Maundy Thursday and the Altar of Repose
by VP
Posted on Thursday April 02, 2026 at 12:00AM in Tradition
Institution of the Holy Eucharist and of the Christian Priesthood.
"As in the cenacle there is something more than a repast, so there is also something more than a sacrifice - there is the institution of the new priesthood. Our Savior would not have said to men: "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink His Blood, you shall not have life in you," had He not thought of instituting a ministry through which He would renew to the end of time what He had now accomplished in presence of these twelve men. Now these are His words to these men whom He hath chose: "Do this in commemoration of Me." By those words He gives power to them also to change the bread into His Body, and the wine into His Blood, and this sublime power shall be transmitted through Holy ordination in the Church to the end of time. Through the ministry of mortal, sinful men, Jesus will continue to work out the miracle He performed in the cenacle, and while He endows His Church with the only one and immortal sacrifice, He gives us according to His promise, through the bread of heaven the means to abide in Him, and for Him to abide in us." Dom Gueranger Annee Liturgique
The Liturgy of Maundy Thursday is full of memories of the Redemption. It provided formerly for the celebration of three Masses: the first for the reconciliation of public Penitents, the second for the conservation of the Holy Oils, and the third for a special commemoration of the Institution of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper. This last Mass is the only one that has been preserved, and at it the Bishop, attended by twelve priests, seven Deacons and seven Subdeacons, blesses the Holy Oils in his Cathedral Church.
- The Reconciliation of Public Penitents: Sinners who had undergone a course of penance were granted on this day "the abundant remission of their sins," "which were washed away in the Blood of Jesus." Dying with Christ, they were "cleansed of all their sins, and clad in the nuptial robe they were admitted once more to the banquet of the Most Holy Supper."
- The Blessing of the Holy Oils: This blessing took place with a view to the baptism and confirmation of the Catechumens during Easter night. The Bishop exorcised the oils, praying God "to instill into it the power of the Holy Ghost," so that " the Divine gifts might descend on those who were about to be anointed."
- The oil of the sick, which is the substance of the Sacrament of Extreme Unction, is the first to be blessed, before the Pater. Formerly this used also to be blessed on other days.
- The Holy Chrism, which is the matter of the Sacrament of Confirmation, is the noblest of the Holy Oils, and the blessing of it takes place with greater pomp after the Clergy have communicated. It is used for the consecration of Bishops, in the rite of Baptism, in the consecration of churches, altars and chalices, and in the baptism or blessing of bells.
- The third Holy oil, which is blessed immediately after, is that of the Catechumens. It is used to anoint the breast and between the shoulders of the person to be baptized, for the blessing of baptismal fonts on Holy Saturday and on Whitsun Eve, at the Ordination of Priests and for the coronation of kings and Queens.
3. Mass for Maundy Thursday: The Church, which, by placing the Mass of the Catechumens in juxtaposition with the Mass of the Faithful, commemorates throughout the year in the Holy Eucharist all the mysteries of the life of Christ, celebrates today in a special manner the institution of that Sacrament and of the Catholic Priesthood (Secret). [The Eucharist and Priesthood are inseparable, for Jesus instituted them both at the Last Supper. After for the first time changing the bread and wine into His Body and Blood. He at once added, addressing only the Apostles present: "Do this for the commemoration of Me." In those words He charged the Apostles and all their successors, Bishops and Priests, to continue the Eucharistic Sacrifice, thus subordinating its perpetuation to the permanence of His priesthood on earth.]
This Mass then realizes eminently the command laid by Jesus on His Priests to renew the Last Supper, at which Christ, at the very moment of His death was being plotted, instituted His immortal presence among us. And the Church, forgetting for the moment her mourning, celebrates the Holy Sacrifice today with holy joy. The Crucifix is covered with a white veil, her Ministers are vested in festal robes, and the Gloria is sung to the ringing of all the bells. And after this Hymn the bells remain silent till Holy Saturday.
Certain abuses which had crept in owing to the Eucharistic banquet
being partaken of after another meal, following the example set by
Christ, having been abolished, st. Paul tells us in the Epistle that the
Mass is a "memorial of the death of Jesus." The Sacrifice of the Altar
is necessary if we are to communicate in the Victim of Calvary and share
in His merits. And the Eucharist, which derives all its virtue from the
Sacrifice of the Cross, makes it universal as regards time and space in
a sense unknown so far. To love the Blessed Sacrament is "to glory in
the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (introit). Christ takes on Himself
to perform the ablutions prescribed by the Jews during the supper
(Gospel), to evidence the purity and charity that God requires of those
who desire to communicate, for, as in the case of Judas (collect),
"Whosoever eats this bread unworthily is guilty for the body and of the
blood of the Lord (Epistle).
After the Mass the altar is stripped in order to show that the Holy
Sacrifice is interrupted and will not be offered up again to God until
Holy Saturday. The Priest therefore has consecrated two hosts, for on
Good Friday the Church refrains from renewing on the altar the Sacrifice
of Calvary." Source: Daily Missal with Vespers for Sundays & Feasts By Dom Gaspar Lefebvre, 1925.
Institution of the Holy Eucharist, ©CAPG
"Jesus having loved His own, who were in the world, He loved them unto the end. This love He expressed in a more particular manner in the institution of the Holy Eucharist on this day. Being now about to depart out of the world, He left us His sacred Body and Blood under the forms of bread and wine; that so, being ascended to His Father, He might not leave us orphans, but still abide with us for the food and nourishment of our souls in their spiritual life, for the support of our banishment, and the comfort of our pilgrimage. He gave Himself to us in this Blessed Sacrament, to be our security in dangers, our strength in temptations, our physician in all distempers, our counsel in difficulties, our encouragement in troubles, and our help in infirmities. In fine, He gave Himself to us, to be all to us that can be necessary for carrying us through the evils of this life, to the possession of that eternal happiness, which He has purchased for us with the price of His Blood.
This was the pure effect of His mercy and love to us: for if we look upon ourselves, what do we see there? Nothing but ingratitude, monstrous self-love, pride, sensuality, stubbornness, and sin. That He should stoop to that humiliating expedient of becoming our food, is the work of His mercy and love to us. It is this love that we are called upon this day to acknowledge and adore: and it must be a reproach to us of insensibility, if we are wanting in this duty.
This is performed in part, by preparing a place for the Blessed Eucharist, which the faithful are accustomed to call the Sepulchre,
where it is deposited after Mass on this day, and surrounded with
lights, flowers, and other ornaments. As far as these are
acknowledgments of our respect and gratitude, they will be acceptable to Him whom we thus honour. But we must pour forth our hearts to God, as
we devoutly visit this sepulchre, in the confession of His power and goodness; we must return Him our love for His love to us: and beseech Him to complete the mercy of this day, by teaching us worthily to praise Him, and sincerely to love Him." Maundy Thursday, The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother
The Office of Holy Week, 1870 (Washing of the Feet, Holy Mass, Blessing of the Oils) Daily Missal, Dom Gaspar 1925
"It is not uncommon to hear Maundy Thursday referred to as Holy Thursday. This is a mistake. Holy Thursday is a name belonging absolutely from time immemorial to the Feast of the Ascension. Maundy is a significant name and ought therefore to be jealously guarded. Enough of that element of religion which serves to make it popular has been lost in the course of past centuries.
The word Maundy is derived, through the French maundier, from the Latin mandatum: "Mandatum novum do vobis," (a new commandment I give unto you) John, 13:34. The Mandatum or Maundy was the ceremony of the washing of the feet and almsgiving observed on this day, both of which were performed as a token of that brotherly love which Christ so earnestly inculcated at the last supper.
The ceremony of the washing of the feet was and is part of the liturgy. It was performed by Pope, Bishop, and priest, and kings, nobles and peasants imitated their example. Twelve poor men were selected to be the recipients of the dignitaries' favor.
The Maundy is observed in the ceremonies of the church, and in many religious communities even at the present time.
Visiting the repositories is a custom as popular of old as it is today. It is indeed edifying to Catholic and non-Catholic alike to witness the spontaneous demonstration of devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, and deeper than we are aware of is the impression produced on the multitude of unbelievers around us by this and similar acts of faith." Source: Maine Catholic Historical Magazine, 1914
Altar of Repose, Institute Christ the King, ©DC
" To draw his people more effectually to the holy Eucharist, the Cure d'Ars had endeavoured to communicate to them a taste for all holy things, and his efforts were not in vain. Sunday after Sunday these good people feasted their eyes on beautiful banners and vestments.
("In the minutes of the pastoral visitation held at Ars by the Bishop of Belley, on Monday, June 11, 1838, we read as follows: "After saying Mass and giving confirmation, His Lordship contented himself with giving Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and reciting the prayers for the departed. He deemed it unnecessary to examine the interior of the church, the chapels, vestments and sacred vessels, because everything is so beautiful and so rich that the beholder is filled with admiration" Msgr. Convert. Le Frere Athanase.)
For a long time the saint himself trained the altar boys, and achieved wonderful results. He carried out with gravity, dignity, and the utmost care all the ceremonies of the rite of Lyons, which at that time was likewise in use in the diocese of Belley. Nor was the behaviors of the altar servers less admirable when, in 1849, Frere Athanase undertook the functions of master of ceremony.
He had so fine a liturgical spirit, and he drilled the children with so much precision and good taste, that Mgr. de Langalerie, during a clergy retreat, held him up as a pattern to the clergy of the diocese. "Do you wish to see a church where all the ceremonies are carried out to the letter? Go to Ars; Frere Athanase is a living and unerring ceremonial. His example will show you what you can achieve yourselves if you will only take the means."
There were days when the people of Ars gave special edification to the pilgrims. On Maundy Thursday, in order to commemorate the institution of the Holy Eucharist, M. Vianney insisted on providing a splendid altar of repose, and his heart rejoiced at sight of the decorations which enhanced the majesty of the tabernacle. The whole of the chancel, which had been considerably enlarged in 1845, was draped with banners. Numerous and tastefully arranged lights transfigured the scene. However, he took every precaution lest these decorations should be a hindrance instead of a help to the interior recollection of the people."
Source: The Cure d'Ars, Abbe TrochuSt. Francis of Paola, Confessor, A.D. 1508.
by VP
Posted on Thursday April 02, 2026 at 12:00AM in Saints
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, St. Francis of Paola
"From his youth he seemed inflamed with the Holy Spirit; for, retiring into a desert, he spent six years in great austerity, with almost continued prayer and divine contemplation. Pray especially for young persons, that God would diminish in them excessive fondness for the world and themselves, and give them a true sense of their eternal state, that they may not admire and adore vanity, but God alone. And if any are under your care, reflect on your obligation both to God and them. See that they want no instruction, keep them to their hours of prayer and reading, teach them to employ themselves, oblige them to order and discipline, examine their company and conversation, study to make them easy in a regular life, allow them innocent diversions, but see that they are not fond of what is vain, extravagant, and foolish. By these degrees you may teach them to love God, to have a true esteem for virtue, and to live as becomes Christians. But by following a contrary method, in giving them liberty to gratify corrupt nature, you will concur to their ruin, and find too late their flattered innocence to end in professed vice.
St. Francis being prevailed upon to leave his solitude, for the encouragement of many who desired to follow his example, procured a church to be built near Faula, in Calabria, the place of his birth, and there laid the first foundation of a religious order. He obliged his followers to perpetual abstinence, to go barefoot, and to lie on the ground. And that they might be ever mindful of that humility, which, above all, he recommended to them as the ground of all Christian virtues, he called them Minims, that is the least and most contemptible of all the servants of God. In this method he lived to the ninety-first year of his age, and made a happy end in the year 1508.
Pray for all of this holy Order, that they may truly practice what they profess; that they may
keep up the spirit of their founder, and be an example to all others of
the true spirit of the Gospel. Learn something of it for yourself. The
corruption of your nature can have no better remedy than in a discreet
abstinence from such things as are too favorable to it, in being either
vicious, or disposing that way. Learn never to despise others, but
judge yourself the least and most contemptible of all." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother
Month of April: The Holy Spirit
by VP
Posted on Wednesday April 01, 2026 at 02:00AM in Monthly Devotion
April: Month of the Holy Spirit
Virtue: Patience
O Holy Spirit, Creator, be propitious to the Catholic Church; and by Thy heavenly power make it strong and secure against the attacks of its enemies; and renew in charity and grace the spirit of Thy servants, whom Thou has anointed, that they may glorify Thee and the Father and His Only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. amen.
Manual of prayers to the Holy Ghost by Very Rev. Fr. Felix of Jesus 1941
Prayer to the Holy Ghost for Priests
O Holy Ghost, Thou Friend of priests, send them daily Thy seven gifts, that they may live
worthy of their calling, and become all to all in order to win souls for heaven. Give them
patience with children, pity for the sick, humility toward the poor, and generosity toward
the enemies of Thy holy Church. Make them active in teaching, untiring in the tribunal of
penance, and zealous in distributing Holy Communion. Let them be terrible to the demons
of hell and messengers of peace to all who are of good will.
May Thy blessing accompany
them wherever they may go; may Thy peace enter with them in the dwellings they may
visit; mayest Thou bless all whom they may bless. Make them true apostles and saints. Amen.
Come Holy Ghost, a compilation of prayers in honor of the Divine Spirit.
1932 Fr. Lester Martin Dooley.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit by Cardinal Désiré-Joseph Mercier (1851-1926)
"I am going to reveal to you the secret of sanctity and happiness. Every day for five minutes control your imagination and close your eyes to the things of sense and your ears to all the noises of the world in order to enter into yourself Then, in the sanctity of your baptized soul (which is the Temple of the Holy Spirit), speak to that Divine Spirit, saying to Him:
Oh, Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore You.
Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me.
Tell me what I should do; give me your orders.
I promise to submit myself to all that You desire of me
and to accept all that You permit to happen to me.
Let me only know Your will. Amen.
If you do this, your life will flow along happily, serenely, and full of consolation, even in the midst of trials. Grace will be proportioned to the trial, giving you the strength to carry it, and you will arrive at the gate of Paradise, laden with merit. This submission to the Holy Spirit is the secret of sanctity."
Day 43. Lent with the Cure d'Ars: The Armed Crosses
by VP
Posted on Wednesday April 01, 2026 at 02:00AM in Lenten Sermons
"The sign of the cross is the most terrible weapon against the Devil. Thus the Church wishes not only that we should have it continually in front of our minds to recall to us just what our souls are worth and what they cost Jesus Christ, but also that we should make it at every juncture ourselves: when we go to bed, when we awaken during the night, when we get up, when we begin any action, and, above all, when we are tempted. We can say that a Christian who makes the Sign of the Cross with genuine religious sentiments, that is to say, when fully aware of the action which he is performing, makes all Hell tremble. But when we make the Sign of the Cross, we must make it not by habit but with respect, with attention and thinking of what we are doing. Ah, dear Lord, with what devout awe we should be filled when we make the Sign of the Cross upon ourselves and recall that we are pronouncing all that we hold holy and most sacred in our religion."
Source: The Sermons of the Cure d'Ars 1960 (Public Domain)
Prayer for Lent: O Lord who, for our sake, didst fast forty days and forty nights; give us grace to use such abstinence that, our flesh being subdued to the spirit, we may worthily lament and acknowledge our wretchedness, and may obtain perfect remission and forgiveness of Thee, the God of all mercy, who livest and reignest with the Father and Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen
Source: Lent with the Cure d'Ars Compiled by the CAPGTenebrae
by VP
Posted on Wednesday April 01, 2026 at 12:00AM in Tradition
THE TRIANGULAR CANDLESTICK AT THE TENEBRAE.
Question: What is the meaning of the fifteen candles which are extinguished one by one during the chanting of the Psalms at the Matin Office (Tenebrae) during the last three days of Holy Week? The Office of Holy Week (Baltimore edition), which gives the liturgical text, with the rubrics in English, says: "When about to celebrate this part of the office, they place in front of the altar a large triangular candlestick containing several lighted candles, one of which is extinguished after each psalm." De Herdt, I am told, mentions the number of candles as fifteen, but gives no definite explanation of the mystic significance. Is the number essential, or is it merely optional, and expressive of the gradual darkness that came upon the world through sin from which Christ, symbolized by the light at the top which alone remains burning, has delivered us?
Resp. The most prevalent interpretation of the symbolic candlestick commonly called Herse (hersa, hearse, hercia)(1) during the Middle Ages, was that it signified the patriarchs and prophets, whose teaching served the world as a light leading up to Christ. who became the all-absorbing Light illuminating man to the end of time. There are seven lights on each side leading to the apex of the triangle. These fourteen candles were usually of unbleached wax, while the one on top was of white wax. They represent the patriarchal church from Adam to Joseph on one side, and the Mosaic church from Moses to the last of the prophets on the other, for the number seven, according to the Midrash, is the most perfect and representative number. They counted seven Fathers of tribes, the last of whom was to be Moses, their deliverer-Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Levi, Kahath, Amram, Moses. Seven was the number of revelation (Ps. 96: 13).
Such was the fundamental idea. But since the Patriarchal and Mosaic revelations leading up to Christ might be variously represented by the principal agents of the divine purpose manifesting the coming of the Messiah, so the number of lights which were used to express the expectation of the nations for a Redeemer, and which were to disappear with His coming, varied. Adam, Noe, Abraham, and the succeeding leaders who inaugurated great revivals of the Messianic hope down to Esdras or Judas Maccabæus, might all be represented as lights. Hence there were sometimes as many as twenty-four candles. Feasey, in his Ancient Holy Week Ceremonial, writes: "This Tenebrae candlestick, called Herse or Hersa,' in English Cathedral statutes, is a large triangular candelabrum, or candlestick, or hearse of brass, latten or iron, upon which the tapers used in the Tenebrae office are set, and which is placed on the epistle or south side of the sanctuary and altar. . . . Calfhill says that in England it was called the Judas or Judas Cross.(2)" In some cases the lights were extinguished at once, or at two and three intervals. The six candles on the high altar which are extinguished during the signing of the Benedictus are usually taken to represent the light of Jewish righteousness passing between the birth of our Lord and His death and resurrection.
The upper light is not extinguished, but is hidden behind the altar, while the Miserere is recited in a low tone; after which it is restored to its place at the top of the candlestick, because God did not leave the soul of our Lord in darkness, but raised Him from the dead.
As stated above, the number of candles used in the Tenebrae office appears to have varied very much in the different churches: The Sarum Breviary says twenty-four; at Canterbury and York there were twenty-five; at Nevers there were nine; at Mans twelve; at Paris and Rheims thirteen; at Cambray and St. Quentin twenty-four; at Evreux twenty-five; at Amiens twenty-six; at Coutance forty-four. In some churches the candles corresponded to each psalm and lesson of the office.
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1. The word "hearse" (Latin, hercia) is derived through the French herse, from hericius, ericius, ericeus or critius, a harrow, or hedgehog, from its appearance. It was ordinarily used at funerals over the coffin or catafalque.
2. Wordsworth in his Medieval Services in England, says: "One of the candles in the herce for Tenebrae in Holy Week represented the traitor, and is sometimes called the Judas Candle. The antiphon sung at Lauds on Maundy Thursday, when the last light was darkened, was 'He that betrayed Him had given them a token' (Brev. Sar. 783). But what appears a Judace or the Jewes light was the forerunner of these modern dummies and save-alls which are sometimes reprehensively painted to counterfeit the true natural wax." This is the wooden base of the paschal candle blessed on Holy Saturday.
American Ecclesiastical Review, Volume 26, erman Joseph Heuser Catholic University of America Press, 1902
St. Mary of Egypt, A.D. 421.
by VP
Posted on Wednesday April 01, 2026 at 12:00AM in Saints
St. Mary of Egypt by Jusepe de Ribera
"She was born in Egypt; and having left her father's house at the age of twelve years, she went to Alexandria, where she abandoned herself to all the liberties of a sinful life. But after some years, being touched by a wonderful grace of God, she resolved upon a new life, and doing penance for her sins. For this end, she retired into the desert beyond the river Jordan, with three loaves, and lived there in prayer and penance seven and forty years, without seeing any person in all that time. She was then discovered by a holy monk and priest, named Zosimus, to whom she gave an account of her life, and begged a share in his prayers. She desired him to return to the same place the following year on Maundy Thursday, and to bring with him the sacred Body and Blood of our Lord, and wait for her on the banks of the river. He did so; and at night she appeared on the other side, and making the sign of the cross over the river, she walked over as if it had been dry land. She received the Blessed Sacrament, and desired him to return the following Lent to the place where he first saw her. On his arrival at the appointed time, he found her dead; and being miraculously assisted by a lion, he dug a grave and buried her.
Pray for all those unhappy souls who live in sin, that they may hear the voice of God, who invites them to repentance. Let the mercy shewn to this sinner arm you against despair. But then let her penance instruct you what you are to do upon your change of life. For if ill habits are strong, they will scarcely yield to resolutions without some more penitential method. There will be a necessity of such a solitude at least as separates you from the occasions of sin, and gives you opportunity of recollection.
On this first day of the month make a sincere offering of yourself and all yours to God, and put all under his direction. Beg His blessing on all your undertakings, and offer yourself to all disappointments and troubles. Beseech God that you may make a right use both of His favors and scourges. Take a review of your past errors and evil habits which every month you resolve to amend. One month is to be your last; who knows but it may be this? Do now, at least, as if it were to be so." Source: The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Prayer of St. Mary of Egypt: "O Holy Virgin, mother of the Word made flesh, so pure and humble and chaste, intercede for me. Procure for me, a vile creature, the grace to go in and venerate the Holy Cross on which thy Son shed His blood, and I promise no more to return to my bad life, but to do penance in any way that may be most pleasing to God"
Any girl who comes to confession with simplicity and earnestness as St. Mary did, no matter how much she may have sinned, will find it easy, as Mary did, and will receive from God graces similar to those that Mary received.
Let us thank God for this consoling Sacrament of Penance, and, when we return from it cleansed and strengthened, say, with the Blessed Virgin: "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit exult in God my Savior, who hath had regard to the humility of His handmaid. For He wo is powerful hath done great things for me: Blessed be His holy name." (St. Luke i.46)
Source: Guide for Catholic Young women, Especially for Those who Earn Their Own Living By Rev. Fr. George Deshon · 1893: Example of St. Mary of Egypt page 106
Spy Wednesday: the betrayal of Judas
by VP
Posted on Wednesday April 01, 2026 at 12:00AM in Tradition
The Wednesday of Holy Week is popularly known as Spy Wednesday. On this day Judas played the spy and signed the traitor's contract for thirty pieces of silver. The Maine Catholic Historical Magazine, Volume 2, 1914.
Judas Goes to Find the Jews (Judas va trouver les Juifs) - James Tissot
Sermons de Saint Jean Marie Vianney:
- On the Prayer of a Sinner Who Does Not Wish to Abandon Sin: If Judas—Judas the traitor—instead of giving way to despair, had earnestly prayed to God to forgive his sin, the Lord would have absolved him of his fault. From the French Sermons of the Venerable Jean Marie Vianney, 1883 Vol. 1, 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany, p. 194.
- On Hope: If Judas had thrown himself at the feet of Jesus Christ to beg Him for forgiveness, Jesus Christ would have remitted his sin just as He did for Saint Peter. From the French Sermons of the Venerable Jean Marie Vianney, 1883 Vol. 2, IV Sunday after Pentecost, p. 216 .
- On Absolution: Jesus Christ Himself - God though He was, and Master of Grace - granted forgiveness only to true penitents: He received the Good Thief, whose conversion was sincere, but He rejected the wicked one because of his impenitence. He forgave Saint Peter, whose repentance He knew to be genuine, but He abandoned Judas, whose penitence was false. From the French Sermons of the Venerable Servant of God, Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney, 1883 Volume 3, XIII Sunday after Pentecost, p. 90.
Tissot: Judas Leaves the Cenacle
Judas Returns the money, Jacques Tissot
Delay of conversion: "Ah,
my friend! I wish I could lead you to the very brink of despair, so
that—struck by the dreadful state in which you find yourself—you might
at least seize the means that the good Lord still offers you today to
escape it.
-But, you might say, surely there are those who have
converted at the hour of death—the Good Thief, after all, converted at
that very moment.
The Good Thief, my brethren—to begin with, he
had never known God. As soon as he came to know Him, he gave himself
over to Him; and indeed, he is the only example Holy Scripture offers
us, lest we fall utterly into despair in such a moment.
-"But surely there are many others who have converted, even though they lived for a long time in sin."
My
friend, take great care—I believe you are mistaken. You might tell me
that many have repented, but to be *converted*—that is quite another
matter. That is precisely what you will do, and indeed what you have
already done during your illnesses: for you summoned a priest simply
because you were vexed at suffering from your ailment. Well then! For
all your repentance, were you truly converted by it? In all likelihood,
you became only the more hardened.
Alas, my brethren! All this mere
repentance signifies but very little. Saul truly repented, for he
wept over his sins; yet he is damned. Cain truly repented, for he let
out dreadful cries of anguish for having slain his brother;
nevertheless, he is in hell. Judas truly repented, for he went to return
his money, and his sorrow was so great that he went and hanged
himself.
If you now ask where all this repentance led them, I
will tell you... to hell. I will always return to my conclusion: if you
live in sin, and die in it, you will be damned; but I hope that this
will not be the case—that you will not come to such an end."
Source: From the French Sermons du bienheureux Jean-Marie Vianney By Jean-Marie Vianney. IV Sunday of Lent, 1909, p389-390 published By Bishop Etienne Delaroche et Dom Marie Augustin Delaroche.
Sunday Communion Offered to the Holy Ghost in Favor of the Church and of Priests
by VP
Posted on Tuesday March 31, 2026 at 11:00PM in Prayers
"We recommend very specially to Priest and to the faithful the practice of the Sunday Communion offered to the Holy Ghost, already propagated with such zeal by many distinguished prelates. The practice consists in offering Communion every Sunday to the Holy Ghost, by the hands of Mary, in favor of the Church and of Priests. Those who adopt this devotion should, when making the offering of their Sunday Communion, intercede earnestly for priests, so that they may become every day more holy and more zealous and ardent apostles of the Holy Ghost.
It is much to be desired that this practice of the Sunday Communion should become general in every parish, in Seminaries, Universities, Colleges, and especially in religious Communities."
Prayer to the Holy Ghost in Favor of the Church.
O Holy Spirit, Creator, be propitious to the Catholic Church; and by Thy
heavenly power make it strong and secure against the attacks of its
enemies; and renew in charity and grace the spirit of Thy servants, whom
Thou has anointed, that they may glorify Thee and the Father and His
Only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. amen.
(300 daysʼ indulgence, once a day. Leo XIII, August 26 1889)
Manual of prayers to the Holy Ghost by Very Rev. Fr. Felix of Jesus 1941
Source: CAPG
Prayer before Mass (Prayers of St. Gertrude)
O
Almighty, everlasting God, seeing that it is the true faith of Thy
Church that the holy Sacrifice of the Mass instituted by Thy Son is
infinitely pleasing to Thy divine Majesty, and renders Thee an infinite
worship and praise, and since by it alone Thou canst be worthily and
adequately worshiped and praised; impelled by an ardent desire of Thy
honor and glory, I purpose to assist at this present sacrifice with the
utmost devotion of which I am capable, and to offer this most Holy
Oblation to Thee in union with Thy priest.
I offer Thee not only this sacrifice, but all those which shall be this day offered from every part of the world; and I protest before Thee that if it depended on me whether they should be offered or omitted, I would put forth all my powers to procure and further their being offered. And were I able now to raise up to Thee, of the stone which are scattered over the earth, most devoted priests, who should day by day and with glowing fervor offer to Thee this sacrifice of praise, I would most gladly do it. But, being what I am, I implore Thee, O most holy Father, through Jesus Christ Thy Son, to pour into the hearts of all Thy priests, and especially those who might perchance otherwise offer Thee this acceptable sacrifice coldly and without due recollectedness, the spirit of grace and of fervor, that they may be enabled to celebrate Thy tremendous Mystery with becoming awe and devotion.
Grant to me, and to all those who are here present with me, that we may join in this most sacred action with reverence and devotion, so that we may have our portion in its fruit and effect. I confess to Thee, O almighty God, and to the Blessed Mary ever Virgin, and to all the Saints, my own sins and those of all the world; and I lay them on Thy sacred Altar, that they may be entirely blotted out by the virtue of this sacrifice. Do thou deign to grant us this grace, by that love which held back Thy hand from smiting when Thy most beloved Son, Thy only Son, was immolated by the hands of ungodly men. amen"
Preces Gertrudianae; Prayers of St. Gertrude and St. Mechtilde.
St. Benjamin, Martyr, A.D. 424.
by VP
Posted on Tuesday March 31, 2026 at 03:00AM in Saints
"He was a deacon in Persia, and one of the glorious champions of Christ in the persecution begun by the king Isdegerdes, and continued by his son and successor, Varanes. The tyrant caused him to be beaten and imprisoned. He had laid a year in the dungeon, when an ambassador from the emperor obtained his enlargement, on condition that he should never speak to any of the courtiers about religion. The ambassador passed his word in his behalf that he would not; but Benjamin, who was a minister of the gospel, declared that he could not detain the truth in captivity, conscious to himself of the condemnation of the slothful servant for having hid his talent. He therefore neglected no opportunity of announcing Christ. The king ordered him to be apprehended; but the martyr made no other reply to his threats, than by asking him what opinion he would have of any of his subjects who should renounce his allegiance to him, and join in war against him. The enraged tyrant caused reeds to be run in between the nails and flesh of his hands and feet; and a knotty stake to be thrust into his bowels to rend and tear them, under which torment he expired in the year 424.
Reasons are easily found
for dispensing with such duties as are troublesome; and it is by these
reasons that tepid souls are governed, when through an absurd nicety
they are more afraid of what will give them a short uneasiness or trouble, than of running into hell. This is not the method of the martyrs,
who living by faith, knew no other evils but such as are eternal; and
for escaping these, cheerfully offered themselves to such sufferings as
threatened nothing beyond this life. Pray for a better sense of their principles; and be not so fond of present ease, as to run the hazard of everlasting torments. If you are afraid of suffering, fear that which is eternal. Let self-love for once teach you to be so wise, as to choose the lesser evil.
It being the last day of the month,
endeavour to put a good end to it, by a hearty thanksgiving for all
blessings and preservations, and for all afflictions too; and by a
sincere contrition for all your offences, for your sins of ignorance, for your hidden and unknown sins. Resolve upon amendment, and beg for grace, that it may be effectual." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother
Day 42. Lent with the Cure d'Ars: Bad Death
by VP
Posted on Tuesday March 31, 2026 at 02:00AM in Lenten Sermons
"If you ask me what most people understand by a bad death, I will reply: "When a person dies in the prime of life, married, enjoying good health, having wealth in abundance, and leaves children and a wife desolate, there is no doubt but that such a death is very tragic." King Ezechiel said: "What, my God! It is necessary that I die in the midst of my years, in the prime of my life!" And the Prophet-King asks God not to take him in his prime. Others say that to die at the hands of the executioner on the gallows is a bad death. Others say that a sudden death is a bad death, as, for instance, to be killed in some disaster, or to be drowned, or to fall from a high building and be killed. And then some say that the worst thing is to die of some horrible disease, like the plague or some other contagious malady. And yet, my dear brethren, I am going to tell you that none of these are bad deaths.
Provided that a person has lived well, if he dies in his prime, his death will not fail to be valuable in God's eyes. We have many saints who died in the prime of their lives. It is not a bad death, either, to die at the hands of the executioner. All the martyrs died at the hands of executioners. To die a sudden death is not to die a bad death either, provided one is ready. We have many saints who died deaths of that sort. St. Simeon was killed by lightning on his pillar. St. Francis de Sales died of apoplexy. Finally, to die of the plague is not a dreadful death. St. Roch and St. Francis Xavier died of it.
But what makes death bad is sin. Ah, this horrible sin which tears and devours at this dread moment! Alas, no matter where the poor, unfortunate sinner looks, he sees only sin and neglected graces! If he lifts his eyes to Heaven, he sees only an angry God, armed with all the fury of His justice, Who is ready to punish him. If he turns his gaze downwards, he sees only Hell and its furies already opening its gates to receive him. Alas! This poor sinner did not want to recognize the justice of God during his life on earth; at this moment, not only does he see it, but he feels it already pressing down upon him. During his lifetime, he was always trying to hide his sins, or at least to make as little of them as possible. But at this moment everything is shown to him as in the broad light of day. He sees now what he should have seen before, what he did not want to see. He would like to weep for his sins, but he has no more time. He scorned God during his lifetime; God now, in His turn, scorns him and abandons him to his despair.
Listen, hardened sinners, you who are wallowing now, with such pleasure, in the slime of your vice, without casting even a thought upon amending your lives, who perhaps will give thought to this only when God has abandoned you, as has happened to people less guilty than you. Yes, the Holy Ghost tells us that sinners in their last moments will gnash their teeth, will be seized by a horrible dread, at the very thought of their sins. Their iniquities will rise up before them and accuse them. "Alas!" they will cry at this dread moment, "alas! Of what use is this pride, this vain ostentation, and all those pleasures we have been enjoying in sin? Everything is finished now. We have not a single item of virtue to our credit but have been completely conquered by our evil passions." This is exactly what happened to the unhappy Antiochus, who, when he fell from his chariot, shattered his whole body. He experienced such dreadful pain in his entrails that it seemed to him as if someone were tearing them out. The worms started to gnaw at him while he was still alive, and his whole body stank like carrion. Then he began to open his eyes. This is what sinners do -- but too late. "Ah," he cried, "I realize now that it was the evils which I committed in Jerusalem that are tormenting me now and gnawing at my heart." His body was consumed by the most frightful sufferings and his spirit with an inconceivable sadness. He got his friends to come to him, thinking that he might find some consolation in them. But no. Abandoned by God, Who gives consolation, he could not find it in others. "Alas, my friends," he said to them, "I have fallen into a terrible affliction. Sleep has left me. I cannot rest for a single instant. My heart is pierced with grief. To what a terrible state of sadness and anguish I am reduced! It seems that I must die of sorrow, and in a strange country, too. Ah, Lord, pardon me! I will repair all the evil that I have done. I will pay back all I took from the temple in Jerusalem. I will present great gifts to the temple. I will become a Jew. I will observe the Law of Moses. I will go about publicizing the omnipotence of God. Ah, Lord, have mercy on me, please!" But his illness increased, and God, Whom he had scorned during his life, no longer had ears to hear him. He was a proud man, a blasphemer, and despite his urgent prayers, he was not listened to and had to go to Hell.
It is a grievous but a just punishment that sinners, who throughout their lives have spurned all the graces which God has offered them, find no more graces when they would like to profit by them. Alas! The number of people who die thus in the sight of God is great. Alas! That there are so many of these blind people who do not open their eyes until the moment when there are no further remedies for their ills! Yes, my dear brethren, yes, a life of sin and a death of rejection! You are in sin and you do not wish to give it up? No, you say. Very well, my children, you will perish in sin. You will see that in the death of Voltaire, the notorious blasphemer. Listen carefully and you will see that if we despise God always and if God waits for us during our lives, often, by a just judgment, He will abandon us at the hour of our death, when we would like to return to Him. The idea that one can live in sin and give it all up one day is one of the Devil's traps which will cause you to lose your soul as it has caused so many others to lose theirs.
Voltaire, realizing that he was
ill, began to reflect upon the state of the sinner who dies with his
conscience loaded with sins. He wished to examine his conscience and to
see whether God would be willing to pardon him all the sins of his life,
which were very great in number. He counted upon the mercy of God,
which is infinite, and with this comforting thought in mind, he had
brought to him one of those priests whom he had so greatly outraged and
calumniated in his writings. He threw himself upon his knees and made a
declaration to him of his sins and put into his hands the recantation of
all his impieties and his scandals. He began to flatter himself on
having achieved the great work of his reconciliation. But he was gravely
mistaken. God had abandoned him; you will see how. Death anticipated
all spiritual help. Alas! This unfortunate blasphemer felt all his
terrors reborn in him. He cried out: "Alas, am I then abandoned by God
and men?" Yes, unhappy man, you are. Already your lot and your hope are
in Hell. Listen to this godless man; he cries out with that mouth
sullied with so many profanities and so much blasphemy against God, His
religion, and His ministers. "Ah," he cried, "Jesus Christ, Son of God,
who died for all sinners without distinction, have pity on me!" But,
alas! Almost a century of blasphemy and impiety had exhausted the
patience of God, Who had already rejected him. He was no more than a
victim which the wrath of God fattens for the eternal flames. The
priests whom he had so derided but whom, in this moment he so desired,
were not there. See him as he falls into convulsions and the horrors of
despair, his eyes wild, his face ghastly, his body trembling with
terror! He twists and turns and torments himself and seems as if he
wants to atone for all those previous blasphemies with which his mouth
had been so often sullied. His companions in irreligion, fearing, lest
someone might bring him the last Sacraments, something which would have
seemed to them to dishonor their cause, brought him to a house in the
country, and there, abandoned to his despair ... [sermon unfinished -
Trans.]" Death of Voltaire, Abbe Baruel, S.J. 1829
Source: The Sermons of the Cure d'Ars 1960 (Public Domain)
Prayer for Lent: O Lord who, for our sake, didst fast forty days and forty nights; give us grace to use such abstinence that, our flesh being subdued to the spirit, we may worthily lament and acknowledge our wretchedness, and may obtain perfect remission and forgiveness of Thee, the God of all mercy, who livest and reignest with the Father and Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen
Source: Lent with the Cure d'Ars Compiled by the CAPG
