MARY.
6. THE EFFECT OF PRAYING ON THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF MARY.
7. THE PURIFICATION OF ST. ANNE.
The book can be read online here
Saturday, 3 September 2011
Congratulations Father Clyde Harvey - Humming bird Gold
Coming out from the 49th anniversary of the Independence of Trinidad and Tobago, National awards were given, as is the annual custom. This year the Caribbean Catholic Blog would like to congratulate Father Clyde Harvey on the award of the Humming Bird - Gold Medal for loyal and devoted service to the country.
From an article in the Trinidad Guardian:
Harvey said despite that fact, the awards ceremony showed that there were many good things about the country still. “In the context of this evening’s (Wednesday) celebration, I think all the right notes were hit,” Harvey said. “But I also know that we must take a pride in our liberty and never give that up to anybody.”
Get Clean - a video about confession
This video is called “Get clean,” it's the winning video from a contest held by different Catholic dioceses in New York. The contest asked for 1 minute videos to encourage youth to accept the sacrament of confession. The filmmakers were awarded a prize of $25,000.
Catholicism .. a story.. a series... a must
Catholicism - is a 10 part series to be aired on PBS and EWTN soon. Wow. just by looking at the previews I am excited. Here are three clips from three episodes.
The Dynamite of the Church - Peter and Paul (Episode 5)
CATHOLICISM+Preview%3a+Dynamite+Of+The+Church+(from+Episode+5+-+Peter+and+Paul)+
The communion of Saints - The Little Flower (Episode 8)
CATHOLICISM+Preview%3a+The+Little+Flower%2c+The+Little+Way+(from+Episode+8+-+The+Communion+of+Saints)+
Prayer and the life of the Spirit - The real Dark Night (Episode 9)
CATHOLICISM+Preview%3a+The+Real+Dark+Night+(from+Episode+9+-+Prayer+And+The+Life+Of+The+Spirit)+
Watch more clips here
The Dynamite of the Church - Peter and Paul (Episode 5)
CATHOLICISM+Preview%3a+Dynamite+Of+The+Church+(from+Episode+5+-+Peter+and+Paul)+
The communion of Saints - The Little Flower (Episode 8)
CATHOLICISM+Preview%3a+The+Little+Flower%2c+The+Little+Way+(from+Episode+8+-+The+Communion+of+Saints)+
Prayer and the life of the Spirit - The real Dark Night (Episode 9)
CATHOLICISM+Preview%3a+The+Real+Dark+Night+(from+Episode+9+-+Prayer+And+The+Life+Of+The+Spirit)+
Watch more clips here
Finding God in Art
At his general audience on August 31st 2011 Pope Benedict XVI spoke on finding God in Art: An EWTN/CNA report stated the following:
Artistic beauty can lead the human heart to God
“Art is capable of making visible our need to go beyond what we see, and it reveals our thirst for infinite beauty, for God,” the Pope said to more than 5,000 pilgrims at his summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, 15 miles south of Rome.
“Dear friends, I invite you to be open to beauty and to allow it to move you to prayer and praise of the Lord.”
The Pope explained how this “path of beauty” can be “an open door on the infinite” and is something experienced by all people, not merely by those who regard themselves as cultured.
He observed that when people stand before a sculpture or painting, read a few verses poetry or even listen to a song, everyone has “experienced deep within us an intimate emotion, a sense of joy.” This sensation, he said, is an interior recognition that says that what is being seen or heard is “not only mere matter,” but “something bigger, something that speaks, capable of touching the heart, of communicating a message; of elevating the soul,” and leading people, ultimately, to God.
Pope Benedict also noted that there are “artistic expressions that are true paths to God, the supreme Beauty,” and that these works can “help nurture our relationship with him in prayer. These are works that are born of faith and express faith.”
The Pope also described how various artists themselves had observed the same in their own artwork. He recalled how the 20th-century expressionist artist Marc Chagall, once wrote “that, for centuries, painters have dipped their paintbrush in that colored alphabet that is the Bible.”
This is why form, color and light that are “the fruits of the faith of the artist,” such as painting or frescoes, can “direct our thoughts to God and nourish in us the desire to draw from the source of all beauty,” said the Pope.
One dramatic example Pope Benedict offered was the life of 19th-century French poet and playwright Paul Claudel. An anti-clericalist, he had attended Christmas Mass at the Basilica of Notre Dame in Paris in 1886 “in search of arguments against Christians.” Instead, Claudel was instantly converted to Catholicism by the beauty of the basilica choir as they sang the Magnifcat. The Pope described this moment as the grace of God working in his heart.
Pope Benedict concluded by inviting everybody “to rediscover the importance of this path for prayer, for our living relationship with God,” pointing out that most towns and cities across the world “preserve works of art that express the faith and remind us of our relationship with God.”He said that visiting churches, art galleries and museums “is not only an occasion for cultural enrichment,” but can also be “a moment of grace, an encouragement to strengthen our relationship and our dialogue with the Lord.”
It is “where we can stop and contemplate, in the transition from simple, external reality to a deeper reality, the ray of beauty that strikes us, that almost wounds us in our inner selves and invites us to rise towards God.”
Artistic beauty can lead the human heart to God
“Art is capable of making visible our need to go beyond what we see, and it reveals our thirst for infinite beauty, for God,” the Pope said to more than 5,000 pilgrims at his summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, 15 miles south of Rome.
“Dear friends, I invite you to be open to beauty and to allow it to move you to prayer and praise of the Lord.”
The Pope explained how this “path of beauty” can be “an open door on the infinite” and is something experienced by all people, not merely by those who regard themselves as cultured.
He observed that when people stand before a sculpture or painting, read a few verses poetry or even listen to a song, everyone has “experienced deep within us an intimate emotion, a sense of joy.” This sensation, he said, is an interior recognition that says that what is being seen or heard is “not only mere matter,” but “something bigger, something that speaks, capable of touching the heart, of communicating a message; of elevating the soul,” and leading people, ultimately, to God.
Pope Benedict also noted that there are “artistic expressions that are true paths to God, the supreme Beauty,” and that these works can “help nurture our relationship with him in prayer. These are works that are born of faith and express faith.”
The Pope also described how various artists themselves had observed the same in their own artwork. He recalled how the 20th-century expressionist artist Marc Chagall, once wrote “that, for centuries, painters have dipped their paintbrush in that colored alphabet that is the Bible.”
This is why form, color and light that are “the fruits of the faith of the artist,” such as painting or frescoes, can “direct our thoughts to God and nourish in us the desire to draw from the source of all beauty,” said the Pope.
One dramatic example Pope Benedict offered was the life of 19th-century French poet and playwright Paul Claudel. An anti-clericalist, he had attended Christmas Mass at the Basilica of Notre Dame in Paris in 1886 “in search of arguments against Christians.” Instead, Claudel was instantly converted to Catholicism by the beauty of the basilica choir as they sang the Magnifcat. The Pope described this moment as the grace of God working in his heart.
Pope Benedict concluded by inviting everybody “to rediscover the importance of this path for prayer, for our living relationship with God,” pointing out that most towns and cities across the world “preserve works of art that express the faith and remind us of our relationship with God.”He said that visiting churches, art galleries and museums “is not only an occasion for cultural enrichment,” but can also be “a moment of grace, an encouragement to strengthen our relationship and our dialogue with the Lord.”
It is “where we can stop and contemplate, in the transition from simple, external reality to a deeper reality, the ray of beauty that strikes us, that almost wounds us in our inner selves and invites us to rise towards God.”
Thursday, 1 September 2011
Pilgrim from the island of Trinidad - World Youth Day
My good friend from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for the Archdiocese of Port of Spain has returned from her great pilgrimage to the 2011 International Youth Day in Madrid Spain.... She shares a few photos of her journey.
