surge illuminare

Some Christmas presents

2011-12-27T22:46:00.003+01:00

Remarkable
Durufle 14:00
A Glass of water 1:29:53
Willcocks descant and last verse of Adeste 2:01:09

http://www.vatican.va/video/index.html

Click on Agenda > December 24 > Holy Eucharist for Christmas > Original Sound

Unexpected horses

2011-08-27T19:14:00.002+02:00

Singing On Sunday

2011-08-21T23:13:00.000+02:00

Back by popular demand, Surge's Singing On Sunday series

http://youtu.be/ghYOp0ho26k

A Book is reviewed

2011-07-12T21:42:00.000+02:00

http://www.praytellblog.com/index.php/2011/07/09/msgr-wadsworth-icel-head-praises-sedevacantist-book/

Auxilliary

2011-06-29T18:13:00.002+02:00

His appointment is expected to be announced tomorrow

A snippet

2011-06-17T00:06:00.001+02:00

Cancelled

2011-05-30T12:44:00.000+02:00

He's not coming

Grazie, Grafica Veneta SpA

2011-04-28T01:05:00.002+02:00

It will be interesting to hear what contribution the assembly makes to Quasi modo

http://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/libretti/2011/20110501.pdf

An unexpected Pasquetta message

2011-04-26T00:19:00.002+02:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrHMla5AJgQ

Prayer for Wales

2011-04-19T17:34:00.001+02:00

O Almighty God,
Who in Thine infinite goodness
has sent Thine only-begotten Son into this world
to open once more the gates of heaven,
and to teach us how to know, love and serve Thee,
have mercy on Thy people Who dwell in Wales.
Grant to them the precious gift of faith,
and unite them in the one true Church
founded by Thy Divine Son; that,
acknowledging her authority and obeying her voice,
they may serve Thee, love Thee, and worship Thee
as Thou desirest in this world,
and obtain for themselves everlasting happiness
in the world to come.
Through the same Christ our Lord, Amen.

Our Lady, Help of Christians,
pray for Wales.

Saint David,
pray for Wales.

Saint Winefride,
pray for Wales.

Gosh

2010-06-22T18:13:00.000+02:00

http://saintjohnofjerusalem.blogspot.com/2010/06/monsignor-andrew-wadsworth.html

9th October....made public today

2010-06-22T17:05:00.002+02:00

http://www.oratoriosanfilippo.org/21-06-2010.html

Celebrating the festal day

2010-01-08T18:57:00.002+01:00

Recess...

2009-12-22T15:10:00.001+01:00

Recess until tomorrow, when the Christmas Quiz will be pre-announced

Even greater Emergency Quiz Answer

2009-09-30T18:32:00.000+02:00

His appointment is expected to be announced tomorrow

Emergency Quiz Answer

2009-09-30T18:01:00.001+02:00

She read about it in the newspaper

Habemus papam

2009-09-23T18:29:00.003+02:00

In Anglia

Brick by brick....

2009-09-03T17:53:00.002+02:00

Seven pictures paint a thousand words

Cardinal O'Brien's Cappa

2009-06-24T11:50:00.002+02:00

Seven candles for Cardinal Comastri

2009-04-10T10:55:00.002+02:00

This photo, taken at the end of Mass on Sunday 22nd February 2009, shows seven acolytes leading the procession. The Mass had been offered by Angelo, Cardinal Comastri, Archpriest of the Vatican Basilica.

A nice video

2009-03-27T16:29:00.001+01:00

Ad multos annos, Sancte Pater !

Emergency Quiz answer

2009-03-26T18:03:00.000+01:00

21AA: Going to Washington as "head" of ICEL in September

God bless our Pope

2009-03-26T15:13:00.000+01:00

Ordinary development

2009-03-13T11:22:00.002+01:00

Austen Ivereigh blogged at America on 27th Feb that Cardinal Murphy O'Connor's Retirement Mass is to be on 25th March, and his successors' installation on 23rd April.
America The National Catholic Weekly

ETA: Wrong on 25th March

Ordinary Announcement

2009-03-12T11:19:00.003+01:00

The blogoscope predicts based on Paolo Rodari's scoop that barring a last minute surprise Bp Longley is to be the new Archbishop of Westminster, the announcement coming today 12th March.

Some are still expecting a last minute surprise

Update Friday 13th - so a last minute surprise it was, then!

Special Announcement

2008-12-02T18:58:00.002+01:00

It is specially and urgently announced that the appointment of a new Secretary of the SCDWS is not imminent

Most inelegant Eminence

2008-11-19T16:45:00.002+01:00

It is announced, with regret, that Count Cardinal Schorborn is unlikely to be the next Archbishop of Westminster

http://www.gloria.tv/?video=pwxa9jff7gs5kldzpiu7

Recess

2008-11-15T14:53:00.000+01:00

Recess for a few days

2008-07-10T13:45:00.001+02:00

The Corpus Christi procession re-enters GHQ, 22nd May.

Habemus Miracolo

2008-04-24T19:53:00.002+02:00

Causa del Venerabile J. H. Newman

Rendiamo Grazie a Dio

Splendid words from Fr Symondson

2008-04-22T17:53:00.001+02:00

"As an outsider who was only able to watch the recent papal visit to America on the EWTN replays I think it has been the most impressive, grace-endowed papal event I have witnessed. I longed to be there. The Holy Father did not put a foot wrong pastorally, liturgically and politically. But it was his recollection throughout the week, something which cannot be counterfiet, that was so edifying. Television cameras rarely miss a detail and it was like seeing him under a microscope. He was so natural in comparison with the professionalism of his entourage, not only at the altar but all the time. I realize that this might appear to be a superficial reaction but his presence held everything together. Yet it was not personality driven. His humility was manifest.

Above all, liturgically the Masses and Vespers demonstrated what can, and should, be achieved. Of course there were glitches but the overall superiority in comparison with earlier visits, was there for all to see. Even the unfortunate music in Washington might be seen to have proved useful in making a marked contrast to what followed. Critics will always be found and some will never be satisfied. That is the curse of hobbyism. Liturgy on that scale is rarely perfect, look at the chaos of pre-Vatican II papal ceremonies in Rome as examples. Instances proliferate on YouTube. But I hope that this visit will build a foundation for future visits elsewhere and encourage the Church to look more attentively at what is happening at papal Masses and liturgical events in Rome.

Twenty years ago I would never have believed that what has been accomplished during the last three years would be possible. The Holy Father had transformed the reform of the reform from dilletantism and isolated endeavour to reality. In doing so he has realized the expectations and longings of thousands.
Anthony Symondson SJ"

from The New Liturgical Movement

O Glory, O Glory !

2008-04-21T16:46:00.002+02:00

UN GRANDE ABBRACCIO DI BENTORNATO AL NOSTRO BENEDETTO XVI

Grazie Santità per questi sei giorni vissuti con Lei ed arricchiti dalle Sue forti e meravigliose parole. Grazie a Dio per la protezione del nostro Papa, tornato a casa!

Subject always to the definitive judgement of the Apostolic See

2008-04-06T19:09:00.002+02:00

Our Holy Father, now gloriously reading

Splendid news from Rome

2008-02-13T11:42:00.001+01:00

And Yes, warmest congratulations are offered on this most interesting translation.

Some Quiz Answers

2007-12-31T15:26:00.000+01:00

7 a Marini
b Marini
c Marini
d Marino

8 Sitting amongst the clergy at the Mass of the Rings

9 Through a car park

10 Abp Ranjith

11 (this answer has been removed at the request of its subject)

12 Aula della Benedizione

13 a Hermeneutic
b Sedia Gestitoria
c Capo d'ufficio

14 Guitar

15 a 11 Prefaces, and 25 Saints of the Universal Calendar
b as far as the Pater Noster

16 a In the floor of St Peter’s Basilica
b twice

17 Broke the embargo

18 Villa Strich, Rome

19 A Papal Bull

20 Cheeses of the seaweed

21 One, counting the Capo d’Ufficio

22 Three Popes in St Peter's Square at the same time

The Winner

2007-12-27T10:27:00.000+01:00

The staff of Surge Illuminare are both surprised and delighted to announce that the winner of the biennial Christmas Quiz turns out to be none other than......................

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, of Vatican City State. Congratulations!!

Second place goes to His Excellency the Titular Archbishop of Umbriatico , also of Vatican City State.

Third place goes to His Excellency Mons. Luigi Negri, not yet of Vatican City State, but would like to be.

Answers to the Quiz are expected to made public in the next few days, and a representative selection of questions shortly thereafter. Commiserations to all who enter but did not win.

The Galero of Gladness

2007-10-27T13:47:00.000+02:00

Optional maniples, part 2

2007-07-03T16:44:00.000+02:00

Standing by for further details of tomorrow's announcement, and of Friday's hitherto unmentioned follow-up, the reported rumor of last Sunday's papal Mass using the manipled rite in Jesu & Maria is ignored as baseless.

"God's Vicar....

2007-06-10T18:55:00.001+02:00

with his God that day made pageant brave and rare"

Tomorrow

2007-05-21T18:08:00.000+02:00

It has been heard that TOMORROW is the big day, motu-wise.

Exciting update - 1st June.

It is thoroughly and reliably confirmed that tomorrow, Saturday 2nd June, is the pressing rumor papally sweeping throughout.

Vatican Click!

2007-05-09T10:56:00.000+02:00

It is announced that a well-known priest whose name is so well-known that it need not be repeated here and whose work is much approved of throughout the Catholic blogoscope shall be appointed to the Vatican in the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Patrimony of the Church.

Stations of the Cross

2007-04-06T15:17:00.000+02:00

Colosseum - Way of the Cross 2007

New Stations are announced.

Miraculous Catholicism

2007-03-23T14:07:00.000+01:00

The Devout Life gives photographs of the Massimo Masses this March

French Canadian Catholicism

2007-03-11T18:53:00.000+01:00

YouTube - Danza liturgica

italian catholicism

2007-03-09T13:43:00.001+01:00

Pope Benedict plays a big role in the demise of civil unions in Italy Straight.com Vancouver

Los Angeles catholicism

2007-03-09T13:41:00.000+01:00

Roman Catholic Blog: Mahonyfest 2007: Footage From The Closing Mass

Roman Catholicism

2007-03-09T13:40:00.001+01:00

North County Times - North San Diego and Southwest Riverside County News

Next Week's News

2007-01-24T14:51:00.000+01:00

Archbishop Marini will arrive in Loreto, but nothing will happen about the indult until after Archbishop Sandri leaves the Secretariat, in June.
Update Next month's news is that Loreto could instead become Mantua, where the Bishop has recently turned 75. Hmmm, it is wondered.....

Oh, dear

2007-01-07T10:31:00.000+01:00

It is announced that the BBC have announced that Vatican Radio reports that Abp Weilgus shall have decided not to continue as Abp of Warsaw.

Update http://212.77.1.245/news_services/bulletin/news/19534.php?index=19534&lang=en on a Sunday.

There are three stages to a Bishop's resignation
1 The Bishop offers his resignation to the Holy Father
2 The Holy Father accepts it
3 The Holy Father makes known his acceptance.

Happy Blogiversary

2006-12-31T16:00:00.000+01:00

It is announced that worldwide celebrations are already in full swing marking the first year of Surge Illuminare: rejoice at that news!

Back(s) to the future

2006-11-27T17:25:00.000+01:00

It is announced that the Oratory in Vienna St. Rochus ONLINE is from the first Sunday of Advent to abandon in accorandance with Cardinal Schonborn's wishes the temporary Altar, and replace it with a permanent Altar, as the linked translation using babelfish makes clear:
kreuz.net – people altar ade (here's a link for German readers, which is in some respects in clearer English than babelfish - kreuz.net – Ein Mißverständnis)

What a co-incidence that the temporary Altar was "forward facing" and its permanent replacement has been attached to the back wall of the sanctuary for some centuries.

Playing at Churches

2006-11-27T11:08:00.000+01:00

This is what the name of the techical liturgical term is called for what Lord Dr Williams is doing in these photos of him in S Sabina, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams attends a mass celebrating the feast of Christ the King and marking the Fortieth Anni...

The A of C at the VEC

2006-11-26T19:28:00.000+01:00

Carrying the rank style and title of an archbishop without actually being one is a small difficulty for a man of the standing of Lord Dr Williams the Archmister of Canterbury and to some extent that difficulty can only have been assuaged by a so far unreported event last week at Rome's Venerable English College wherein the cream of seminarians from England and Wales hearts beat high with joy whene're they heard those glorious words that they were to polish up the College's best relics of the College Martyrs New Page 1 so that Lord Dr Williams might read the anglican service of communion in front of them and surge illuminare: Tarmac our Bishop.

Oh, the irony of humility (or should that have been humiliation?)

In fact, two steps closer to the actuality,the Devout life
(http://anglocath.blogspot.com/2006/11/st-edmund-campion.html) reports -
The Archiepiscopal consort is also in residence. This morning (22nd), whilst the seminarians of the college were at morning prayer in the church, Rowan did a bread service at the main altar of the chapel; the relics of the English Martyrs had been specially taken out and polished and placed in the chapel for him. Cardinal Cormac was reportedly with in attendance.

How those Saints must be pleased that according to a certain reading of things they shed their blood for nothing.

Though the English College Seminarians wince at the whole horrible thing, at least they don't have to suffer the indignity of 1966 when...

"...we all gathered in the English College courtyard to bid farewell to the archbishop (Ramsay) and his colleagues. The Senior Student asked the archbishop to give us his blessing. We all knelt down to receive it. As you read this you are probably thinking this was no big deal. But this was 1966 and here were 90 Catholic seminarians in Rome, all in their cassocks, kneeling down to receive the blessing from the Archbishop of Canterbury."

Well, how we have moved on. Doubts are expressed that 90 Catholic seminarians could now be mustered in the courtyard of the VEC, and in any case would the rectory allow them to muster in crypto-papalist cassocks?

Great Glee

2006-11-26T18:50:00.000+01:00

Great Glee is expressed at Abp Marini's commentary on the Byzantine liturgy - "The priest and all the faithful look to the East, whence Christ will come again in glory. The priest intercedes before the Lord for his people; he walks at the head of the people towards the encounter with the Lord. At different moments the priest turns to the people: for the proclamation of the Gospel, for the dialogue preceding the [Canon of the Mass], for the communion with the holy gifts, and for all the blessings. These symbolize moments in which the Lord himself comes forth to meet his people."Apostolic Journey to Turkey: Presentation

Why, it's almost as if he has both read and understood "Turning Towards the Lord" from Ignatius Press - 2004 - Fall

Head-garment tip to L'espresso Settimo Cielo di Sandro Magister

An unfounded and unsubstantiatable rumour

2006-11-16T17:25:00.000+01:00

It is put forward in some quarters that the imbroglio over our Holy Father's address to the Swiss bishops has a different explanation to that given by the Vatican Press office, namely that the Swiss Bishops got to know of the contents of the address beforehand, and said they would walk out on the Holy Father were it to be delivered. A rapid rethink at GHQ led to the Holy Father giving an extemporaneous speech, and the thinly credible explanation from the Press Office that they themselves had goofed up.

It is further noted that our Holy Father specially mentioned (Mit diesen Gedanken begrüße ich die Pilger und Besucher deutscher Sprache, ganz besonders die Wallfahrer aus dem Fürstentum Liechtenstein mit Erzbischof Wolfgang Haas) only Archbishop Haas at the following General Audience, http://212.77.1.245/news_services/bulletin/news/19246.php?index=19246&po_date=15.11.2006&lang=en who alone amongst the Swiss Bishops' Conference is in a Hermeneutic of Continuity with the Apostolic See, now gloriously reigning. Perhaps the others had gone home.

Notice is taken......

2006-10-25T15:57:00.000+02:00

...of What Does The Prayer Really Say?»Blog Archive » Great news reported by Fr Zuhlsdorf, web-logging from the Eternal City.

Tell what you really think, Mark

2006-09-25T19:22:00.000+02:00

Catholic and Enjoying It! Forthright, or what ??

Welcome, Your Eminence

2006-09-25T19:18:00.000+02:00

Cardinal Seán’s Fall Trip To Rome

His Eminence, Sean, Cardinal O'Malley, by the grace of God and the favour of the Apostolic See, Metropolitan Archbishop of Boston, is formally welcomed to the internet.

Our most Holy Father

2006-06-04T18:29:00.000+02:00

Thanking God for the great gift of our Holy Father, now gloriously reigning

Corpus Christi in Rome

2006-06-04T17:54:00.000+02:00

Gratitude is expressed to The Roamin' Roman for the "Heads up" for our most Holy Father's solemn Mass and Procession of the Blessed Sacrament for the feast of Corpus Christi to be on the feast of Corpus Christi in the Vatican through the streets of Rome. Confusingly, Rome being Italy has this feast on the following Sunday, whereas St Peter's, the Lateran and other patriarchal basilicas being Vatican territory hold this feast on its real day, the Thursday ten days after Pentecost.

Please join those supporting our Holy Father in this solemn and splendid procession, alongside the hereinbeformentioned Ms Roamin', Surge, a host of heavenly angels, and the pious of Rome. Further invitations will be extended to you.

TONE, or lack of it

2006-06-01T19:56:00.000+02:00

The Cafeteria Is Closed: Feeling the heat ? reports further and unwelcome developments in the campaign being mustered in Orange against kneeling during Mass.

Father Tran's letters reproduced on the Cafeteria disclose the antithesis of Christian love; an unpleasant and unacceptable blend of overbearingness, smugness, sarcasm, and thinly veiled contempt for their recipients. How did he hope to achieve calling to Christ and to prayer with his words of smarm?

The hungry sheep look up (since they are kneeling down) are are not fed.

The Holy Father's Birthday

2006-05-18T12:02:00.000+02:00

For those who follow such things, today would have been the 86th birthday on earth of Pope John Paul.

"We can be sure that our beloved Pope is standing today at the window of the House of the Father, that he sees us and blesses us. Yes, bless us, Holy Father. We entrust your dear soul to the Mother of God, your Mother, who guided you each day and who will guide you now to the eternal glory of her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."

Tarmac our Bishop

2006-05-03T11:29:00.000+02:00

Shouts In The Piazza: Westminster

The Piazza in this case being not in front of GHQ but of "the 'drome" a nickname shortened from aerodrome and indicating the building's echosome spaciousness.

Turning towards the Lord

2006-04-28T14:40:00.000+02:00

Alignment is expressed with Fr Zulsdorf's comment What Does The Prayer Really Say?»Blog Archive » “Turning Towards The Lord”#comments that having Fr Lang's most worthy book launched in Italian translation and by the Secretary of the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship within the year would have been outside wildest hope and expectation. Of course, one thing in particular has changed in that period: the man who wrote the preface whilst a Cardinal has become our Holy Father, and the Preface takes on new weight.

Down with the Da Vinci Code

2006-04-25T18:49:00.000+02:00

It is announced that the BBC report the banner of darkness now boldly unfurled on the facade of San Pantaleo, Rome shall be removed. Let that news be rejoiced at. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4943406.stm

"..a humble worker in the vineyard..."

2006-04-22T18:21:00.000+02:00

Eminentissimum ac Reverendissimun Dominum

2006-04-22T18:20:00.000+02:00

Smoke! smoke!

2006-04-19T20:21:00.000+02:00

It was the evening of the same day

2006-04-19T15:36:00.000+02:00

Monday night had got a bit chilly, and it was regretted that a sweater was not worn. After arriving in time to see on the big screens in the Piazza the ceremonies of entering the conclave, and then attending the 5pm Mass in GHQ, it was a long and prayerful, (and chilly) sit in the piazza until nearly 8pm, when the first whisps of the smoke that would announce the result of the ballot were seen from the Sistine chimney. It was WHITE. There is absolutely no doubt that it was white. There was a huge cheer and astonishment in the square, an election on the very first ballot; that could only mean Ratzinger…. Its white….e bianco….e bianco…. er…er...er... its grey, …. e nero. Well, it was white at first, for more than a few seconds, and then grey and then black. There was an audible sigh, thirty thousand people got up and left, and that was the end of that.

Tuesday morning, a late start was possible, the first appointment being noon. Reading Cardinal Ratzinger’s homily from Mass the previous morning in the Italian edition of L’Osservatore in the square, it was easy to spot others who had also printed out copies from the internet of lists of cardinals arranged by age &c. Eventually the seated section was opened, and a good position obtained. Come 11.50 the by now familiar “White smoke” appeared briefly and then the black. Oh well, time for a stroll around Libreria Ancora and the other shops in the Via Della Conciliazione before 1pm lunch with a Vatican official. Heading out of the colonnades towards the Porta Sant’Anna, the small Post Office and souvenir shop had almost been reached, when there was a thunderous roar from back in the square. The most extraordinary charge bank through the colonnades and into the square, to see another round of white, grey and black smoke, as the second of the morning ballot papers were burnt. A note was made – two ballots means two smokes, after the second ballot.

It can be exclusively revealed that all the decent restaurants around the Borgo Pio were crammed to capacity with Vatican officials and journalists (of course not in any way talking to each other). Absolutely everyone was in the same boat – no-one had any idea what was going on inside.
Tine now for the second, and as it turned out, decisive spasm of the day. The question was, should 5pm Mass be attended inside, nothing being likely to happen for a few hours, or should a smoke watch in the square be taken. For once, the opportunity of attending Mass in GHQ was turned down. By careful selection, and moving forward a few times, a seat was obtained in row 11 of the very first section, behind some short people, who were not carrying a banner or placard to wave and obstruct the later view, and also on an aisle, enabling a quick departure at the end. The eyes of all flitted between the chimney, and the big screen. They flitted, and flitted. About 5.45pm, there was a call from a Reverend Father far from Rome, the saga of the two smokes at the end of the morning was relayed. He was of course keen to keep in touch with events in the square, EWTN and the Vatican internet had been monitored diligently, but he had to leave those sources for about an hour, and hoped to receive therefore a personal communication direct from the square using mobile phones in the event of anything happening. It was agreed that could be done, however at the moment, there was nothing to repo- SMOKE!! SMOKE!! He was then quicker to vocalise what was about to be realised – “its about ten to six with you – they haven’t had time for two ballots – they’ve elected someone!!” It was relayed to him that the smoke was still white, and that the shouts in the piazza were all “Bianco”. Indeed, we had a pope.

The absolute final certainly came when a bunch of Vatican employees, not clergy, rushed on the Sagrato in front of GHQ, from the front right-hand corner of the square (where the left luggage and facilities are) and looked back at above where they had come from, to see the white smoke for themselves. This had not happened previously. By now, everyone at the front had decided taken to stand on their chairs, where it was realised standing would be for at least an hour. Much cheering and trying to get a mobile phone signal took place. The people who had been inside GHQ were ushered out, and then cleared away from the front of the basilica. And then the bells rang. YES, the special signal, which turned out to be the signal for 6pm. Those flitting eyes switched continually from the chimney, still pouring smoke, to the balcony, to the bells, to the screen. And then the big bell began to swing. What a moment. What a moment.

Much cheering continued. Eyes now switched to the balcony. Yet further cheering and trying to get a mobile phone signal. A couple of rows in front, some helpful people started to unpack and extend their most enormous banner. It was perhaps the width of 20 people standing on chairs, and 10 rows deep, and the idea was that row 1 would unfurl it and pass it back over their heads, with each subsequent row doing the same so that it would eventually open out, spread out over a large area, and moving over the crowd. As can be imagined, this was met with great resistance by those in rows 2 and 3. However, the owners patiently explained to pass it back quickly at the appropriate time. OK, that could be coped with. A rest from cheering, but not from trying to get a mobile phone signal. Much waiting. At long last the curtains twitched, and out onto the balcony came Cardinal Medina Estevez to make the announcement, of which only two words were unknown and of interest. “Annuncio vobis gaudium magnum” he started, except that he didn’t. “Signori e Signore, madames et monsiours, Dammen und Herren, hermanas y hermanos, brothers and sisters.” Once it was realised that was what he was saying, there was a bit of relaxation and cheering. “Annuncio vobis gaudium magnum” he started properly. Wild cheering. “Habemus Papam”. Utterly wild cheering. Eminentissimum ac Reverendissimun Dominum, Dominum (yes Dominum does come twice, just to prolong it bit more) oh for goodness sake get on with it…. JOSEPHUM, a lady in the row behind was immediate in announcing Ratzinger (as if it were needed to be announced) Sancte Romanae Ecclesia Cardinalem RATZINGER. Most wildest cheering. Qui sibi nomen imposuit Benedictum Seidicessimum. Even yet wilder cheering, general standing on chairs and trying to get a mobile phone signal, not as if anyone needed to be rung up to be told the news!
There was now a long pause, the curtains twitched again, and at last appeared on the balcony the vaticanistas with the Banner bearing the arms of Pope John Paul to drape over the front of the balcony; what an operation that was. And finally our new Holy Father appeared. The most wildest cheering so far. And Spoke.

“After the great Pope John Paul II, the Cardinals have elected me, a simple and humble labourer in the vineyard of the Lord.
The fact that the Lord knows how to work and to act even with inadequate instruments comforts me, and above all I entrust myself to your prayers.
Let us move forward in the joy of the Risen Lord, confident of his unfailing help. The Lord will help us and Mary, his Most Holy Mother, will be on our side. Thank you.”

Wow.

Meanwhile, the action plan for deploying the huge banner over the heads of the crowd went into force. Rows 1 2 & 3 were fully up to speed with what to do, so it fell to the ground in front of row 4. Its owners scuttled around and managed to get it going properly somewhere behind. Who cared.

There was a short break from standing on the chairs, it was edifying how many got off to kneel on the cobblestones for the actual Urbi et Orbi blessing, and then immediately back up again. By now the rhythmic chanting and clapping of Be-ne-DET-to was well under way. After a few final cheers, time to turn and walk out of the square and into Rome, for a well-washed down dinner.

(Six months before the conclave, and rushing to Sunday Vespers at GHQ, the opportunity came to meet the then Cardinal Ratzinger as he walked through the back streets near the Borgo Pio with Mgr Genswein, presumably going home from lunch. Not stuck for words in Italian, heartfelt thanks were offered for his life, his work for the faith and the Church, and his assistance to the Holy Father (this was October 2004, and the Apostolic Palace being in sight, was bowed to). There was, it must be said, a look of some concern on the faces of the listeners as this pavement tribute began, as a certain amount of interception had taken place. When it was mentioned that there was a mutual friend in a Reverend whose name is incidental to this blog entry, their look changed to one of mild relief. “You may spveek Eengleesh” His then-Eminence directed; which was of course complied with, but running out of anything to add, other than an expression of being completely overwhelmed at meeting (and having an albeit short but nevertheless both Italian and English conversation with) Cardinal Ratzinger, further and repeated thanks were offered as they went on their way.)

Our Holy Father

2006-04-16T20:02:00.000+02:00

At the start of Mass for the repose of the soul of his predessor, the great Pope John Paul II, when this picture was able to be taken.

The Liberian Chapel speaks very highly of itself

2006-04-14T15:22:00.000+02:00

"Also striking is the participation of the singers at the Palm Sunday and Corpus Christi processions and during the liturgical celebrations of Holy Week. In the last decades, unfortunately, under the fanatic pretext of abiding to the dictates of the Second Vatican Council, often widely misunderstood, there has arisen a progressive and deleterious rejection of the sound choral practice in favour of “modern” musical forms with the illusive intent to render the liturgy more up-to-date and attractive. In this difficult panorama the Liberian Chapel places itself as a bulwark of the most authentic and genuine Roman tradition which has given so much to the world of music, and whose patrimony cannot and must not be forgotten. The signs of great esteem and appreciation offered by the Archpriest Cardinals who succeeded one another in the last thirty years and by the whole Chapter, as well as by several admirers and friends, motivate the Master, the collaborator masters and all the singers to persevere in their mission as witnesses of sacred musical art." (Emphasis not in the original)
The Patriarchal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
It shall have been interesting to see such comments expressed so trenchantly on an official Vatican website.

TaTa to Tat

2006-03-24T16:18:00.000+01:00

It is announced with regret that his high hilarity Canon Pablo Colino of the Capella Giulia shall have been retired.
His party piece was surely Sunday Vespers in St Peter's, where he elegantly conducted the choir in half the verses of hymns, psalms, and canticles, and turned to conduct those assembled in the liturgical choir and the assembly in all the alternate verses, all the way throughout the Office, whilst simultaneously singing into the microphone. A feat which would have challenged a lesser cleric than he.

Oh, what shall be done now on Sunday afternoons for laughter?

Consistory and new cardinals

2006-02-19T16:16:00.000+01:00

Much ink and many pixels having been used incorrectly to predict the date of the next consistory and those to be created cardinal, it is now time to ask for predictions for the most unlikeliest dates and new cardinals.

Some suggestions for starters:-
April 14th (Good Friday) August 15th (Assumption, way too hot in Rome!)

Abps Marini, Sorrentino, Milingo, Fitzgerald, Bps Gumbleton & Williamson, Mgr Graham Leonard, Fr Timothy Ratcliffe OP.

Restoring the Gestatoria

2006-01-14T17:18:00.000+01:00

Fidem servemus! correctly points out that if our Holy Father were, at a recent papal event, to have been lifted up and carried about, it "is certain ... that far more of the faithful would have seen" him - so far, so correct - "which is why they, and [he], were there."

Subject always to the definitive judgment of the Apostolic See, it is put forward that this last comment is differently correct; the Holy Father attended that event to pray, teach, worship. Being seen was far down his list of priorities.

Whilst not underestimating the teaching moment of seeing the Holy Father, Christ's Vicar on earth, in person, far better, it is suggested, for the technically aware to affirm him and later track down a reliable translation of his words on the 'net.

Our Holy Father in triumph

2006-01-11T19:02:00.000+01:00

After the "impalliumation" of our new Holy Father, 24th April 05

The Canonisation of our Holy Father

2006-01-11T18:30:00.000+01:00

"We can be sure that our beloved Pope is standing today at the window of the House of the Father, that he sees us and blesses us. Yes, bless us, Holy Father. We entrust your dear soul to the Mother of God, your Mother, who guided you each day and who will guide you now to the eternal glory of her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."

This extraordinary peroration at the funeral, given by he who would soon be Pope himself, was followed in November with another expression of sainthood already achieved. From the sermon at Mass for the Cardinals and Bishops deceased in the last year, offered by the Holy Father on 11th November, "...we recall his spiritual heritage, knowing [consapevoli] that his intercession continues more strongly from Heaven." Some recently deceased cardinals are then named, and their souls and those of the deceased bishops are prayed for. There is a clear distinction drawn between the late Holy Father and the others.

It would be fascinating to read what the then Holy Father said in November 1978, when there were two recently deceased popes.

Hah! Unusually reliable.

2006-01-11T18:16:00.000+01:00

Hah! The unusually reliable sources lived up to their billing - sources for which it is unusual to be reliable. Recent consistories held in late February have been on 21st, allowing the Mass of the Rings to be held on the 22nd's feast. The consistory on 21st February 2001 was announced at the Sunday Angelus on 21st January, that on 21st February 1998 was similarly announced at the Angelus on 18th January. It is reported that preparations are already afoot for celebrations in Rome for the 22nd.
In other news, Famiglia Christiana reports they will publish our Holy Father's encyclical on 25th January Famiglia Cristiana Home Page, according to a question-marked and therefore not entirely sure headline in Catholic World News (CWN).

Consistory

2006-01-05T13:36:00.000+01:00

It is announced that the previously circulating internet rumours that tomorrow, Epiphany, our Holy Father will call a Consistory to create new cardinals for 22nd February (the feast of the Chair of St Peter a Rome) or thereabouts, have been re-circulated by an unusually reliable source.

An announcement may be given at Solemn Mass in GHQ at 9.30am Papal time (which is taking place without the consecration of new bishops), or possibly the Angelus at noon.

1st Vespers from GHQ

2005-12-31T18:30:00.000+01:00

It is announced with delight that First Vespers for the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, is being prayed in St Peter's in the Vatican, in LATIN (for the avoidance of doubt LATIN) and sung to recognisable plainsong psalm tones, and recognisable plainsong antiphons. This is a notable change from previous years, and from 1st Vespers of Advent on 26th November. Our Holy Father is now preaching (in Italian). God Bless Our Pope!