Savannah

I'm off to visit Savannah, GA soon.  I passed through there once at Christmastime ten years ago, but really didn't get to see much of the city.  I'm looking forward to being there again. 

The one thing I do remember about Savannah is the Cathedral.  It's one of the most stunning churches I've seen outside of Europe.  Of course, I happen to be a sucker for Gothic in church architecture, so *I* think it's beautiful.  (The Cathedral in Pittsburgh, PA is gorgeous, too, but that's for another time.)

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist -- Savannah, GA 

Take a look at that pipe organ.  Wouldn't that look *perfect* in St. Mary's choir loft?  I'm sure they'd notice if I tried to take it home with me, though. 

Virtual Tours of the Cathedral

Although there's no photo, this church has the most incredibly detailed nativity scene at Christmas.  Honestly, it's one of those arrangements that must take *days* to set up.  It's amazing.  Has anyone here seen it? 

...
I've been to Mass in a number of interesting places, and heard it said in a few different languages.  Even if I don't know exactly what's being spoken or sung, it's pretty easy to know just where we are in the Mass at all times.  It's always fun for me to see how different we can be, while at the same time, we're celebrating the same Mass.

One of the funniest (yes, funniest) Masses I've ever attended was in Puerto Rico.  It was pretty steamy there, and the church building itself actually had two sides open to the outside, in order to catch as many breezes as possible.  Now, this read as an open invitation to the neighborhood chickens.  They walked & clucked their way right through the aisles.  Nobody paid any attention.  I suppose if your church is missing a wall or two, then you get used to distractions pretty quickly. 

Then it began to rain, in that sudden and torrential way that it can rain in the tropics.  A dog came in out of the rain, and promptly shook himself off enthusiastically all over the people in the front pew.  Then... he noticed the chickens.  Believe it or not, Mass went on as usual, in spite of the chasing, barking, and squawking.  I had to bite my tongue to keep from giggling.  

What are some of the most beautiful (or unusual!) churches you've visited?  I'd love to hear about them.       

Art in a Catholic Home

I was told recently of a child’s classroom assignment, and thought that it bore repeating.  The child was instructed to walk through his home, and make an inventory of every religious item in every room.  The hoped-for result was that there would be something representative of the faith in every room in his house. 

I went through our own house after hearing about this, and was a bit nervous about the results.  I honestly wasn’t sure if we’d ‘measure up’ to what a Catholic home should be.  I was pleasantly relieved by our results, though – there’s either a cross, crucifix, or picture (ex. The Last Supper) in most every room in the house.  There’s nothing in our workout room, which isn’t so surprising, but I am surprised to find that we have no religious art in our family room.  Now that we’re aware of the omission, we’re on the lookout for the right item.  Bathrooms are (in my opinion, at least) exempt.  Otherwise, though, we really should have constant reminders of our faith life in our surroundings.  It’s surprising how far-reaching the influence of religious art can be.

I can think of only one religious item of décor that was in my parents’ house when I was a child.  It’s a small-ish sculpture by John Silk Deckard called Crucifixion/Resurrection, and I still adore it.  Most of the art in my parents’ house was of my mother’s choosing, and her tastes lean toward the modern, so it’s something that you might see at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, as opposed to the classical sculpture gallery at the Louvre.  To each his own.  It sits on top of my parents’ piano, and I always found it fascinating.  It’s a more-or-less traditional image of Jesus crucified, but the ‘cross’ is actually a duplicate of Christ himself, muscles straining and vibrantly alive, looking heavenward, all the while supporting his own lifeless body as an offering on his outstretched arms.  As a child, although I certainly didn’t have the vocabulary to explain why I thought it was wonderful, I knew that there was something very special about it.  It’s absurdly simple -- almost primitive in style, and yet very profound at the same time.  I remember staring at it for long periods, but being unable to bring myself to touch it.  I wasn't worthy.  For some reason, it spoke to me much more powerfully than any other artwork in our house. 

I don’t know if that sculpture was meaningful to me especially, or if it speaks to everyone who sees it.  I do know, however, that my then 8 year-old son seemed equally fascinated by it on our last visit to my parents’ house.  It reminds me that our children are in fact paying attention, and that makes me smile.  

The sculpture
     

Novena to the Holy Spirit - Days 8&9 (June 10 and 11)

EIGHTH DAY

(Friday, 7th Week of Easter)

Bend the stubborn heart and will, melt the frozen warm the chill. Guide the steps that go astray!

The Gift of Wisdom

Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of wisdom it is written "all good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands." It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, whilst the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness according to the words of the Saviour: "Take up thy cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light.

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them for ever. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 

Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

---

NINTH DAY

(Saturday, Vigil of Pentecost)

Thou, on those who evermore Thee confess and Thee Adore, in Thy sevenfold gift, Descend; Give Them Comfort when they die; Give them Life with Thee on high; Give them joys which never end. Amen

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit

The gifts of the Holy Spirit perfect the supernatural virtues by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to divine inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge and love of God under the direction of the Holy Spirit, our service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These Fruits in turn render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign.

Prayer

Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits, Thy charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness, and temperance, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Thy inspiration may merit to be united eternally with Thee in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts 

Pentecost Sunday - June 12, 2011

Happy Birthday, Church! 

Quick!  Can you name the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit?  You already have them.  They were a birthday gift from God the Holy Spirit. 

They are:  Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.    The Catholic Education Resource Center The Catholic Education Resource Center   has a very thorough explanation of the gifts, along with their corresponding Seven Virtues.  The simplest explanation in my opinion, though, remains the Baltimore Catechism.  Officially, these are listed in reverse order, but I want to keep things simple. 

1) Wisdom - gives us a desire for the things of God, and to direct our whole life and all our actions to His honor and glory.  

2) Understanding - enables us to know more clearly the mysteries of faith.

3) Counsel - warns of the deceits of the devil, and of the dangers to salvation.

4) Fortitude - strengthens us to do the will of God in all things.

5) Knowledge - enables us to discover the will of God in all things.

6) Piety - makes us love God as a Father, and obey Him because we love Him.

7) Fear of the Lord - fills us with a dread of sin. 

Because the feast of Pentecost was once traditionally the day to observe the sacrament of Confirmation, it was also known as White Sunday (Whitsunday or Whitsun), as a nod to the white garments worn by the newly confirmed.  Today, we as a church are more likely to wear the color red, to represent the fire of the Holy Spirit alive in our hearts.      

Don’t just celebrate this major feast at church, though.  Start a new tradition at home.  The three symbols of Pentecost are fire, wind, and a dove.  You could use a red tablecloth at dinner, or cook with fire (on the grill), or just treat yourself to some Dove brand chocolates.  A cake would be appropriate, as it’s the birthday of the church.  How about a red velvet cake?  For a healthier twist, you could make a fruit salad using 7 fruits (or 12, for the apostles).  There are no rules, and plenty of opportunity for some creativity in the kitchen.   The Catholic Cuisine blog has some very nice ideas for celebrating Pentecost at your table, including a beautiful cake with seven flames representing those gifts of the Holy Spirit which we all share.

If you have small children, here is a nice pattern for making pinwheels.  Use red construction paper (of course!), and decorate them with drawings or stickers of flames or doves.  Children can then make their own “strong, driving wind” to celebrate Pentecost. 

Novena to the Holy Spirit - Days 6&7 (June 8 and 9)

SIXTH DAY

(Wednesday, 7th Week of Easter)

If Thou take Thy grace away, nothing pure in man will stay, All his good is turn'd to ill.

The Gift of Understanding

Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Spirit, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion. By faith we know them, but by Understanding we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths and through them to be quickened to newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive, but inspires a mode of life that bears eloquent testimony to the faith that is in us; we begin to "walk worthy of God in all things pleasing, and increasing in the knowledge of God."

 Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the eternal light in Thy Light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 

Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

---

SEVENTH DAY

(Thursday, 7th Week of Easter)

Heal our wounds--our strength renews; On our dryness pour Thy dew, Wash the stains of guilt away.

The Gift of Counsel

 The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding to the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public servants, and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation. "Above all these things, pray to the Most High, that He may direct thy way in truth."

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of Thy commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.

Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 

Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts 

 

Novena to the Holy Spirit - Days 4&5 (June 6 and 7)

FOURTH DAY

(Monday, 7th Week of Easter)

Thou in toil art comfort sweet, Pleasant coolness in the heat, solace in the midst of woe.

The Gift of Fortitude

The Gift of Fortitude By the gift of Fortitude the soul is strengthened against natural fear, and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will an impulse and energy which move it to under take without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample under foot human respect, and to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. "He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved."

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 

Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit

---

FIFTH DAY

(Tuesday, 7th Week of Easter)

Light immortal! Light Divine! Visit Thou these hearts of Thine, And our inmost being fill!

The Gift of Knowledge

The gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their true worth--in their relation to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretense of creatures, reveals their emptiness, and points out their only true purpose as instruments in the service of God. It shows us the loving care of God even in adversity, and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of life. Guided by its light, we put first things first, and prize the friendship of God beyond all else. "Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesseth it."

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize their vanity and use them only for Thy glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond them to Thee, and Thy eternal rewards. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 

Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Novena to the Holy Spirit - Days 2&3 (June 4 and 5)

SECOND DAY (Saturday, 6th Week of Easter) Come. Father of the poor. Come, treasures which endure; Come, Light of all that live! The Gift of Fear The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God, and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God. "They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in His sight will sanctify their souls." Prayer Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set you, my Lord and God, before my face forever, help me to shun all things that can offend You, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Your Divine Majesty in heaven, where You live and reign in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God world without end. Amen. Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.  Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts THIRD DAY (7th Sunday of Easter) Thou, of all consolers best, Visiting the troubled breast, Dost refreshing peace bestow. The Gift of Piety The gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect for His sake persons and things consecrated to Him, as well as those who are vested with His authority, His Blessed Mother and the Saints, the Church and its visible Head, our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers. He who is filled with the gift of Piety finds the practice of his religion, not a burdensome duty, but a delightful service. Where there is love, there is no labor. Prayer Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God, that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His sake lovingly submit to all legitimate authority. Amen. Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.  Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Novena to the Holy Spirit - Day 1 (Friday, 6/3)

From EWTN:

The novena in honor of the Holy Spirit is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian.

FIRST DAY
(Friday, 6th Week of Easter)

Holy Spirit! Lord of Light! From Your clear celestial height, Your pure beaming radiance give!

The Holy Spirit

Only one thing is important -- eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared--sin? Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness, and indifference The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Light, of Strength, and of Love. With His sevenfold gifts He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will, and inflames the heart with love of God. To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for "The Spirit helpeth our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit Himself asketh for us."

Prayer

Almighty and eternal God, Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Spirit, and hast given us forgiveness all sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us your sevenfold Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 

Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit, Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Feast of the Ascension - June 2, 2011

Feast of the Ascension

Thursday, June 2

From http://www.fisheaters.com

It is traditional to eat some sort of bird on this day, in honor of Christ Who "flew" to Heaven. If you live in a hilly or mountainous area, climbing the hills in commemoration of Jesus and the Apostles' climbing the Mt. of Olives, whence Jesus ascended to Heaven, is customary. Putting the two together, a picnic that includes some sort of bird and eaten on a hill or mountain would be a perfect way to spend the day.

...

Something wonderful happens in Italy on the Feast of the Ascension and the days following: in Venice, there is a clock tower in the Piazza San Marco. This marvelous clock, made in A.D. 1499 (and recently restored) indicates not only the minutes and hours, but the days, months, Zodiacal signs, and phases of the Moon as well. At the top of the tower are two large figures known as the Moors ("Mori"), who signal the hour by striking a large bell. Underneath them is a large, golden lion -- the symbol of St. Mark, patron of Venice. Underneath this is a niche which holds a figure of Our Lady and her Son.  Twice a year -- on the Feast of the Epiphany and during the festivities surrounding the Ascension (known as "la Festa della Sensa" in Venice) -- doors on either side of Our Lady open up, and out come the three Magi, led by an angel. The angel and Kings make their way around Our Lady and Jesus, the angel regaling them with his trumpet, and the Kings bowing and removing their crowns.

Watch a video of the procession Here.

 

Photo from Cabinet of Wonders blog

Venice has a fascinating history (every hear the story about how St. Mark's relics ended up there?).  Given its location, the Venetians have some beautiful old traditions that you don't see anywhere else in Italy. 

 

Go here to read about the traditional 'Marriage to the Sea' which occurs annually on the Feast of the Ascension.