The History Of The Reformation In Oxford

"MANY of you have asked us about reviving the Pro Fide Forum talks so we have arranged a talk for Tuesday 8th March 2011 in St Vincent's Conference Centre, Westminster where all the other talks have been held.

This is an experiment, because if there is a good attendance we will arrange further talks. We have fortunately found an exceptionally worth-while Speaker to address you. He is Dr Joseph Shaw, Lecturer in Philosophy at Oxford and Chairman of the Latin Mass Society. His subject will be “The History of the Reformation in Oxford” and his talk begins at 7 p.m. There will be questions and discussion, followed by tea and biscuits until the Meeting ends about 9.30. Tickets, bought at the door, are £5 each and I advise you to come early to be sure of your seat."

James Dean's First Film On Television

"Because his career was ended prematurely by his September 1955 death in an automobile accident, James Dean appeared in only seven films (playing uncredited roles in four of them). Despite the brevity of his career however, Dean received two Academy Award nominations as Best Actor and became an icon of rebellion for American teens, not only of the 1950s, but for generations since as well."

Well the first of those four uncredited roles was in Hill Number One, a short 60 minute film. The Korean War, and the battles that ensue, are correlated to Christ's Crucifixion on Golgotha; a dramatic re-mix of biblical and historical elements. It will be on EWTN (sky 589 or online) Sunday 27th February at 7pm, Tuesday 1st March 8am, Wednesday 2nd March 3pm or Friday 5th March at 3am.

Most of my Family will not watch EWTN, but they may tune in to see James Dean. So tell your non-catholic friends and Family. ;)

English Bishop To Be Executed By Catholic Taliban Live On This Blog!

It has been said by the Holy Father that Catholic bloggers must take care in what they write. We should not just be looking to increase our readership by being shocking or controversial! There are times when we can be uncharitable, it seems to me that this is often the case when talking about the Bishops of Wales & England. It is important to remember that non-catholics will read our blogs, and to constantly give the impression that the Church in this country is led by heretics is not helpful in winning converts.

Please remember that the Bishops are in more need of graces than you or I. Satan is more interested in gaining a Bishop, and thus a Diocese, than getting his hands on an individual Catholic. I had a look on Rosary for Bishops after seeing it on Fr John Boyle's blog. The thing that amazed me when I looked up Vincent Archbishop Nichols (I live in Westminster) was to find that only seven people have signed up to say a Rosary for him each month. Yes there may be other sites where one can sign up, yes you can pray for your Bishop without signing up, but putting up or reading public criticism (justified or not) should be followed by signing up to prayer.

There can be little doubt that from time to time a Bishop may say something that we do not like, or even something wrong. After writing to him privately and charitably (do hear Bishop O'Donoghue talk to FLI a few years ago) we may even need to correct him publicly having consulted one's Spritual Director first of course.

But I know that it is, mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. Therefore let us pray (and fast) for our Bishops and even if that does them no good, which I don't believe, it will do us more Spiritual good anyway. When I stand in front of God I will be asked to account for my life and not that of my Bishop. I do not know what God will say to me first when I see Him face to face, but I doubt that it will be, "Why didn't you do something about Bishop X" - unless He asks about my lack of prayer & fasting for him.

Sorry You're Too Far On For Us To Abort Your Baby

"Sorry you're too far on for us to abort your Baby, go straight to the Hospital they can still do it." This is what the young 23 week pregnant Spanish girl said to her friend as she came out of the Whitfield Street (London) abortuary. I had already been speaking to her friend in my 'Spanish', so she was happy to talk for a few minutes. I was able to give her a help leaflet in Spanish and offer her the help she would need to continue her pregnancy. She went away to think things over. Despite being 23 weeks pregnant, she had only found out that she was pregnant five days ago! While this was going on we had 4 prayer supporters the other side of the road(see photo).

I don't know what that girl will do, but I know that most women going for an abortion do not receive any offer of help before they have a 'doctor' kill their child. Please come and pray at this abortuary in Whitfield Street, London, nearest stations are Warren Street and Great Portland Street, 9-1.30pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. (Contact Good Counsel 02077231740 for more details or contact The Helpers of God's Precious Infants for details of other locations around the country).

Note re my 'Spanish'. I have spent a number of years telling any of my Latin American friends and colleagues, that could not understand my 'Spanish', that this was because, 'I speak Spanish and not Latin American, sorry', much to the amusement/annoyance of them all! Both these girls were from Spain! But as they both spoke good English, the legend that I speak Spanish remains intact!

40 Days For Life At The Oratory

Cast the Vision event Wednesday 23rd February at the London Oratory.
You are warmly invited to our 2011 'Cast the Vision' event. The evening will provide you with an introduction to 40 Days for Life. You will get to hear from the people who launched our first 40 Days for Life in 2010, and the stories that inspired all of us.

This event is for all those who were involved last time, all those who wanted to be involved but were unable, and all those who are learning about the 40 Days for Life experience for the first time.

This is your opportunity to save lives and inspire hearts and minds. You will learn how to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. The evening will also give you the time to meet with pro-life leaders over food and drinks, all on the house.

Our guest speaker is Margaret Cuthill. Margaret Cuthill is a Post Abortion Trauma (PAT) counsellor and is the National Co-ordinator of ARCH. She herself has had abortion experience and struggled with PAT.

Margaret has recovered her life through receiving PAT counselling, and has since been working as a full time PAT counsellor for the past 20 years. Margaret will share her experiences with us, and her hopes for this year's 40 Days For Life.

Wednesday 23rd February, 7.30pm. St Wilfrid’s Hall, The London Oratory, Brompton Road, London SW7 2RP

English Catholic Jesuit On Television

Father Hugh Thwaites SJ, will be on EWTN (sky 589 or online) for one hour at 11am on Wednesday 23rd February. He is a Catholic, a Convert, a Saint and a Jesuit!

He also Married my Wife and I, ten years ago!

The Exorcism Of Emily Rose

This film is based on a true story and can really make people think about God. The fact that the Devil exists can lead people to look for God. Tell your friends & family that this film is on Channel 5, Monday 21st February at 10pm. And then be ready to evangelise them!

The director of the film said he was one GK Chesterton book away from becoming Catholic, I'm not sure which book, but I hope he's read it now!

Total Consecration Of Our Lives To Jesus, Through Mary

"Join us in making the Total Consecration of Our Lives to Jesus, through Mary. Read about the Consecration and the 30 Day preparation period by following this link. You can find all the readings and preparatory prayers on that site too (If you prefer it in book form you can obtain it in book form from Montfort Press. 28, Burbo Bank Rd, Liverpool, Merseyside L23 6TH. Tel: 0151 287 6862) . We begin on Sunday the 20th February and end by making the Consecration on March 25th, Feast of the Annunciation."
I took this from Good Counsel's blog, so let's go.

St David, St Thomas & SPUC Victorious In High Court

BPAS brought a case to the High Court asking that women be allowed to take the 2nd stage of the abortion pill at home. SPUC intervened in the court case and readers of this blog joined Good Counsel in a novena to St Thomas Aquinas & St David (or St Andrew or St George).

Not really fair I know, as our side had lawyers and Saints in Heaven and their side only had lawyers and.......oh well never mind, the struggle continues. I cannot sing at all and my Latin leaves a lot to be desired, but I'm off to say the Te Deum in thanks giving.

Te Deum laudamus: te Dominum confitemur.
Te aeternum Patrem omnis terra veneratur.
Tibi omnes Angeli, tibi Caeli et universae Potestates:
Tibi Cherubim et Seraphim incessabili voce proclamant:
Sanctus: Sanctus: Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Pleni sunt caeli et terra maiestatis gloriae tuae.
Te gloriosus Apostolorum chorus:
Te Prophetarum laudabilis numerus:
Te Martyrum candidatus laudat exercitus.
Te per orbem terrarum sancta confitetur Ecclesia:
Patrem immensae maiestatis:
Venerandum tuum verum et unicum Filium:
Sanctum quoque Paraclitum Spiritum.
Tu Rex gloriae, Christe.
Tu Patris sempiternus es Filius.
Tu ad liberandum suscepturus hominem,
non horruisti Virginis uterum.
Tu devicto mortis aculeo,
aperuisti credentibus regna caelorum.
Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes, in gloria Patris.
Iudex crederis esse venturus. (Kneel)
Te ergo quaesumus, tuis famulis subveni,
quos pretioso sanguine redemisti.
Aeterna fac cum Sanctis tuis in gloria numerari.
Salvum fac populum tuum Domine,
et benedic haereditati tuae.
Et rege eos, et extolle illos usque in aeternum.
Per singulos dies, benedicamus te.
Et laudamus nomen tuum in saeculum,
et in saeculum saeculi.
Dignare Domine die isto,
sine peccato nos custodire.
Miserere nostri Domine, miserere nostri.
Fiat misericordia tua Domine super nos,
quemadmodum speravimus in te.
In te Domine speravi:
non confundar in aeternum.

Vocation Discernment Weekend at St John Fisher House In Reading, 8th-10th April

For Catholic men between 18 and 35 years of age (under 18 please contact us).

Starts on Friday 8th April 2011 at 6pm – ends on Sunday 10th April 2011 mid-afternoon. Led by Fr Armand de Malleray, FSSP.

Location: St John Fisher House is the residence of the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter in England & Wales. Bishop Crispian Hollis of Portsmouth has allowed for its canonical establishment in Reading on 1st August 2010.

Address: 17, Eastern Avenue, Reading RG1 5RU.

Access: 27 minutes from London Paddington by direct trains up to every 10 minutes, and from London Waterloo. Direct trains from Oxford, Bournemouth, Bristol, Newcastle, York, Birmingham, Gatwick Airport, Southampton Airport, etc. Direct ‘RailAir’ buses from Heathrow to Reading train station every 20 minutes. Motorway: M4.

Limited overnight accommodation: please book now.

Programme: Spiritual conferences, socials, Holy Mass each of the three days (Extraordinary Form of the Roman rite), silent prayer, private talk with Fr de Malleray, FSSP. Fr de Malleray will explain what is a vocation in general and to the priesthood in particular. Read here the Holy Father’s recent Letter to seminarians. Extract: “The proper celebration of the Eucharist involves knowing, understanding and loving the Church’s liturgy in its concrete form. In the liturgy we pray with the faithful of every age – the past, the present and the future are joined in one great chorus of prayer. As I can state from personal experience, it is inspiring to learn how it all developed, what a great experience of faith is reflected in the structure of the Mass, and how it has been shaped by the prayer of many generations.”

Cost: no set price for students or unemployed – any donation welcome; others: £50 suggested.

Click here for a short vocations video.

Priests Training Conference

The Latin Mass Society has announced its seventh residential conference for Priests who wish to learn the Extraordinary Form (Old Rite) of Mass. The conference will take place at Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh, Devon from Tuesday 3rd to Friday 6th May.

Tuition will be given in small groups selected according to ability, and will cover Low Mass, Missa Cantata and Missa Solemnis. It is also hoped to provide tuition in the sacraments of baptism and marriage. Only rudimentary Latin is required.

There will also be a residential course for laymen wishing to learn to serve the Extraordinary Form.

The conference will begin late morning on the Tuesday, although there will be the opportunity for those travelling long distances to stay at Buckfast Abbey on the Monday night. The conference will end after lunch on the Friday.

There will be sung Mass in the Extraordinary Form each day; parts of the Office will also be sung.

The inclusive fee is £85 which covers all tuition, accommodation and board.

Application forms for both priests and servers training are available from the LMS office (020 7404 7284) or see LMS.

LMS Chairman, Doctor Joseph Shaw said: “The LMS’s training conferences are now well-established in the Church’s calendar of activities. We have already trained over a hundred priests and many more Extraordinary Form Masses are being offered around the country due to our training activities”.

Scottish Pro-Lifers On Television

Two Scottish Pro-Lifers will be on EWTN (sky 589 or online) on Friday 11th February at 5.30pm. Margaret Cuthill of British Victims of Abortion, now renamed Abortion Recovery Care and Helpline ARCH will appear alongside a young SPUC activist.

Prayer & Fasting 4 Life

Once a month the Good Counsel Network has a National Day of Prayer & Fasting for Life. As the unseen mass slaughter of abortion and euthanasia goes on around us day in day out, it is easy to become a bit laid back about the evils of this world. But not so this month, the Fast Day is Thursday 10th February, Vigil of the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. MP Chris Bryant’s private member’s bill to make sex and relationships education (SRE) compulsory in all schools is due for second reading this Friday, 11th February.

We also have the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists launching a consultation on their proposed guidelines for the care of women requesting induced abortion with a deadline of 18th February.

So please join Good Counsel each month in Prayer and Fasting for Life:
Fasting
Fast from all food except bread and water for the day
Or
Fast from a particular food or luxury, e.g. chocolate, alcohol, cigarettes, TV.
Fast from whatever you can given your state of health etc, but make sure it is something that involves a sacrifice to yourself.
Prayer
We are asking people to say a Rosary (or an extra Rosary if you say it daily already).
You could also offer an extra effort such as going to Mass (or an extra Mass) on the day, or going to Adoration. You can even pray before a closed tabernacle if Adoration is not available near you.

Contact your MP today re this Friday's sex ed bill

Chris Bryant’s private member’s bill to make sex and relationships education (SRE) compulsory in all schools is due for second reading this Friday, 11 February.

There is growing concern among parents about the practice of SRE – especially in primary schools - and the evidence of the damage is mounting. Research has shown the ineffectiveness of the typical UK approach to SRE, even when delivered to a very high standard by specially-trained presenters.

SPUC has produced a detailed briefing on the Bryant bill

Although the bill is unlikely to make further progress due to procedural reasons, if you know that your member of parliament (MP) is sympathetic to pro-life concerns, please contact him or her and ask them to be available to speak and vote against the bill. You can contact your MP via the SPUC website at http://www.spuc.org.uk/mps

Please remember to forward any replies you receive from MPs to SPUC HQ political@spuc.org.uk

I lifted the above from John Smeaton's blog. I would just add that Good Counsel have a National Day of Prayer & Fasting for Life on Thursday, so lets go.

Priestly Fraternity Of Saint Peter Seminary On Television

The Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter seminary will be on television on Tuesday 8th February. The 30 minute programme will be shown at 2am, 10.30am & 7.30pm on EWTN (sky 589 or online). It is called, To God Who Giveth Joy To My Youth; Life at Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary, Denton, Nebraska.

We will learn about the seminarians spiritual formation, liturgical life (Old Rite), education, work and recreation. Not to be missed. But if you do you can watch it here.

Photo of the then Cardinal Ratzinger after Mass with FSSP Easter 1990

Priest Vapourised At Papal Visit To Birmingham, England

The story starts in 2080 with an elderly Priest reminiscing about his youth, at a party to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of his Ordination.
A young boy of about 8 asks him, "So tell us Father when did you first think that you might have a calling to the Priesthood?"
"I didn't 'think', I knew, in one moment when I was about your age back in the Summer of 2010. Blessed Pope Benedict XVI had come to visit Scotland & England and I was asked to help serve at the big Papal Mass in Cofton Park. What a Mass, only Priests distributing Holy Communion, people kneeling to receive from the Holy Father. I could feel the importance of the Priesthood, I could see that the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament was...well....Real!
But the Grace filled moment when I KNEW that I was called by God to be a Priest, came when the Holy Father took off his Mitre and my role was to hold it."
At that point St Michael walked into the Television room in Heaven and stopped the DVD player, "With all due respect Almighty One, it does no good watching the what-should-have-been DVD over and over again". So God pushed the what really happened button and watched the young girl hold the Holy Fathers Mitre instead.

Ten Years Ago Today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, ten years ago today my wonderful, beautiful Wife married me at St James' Spanish Place. It is hard to believe that she said yes in the first place and even harder to believe that she showed up at the Church. Father Hugh Thwaites, who will be on EWTN (sky 589 or online http://www.ewtn.co.uk/) at 8pm 20th or 11am 23rd February, was the Priest. The Latin Mass Society served along with our nephew Conor & his friend Daniel. The choir was made up of Ferdi & Robert of the St Austin's Review. Gaelle & Johanna were quite young bridesmaids at the time so we will say very little about upside down flowers etc.

(My Wife is on the right of the photo)

Pro-Life Examination of Conscience

Questions to help me defend life more effectively?

Rev. Frank A. Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life

Am I fully convinced that every abortion, at every stage of pregnancy, is the destruction of an innocent human life, which has the same value as my life, my parents? lives, my children's lives? Do I foster and nourish this conviction by reflecting often on the tragic loss of life occurring daily around me? Do I ever allow myself the thought that someone else's abortion is "none of my business?" Do I sometimes think that I have "more important" things to do than to save innocent lives? Do I believe I am responsible for my preborn brothers and sisters and accountable to God for what I do to save them? Do I have the courage to remind myself of the horror of abortion by actually looking at the pictures of aborted babies?

Do I pray daily and explicitly for an end to abortion? Do I pray for the babies, the mothers, the abortionists, the legislators, the media, the clergy, and the whole pro-life movement? Do I fast or make other significant sacrifices for this cause? Or do I believe the fight against abortion can be easy and convenient? Am I too afraid of displeasing others, and do I think I need to be liked to be successful? Am I willing to undergo financial loss, ridicule, or other sacrifices, to save a child's life?

Do I see the link between abortion and other assaults on human life and dignity? Do I acknowledge that progress in any arena for the defense of life facilitates progress in all the other arenas?

Do I have faith that God is the Lord of Life? Do I believe the whole struggle is in His hands, and that He has already conquered evil, falsehood, and death? Do I trust Him? Do I ask His guidance? Do I keep my eyes on Him, or do I allow discouragement by focusing only on the problem and myself?

Am I learning more about abortion and about the pro-life movement? Do I read good pro-life books? Do I subscribe to at least one pro-life publication so that I can be well informed on the issue? Do I escape from taking action by thinking that prayer alone is enough? Am I developing all the talents God gave me so that I can use them to advance the Culture of Life?

Do I speak up in defense of life? Do I make full use of the opportunities I have, such as wearing pins or using bumper stickers or decals? Do I write letters to the paper or to legislators or to doctors? Or do I allow a lack of self-confidence to paralyze my activity? Do I only do what's comfortable, or do I try to discover what activities will be most effective? Do I gladly participate in projects that need to be done, even if I don't particularly want to? Do I try to come up with new ideas for pro-life work? Do I suggest these ideas to others?

Do I take proper care of myself, physically and spiritually, so that I can be more effective in my pro-life work? Do I rest when I need to?

Do I foster unity in the movement? Do I encourage my fellow pro-lifers? Are all of my efforts guided by charity? Do I allow unhealthy competition between pro-life persons or groups? Do I foster collaboration, without demanding uniformity? Do I follow the advice or direction of those who bear responsibility for pro-life projects or groups? Do I seek the advice and input of others in the movement, especially of those more experienced than I?

Do I try to grow in compassion for women who are tempted to have abortions or who have had them in the past? Do I try to understand their situation and learn more about their needs? Do I help women find alternatives to abortion? Do I inspire hope in women I know who have had abortions? Do I help them find forgiveness and healing? Do I foster charity in thought, word, and deed toward those who disagree with me, or who perform or promote abortion? Am I fully committed to non-violence in this struggle?

Am I ready from this day forward to be a better pro-lifer? Am I ready to launch out with new strength, generosity, and determination to bring an end to abortion, without counting the cost to myself? Am I grateful enough for the gift of life to work to give life to others? Do I thank God for the privilege of being part of the pro-life movement?