Spiritual Mothers of Priests

Apologies, explanations and future plans

2011-10-17T15:03:00.000+02:00

Over past months and particularly since August this year, I have found it impossible to maintain this blog at the level warranted by its subject matter. I apologise for this and beg your understanding and forgiveness. Please be assured that I have not neglected the prayer life of a spiritual mother and have no intention of doing so. Also, a fair amount of private correspondence has resulted from the original initiative and that cannot be neglected.

In an attempt to improve matters and make it easier for me to post more frequent items of relevance to Spiritual Mothers and their friends, I have decided to record such items as part of my other blog, Thoughts from a Catholic Oasis - see here Such posts will usually appear under 'Spiritual Mothers' Community Room News' starting at number 1 and continuing in due numerical order. I've just finished a week's break from blogging and will be back on the Oasis later today.

This blog will remain as it is so that its links will still be available. As time allows I'll duplicate these links in the Oasis right hand sidebar.

God bless all here.

Novena for the Church In Ireland begins today

2011-08-07T12:40:00.000+02:00

For explanation and text see Protect the Pope

2011-07-21T20:39:00.000+02:00

Father Mark and his little but growing monastic community in Tulsa OK are desperately in need of a new and more secure home. He has asked us to beg for the intercession of Saint Vincent de Paul. (See Vultus Christi)

St. Vincent we beg your prayers for all Benedictines, but particularly at this time for Father Prior Mark Kirby and his fledgling community at the Monastery of Our Lady of the Cenacle in Tulsa..

Protect the Seal of Confession

2011-07-21T20:16:00.000+02:00

Clicking the purple stole at top of right sidebar will take you to the Irish Saint Genisius blog. There is voiced Irish anguish that their hierarchy has as yet said nothing about the Irish governement's threat to the Seal of Confession. Please do everything you can to support any effort to get them to fight and to speak out.

Congregation for Clergy: The Priest, Minister of Divine Mercy

2011-07-04T11:28:00.000+02:00

The Congregation has published this new aid for Confessors and Spiritual Directors. See here, and press 'read more' for the whole document.

ZENIT - Georg Ratzinger Also Marks 60th Anniversary

2011-07-02T20:28:00.003+02:00

ZENIT - Georg Ratzinger Also Marks 60th Anniversary

This is a poignant interview and one that could be easily overlooked. I love the revelation about the brothers' nick-names their seminary class. How appropriate they turned out to be. Ad multos annos to both 'Bucher-Ratz' (book-lover-Ratz) and 'Orgel-Ratz (music-lover-Ratz).

News from Birmingham, England

2011-07-02T20:21:00.000+02:00

A friend from Birmingham has let me know (at least I think she's in Birmingham) that her parish is about to have a priestly ordination, the second in three years. She also told me that the seminarians, must be Oscott if she's in Birmingham, are very appreciative of all the prayers that we offer in their support. It's great to have this feedback, and I share it with you in great happiness.It is still less than a year since they were visited by the Holy Father. How stirring that must have been for them, They were the last people he saw on his trip to the UK last September and the occasion must have given him great joy and hope for the future..

Our dear HSD Fr Mark Kirby speaks this evening at Adoratio 2011 in Rome

2011-06-20T11:37:00.003+02:00

This is most probably an unnecessary reminder, but in case anyone has forgotten, Fr Mark will speak tonight on 'Eucharistic Spirituality' at 6pm (i.e 5pm UK time). I'm hoping that the full text will be published on the Adoratio site. Please see the same site for full programme of speakers. I'm sure you will all want to join in the sending of the following message:

Dear Father Mark,
Our love and prayers always, but particularly for the success of your talk tonight, and for that of the entire Conference.
from the friends, followers and author of 'Spiritual Mothers of Priests'.

Horse drawn carriages bring miniature Bavarian churches to the Vatican

2011-06-13T21:25:00.000+02:00

Horse drawn carriages bring miniature Bavarian churches to the Vatican

Fr. Mark Daniel Kirby The Chant Café

2011-06-13T12:26:00.000+02:00

Fr. Mark Daniel Kirby The Chant Café

Our dear Fr Mark will be speaking at the Adoratio 20011 Conference in Rome on June 20th. For more details and a full list of speakers see here http://www.adoratio2011.com/

ZENIT - 7 Priests for Ordinariate; a Parish in USA

2011-06-13T09:54:00.001+02:00

ZENIT - 7 Priests for Ordinariate; a Parish in USA

Hopes for the US Ordinariate

2011-06-13T09:51:00.002+02:00

Pope Benedict's prayer intention for June: Pray for priests

2011-05-31T18:38:00.000+02:00

General Intention:
'that priests, united to the Heart of Christ, may always be true witnesses to the caring and merciful love of God.'

Missionary Intention: 'that the Holy Spirit may bring forth from our communities many missionaries who are ready to be fully consecrated to the spreading of the Kingdom Of God.'

ZENIT - Prayer to Mark Pope's Priestly Anniversary

2011-05-29T09:36:00.000+02:00

ZENIT - Prayer to Mark Pope's Priestly Anniversary

Congregation for Clergy calls us to special prayer.

Priests and Alcohol

2011-05-29T09:32:00.000+02:00

Please see important and instructive information at this interesting post by Shadowlands on the new group blog 'the Guild of Blessed Titus Brandsma'..

ZENIT - Priest Reflects on Old Liturgy in Church's Future

2011-05-17T08:53:00.000+02:00

ZENIT - Priest Reflects on Old Liturgy in Church's Future

Pope's long-term plan for the Liturgy

2011-05-17T08:51:00.000+02:00

Trend shows younger men becoming priests (In U.S.)

2011-05-07T12:48:00.003+02:00

See Zenit report here

Home from Rome

2011-05-05T18:01:00.000+02:00

Dear Spiritual Mothers, Followers and friends,

My first post-Vatican Blogmeet report is now up on my Oasis site. There will be two more over the weekend and a thrid one devoted to photos as soon as possible.

Thank you for your support in prayer.

God bless
J

Last post before departure for Rome

2011-04-29T22:10:00.000+02:00

Please see Oasis blog for this latest communication.

Father Mark Kirby has sent his loving blessing on my pilgrimage to Rome. I am taking you all with me, and so I'm sure that his blessing is for you too.

J

Rome update

2011-04-26T20:23:00.000+02:00

Dear Spiritual Mothers, Followers and Friends,

The main arrangements are all made but now am trying to fix meetings with other Anglophone bloggers who will be going. D.V., I intend to publish final arrangements and plans on Friday evening.These will appear on my Oasis blog. and there will be an email address for you to message me whilst I'm in Rome. If anyone can do that, it will encourage my strength and determination and remind me that I'm not alone. So please check me out on Friday.

I tried to fax Cardinal Piacenza today (too late to write), to let him know that 'we' would be at the PCCS bloggers' meeting on May 2. I wanted to promise him, after his kind letter to me in September last, that if the opportunity presents itself at the meeting, I will do everything I can to raise the profile of Spiritual Motherhood, in its various forms.The fax would not transmit. The Dicastery is probably closed for Easter and the Beatification, but I will keep trying.

Please pray for me. Never having been to Rome before, I am very nervous!

Until Friday then, God bless you all.

Have a peaceful and blessed Eastertide,

Jane

Improperia Maiora - Popule meus

2011-04-22T16:25:00.000+02:00

Next Post: Improperia from the Good Friday Liturgy

2011-04-22T16:23:00.000+02:00

"Spiritual Mothers of Priests" going to Rome Blogmeet May 2nd

2011-04-22T11:19:00.000+02:00

Dear Spiritual Mothers, Friends and Followers,

Sorry not to have posted for a while. Yes, I'm Number 56 on the list of 150 bloggers invited to the meeting in Rome and have been busy for the last six days trying to make the arrangements - not easy at such short notice and with my own financial limitations! I'm convinced that my Guardian Angel has smoothed the way for me and will take care of me on the trip - very necessary because I'm travelling on my own. Now everything is booked, I still can't really believe that I'm about to go to Rome for the first time in my life. My age (67), dictated that I make every effort to take advantage of this amazing opportunity, whch is almost certainly a never-to-be-repeated one..

There are more details about this on my other blog 'Thoughts from an Oasis.....'. This is the blog that appears on the official list, but I want to assure you that I listed THIS blog on my application and so in a way you are all going with me! Cardinal Piacenza knows about us, and if you remember expressed his gratitude in a letter to me sometime ago. I'll drop him a line in the hope that it may be possible to meet him, or one of his Secretaries , during my 4 day stay in Rome. Nothing ventured nothing gained! In case I do have the chance, and you have any suggested topics you would like me to raise with him, please put them in the combox of this post..

I don't know whether I'll be able to blogpost from Rome, but if not, will report as soon as possible after I get home on May 4. I may post again before leaving on April 30.

Thanks be to God and to my Guardian Angel. Please pray for me.

In Christo pro Papa,
Jane

News of Father George Byers, Father of Mercy

2011-04-04T10:14:00.004+02:00

Many thanks to Mulier Fortis for news of Father's whereabouts and a link to his new blog - http://holysoulshermitage.wordpress.com I'm sure many of you will remember Father George's blog from Lourdes when he was a chaplain there. The blog was closed when he returned to the USA. I'm sure that like me you will joyfully applaud the new focus of his priestly vocation and will wish to support him through prayer and/or donations. Permanent link in sidebar here.

Benedict XVI uses St. Alphonsus Liguori as example to inspire priests

2011-03-30T18:47:00.002+02:00

At today's General Audience

2011-03-30T18:39:00.001+02:00

Prefect promotes Adoration for Vocations and Holy Clergy

2011-03-18T14:29:00.003+01:00

Cardinal Piacenza says every diocese needs a chapel devoted to these intentions.
If your diocese has one, please let the Cardinal have some feedback!
For Zenit report on his recent statement please see here.

Full text of Pope's address to Seminarians; Cardinal Prefect writes to priests before Lent

2011-03-08T18:56:00.003+01:00

For full text of Pope Benedict's Lectio Divina to Roman seminarians see here

For news of Cardinal Piacenza's letter see here

Pontiff recommends mentors for young priests ...

2011-03-04T12:57:00.003+01:00

....and urges Clergy tokeep pursuing Lost Sheep

See Zenit report here

Sister Briege McKenna and the Priesthood

2011-02-28T21:22:00.003+01:00

Please see the excellent blog 'All the Little Epsilons', for more details. You will be inspired.

Pope urges entire Church to pray for Vocations

2011-02-11T16:39:00.007+01:00

See Zenit report here ; link to full text at foot of Zenit item.

Have a blessed and happy feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Pope sets doves free for world peace

2011-01-31T20:28:00.003+01:00

Click for Rome Reports video clipPope sets doves free for world peace

I like Rome Reports, but their commentaries sometimes leave a lot to be desired in the accuracy department. If you are slapdash in the small things, why should you be trusted in the large ones?
This clip is a case in point. Since when have two doves been designated as a flock? As far as I know only two doves are released whilst the Pope is at his window. In any case he only releases the first dove, and the charm of this particular occasion, was that the second dove twice flew back into the Holy Father's study, mainly because the young boy who tried to project it into the air, couldn't get the right angle to ensure its flight. Only the second dove twice did a u-turn, the first bird having been deftly released by Pope Benedict. He can hardly have been too surprised by the second dove's behaviour because exactly the same thing happened last year. As it was this year, the second bird nearly landed on the Pontiff's head!
The metaphor about peace which the commentary transmits, is perhaps justifiable, but no more so than the one I prefer. Namely, the dove is symbolic above all of the Holy Spirit. Last year a friend and I agreed that it was as if the Dove didn't want to leave the Successor of Peter, a symbol of the presence of the Holy Spirit with our Holy Father. That would have given a hopeful balance to the commentary.

Cardinal Piacenza: Priestly Celibacy Congress in Ars, France

2011-01-28T12:25:00.004+01:00

The Congress ended Wednesday. Today Zenit has two items reporting the Cardinal's contribution here and here. Both reports have link to the full text of his address.

The Holy Face, Manoppello - Paul Badde's new book

2011-01-05T11:59:00.008+01:00

'The Face of God' by Paul Badde has just been published by Ignatius Press. Father Mark has a related post at 'Vultus Christi'

Alma redemptoris mater - Peter Philips (1561 - 1628) from Cantiones Sacr...

2011-01-01T12:41:00.002+01:00

With my prayers for all Priests and their spiritual mothers. Have a happy and blessed Solemnity and peaceful New Year.

Cardinal Piacenza: Christmas Message for Priests

2010-12-26T12:28:00.003+01:00

Zenit has an article about this here.

The Holy Father entrusts all priests to St. Joseph

2010-12-20T22:13:00.011+01:00

For the report and link to the Holy Father's full text see today's Zenit listings. For Father Mark Kirby's reaction, see the December 19 entry on his Vultus Christi blog. 'Prayer to St. Joseph for Priests'.
More news of Father Mark, on my Oasis blog tomorrow.

Cardinal Piacenza affirms solidarity with the Pope in his care for priests

2010-12-08T11:37:00.003+01:00

For report and video please see Rome Reports

Twin brothers celebrate 100 years of priesthood

2010-12-08T11:23:00.003+01:00

For an interview with the two brothers please see here.

Adventus, POPULUS SION, Giovanni Vianini, Canto Gregoriano

2010-12-05T16:12:00.000+01:00

Encourage Priests (new link)

2010-12-05T15:42:00.004+01:00

For various reasons I missed the launch of this site during the Year for Priests. I'm sure most of you have found it by now but it is good to have a link here, and as soon as possible, a permanent link in the sidebar.

Christmas tree arrives at St. Peter's Square

2010-12-03T21:17:00.000+01:00

Pope: nascent life threatened by adults' selfishness

2010-11-28T18:50:00.000+01:00

Advent Meditation

2010-11-28T15:26:00.000+01:00

Advent hope and prayers

2010-11-28T15:17:00.001+01:00

A blessed and fruitful Advent to all Spiritual mothers and friends

Prayer Request for a priest in crisis

2010-11-14T16:48:00.006+01:00

Spiritual Mothers of Priests and friends, please pray for Father RT. who will, during the coming

week, be sentenced in PA for the offence of storing pornography on his computer There seems to have been no evidence that he has ever been an active abuser, nor have there been any reports (to my knowledge) that anyone has come forward to accuse him of sexual abuse. I think we can therefore pray for a light sentence and that the priest will reform. He has been in a treatment centre since his case broke earlier this year. I know about all this because it came as the most terrible shock to a very dear spiritual sister of mine, to whom Fr T. had in the past, been a trusted spiritual mentor and friend. She has been devastated by the revelation but prays for him without ceasing. Please pray for her too, and for anyone else who is going through a similar agony, connected with Fr T or with other priests.

Los jóvenes acogen a Benedicto XVI en la catedral de Barcelona

2010-11-09T18:02:00.000+01:00

Five priests concelebrate Mass in Saint Romain

2010-11-08T20:47:00.003+01:00

For full report see my other blog 'Thoughts from an Oasis in French Catholicism"

Video 'Priesthood, men with a mission' makes call to change the world

2010-11-07T18:49:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow morning: a wonderful surprise

2010-11-07T16:38:00.003+01:00

Regular readers will know that I live in an isolated country district in south west France, and am taken to Sunday Mass, twice a month at the most. Mass is rarely celebrated in our village church just across the road, although, on my request the Blessed Sacrament has been reserved there since Palm Sunday this year and I'm therefore able to visit the Lord twice a day, and it is our job to open the church in the mornings and lock up again in the evenings.

This afternoon I was telephoned by our priest who looks after 24 parishes including ours. He is resident in a town about 20kms from here but has a priest friend staying at the moment and the two of them want to say their Office in our church tomorrow morning, after which the visitor will say Mass. Pere Marchand assured me that I'd be welcome to attend. Could I be certain to open the church by 8am. No problem there, as my husband is normally on key duty by that time in any case. So, an early start tomorrow.

I cannot be certain, but it must be at least 30 years since a priest recited his Office in the church, let alone two on the same occasion.

Office and early morning Mass on an ordinary weekday. I am quite overwhelmed!

Deo gratias.

A bit of a grim week.

2010-10-31T17:00:00.003+01:00

Please see my latest post at Thoughts from an Oasis in French Catholicism. Sorry not to repeat it here but have broken my glasses and life is VERY frustrating at the moment!

Not as good a week as last, but it could have been worse

2010-10-24T21:50:00.003+02:00

After all a new seminary is to open in Washington DC. And the Holy Father announced at his Wednesday Audience that Archbishops Burke and Piacenza will be made cardinals at the Consistory on November 20. And there was also Pope Benedict's letter to Seminarians.

Nevertheless I thought His Holiness seemed rather 'low' during the Mass for the closure of the Middle Eastern Synod. Then at the Angelus someone unseen giving the responses behind him sounded to be suffering from a heavy cold (Monsignor G?) Please join me in praying that the sufferer recovers, but most importantly that the Holy Father doesn't catch it.

The new Prefect.

2010-10-17T21:32:00.003+02:00

I am late with this I know, but want to record my feliciatations and personal happiness at Archbishop Piacenza's elevation to the Prefecture of the Congregation for Clergy.

Ad multos annos Excellency, and with constant prayer.

In Christo pro Papa

Decisions and Regrets

2010-10-12T15:47:00.003+02:00

Our recent decision to sell our house and buy a smaller one is going to involve the expenditure of much time. Anyone who has down-sized in this way will know that it's something of a military campaign! Rather daunting when there are only two in the army! At least for the next few months I'll only be able to post here once a week, usually on Saturday or Sunday. Please pray for us.

God bless all priests, and their spiritual mothers and friends of this blog.

In Christo pro Papa
J

Novena to Blessed John Henry Newman begins tomorrow

2010-09-30T16:17:00.010+02:00

For details please see http://thoughtsfromoasisinfrenchcatholicism.blogspot.com/ This link will lead you to the Novena each day as it progresses.

God bless you all.

Fifth Annual Fast Day for Priests on Saturday October 23rd

2010-09-29T14:27:00.005+02:00

More information will be emailed to you if you contact Anna Rae-Kelly at:

admin@annaprae.com

or Denis Kyabaggu at:

denisvegas2003@yahoo.com

The information includes a pdf printable sheet, ideal for copying and putting at the back of your church. The 'fast' does not have to be from food or drink , but from TV, speech, cigarettes etc.

Do please consider contributing to this offering to Our Lady for her sons.

Letter from Rome about the Litany of Loreto received on the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows

2010-09-24T20:34:00.004+02:00

Please forgive silence for so long. For an English-woman the build-up to, and experience of, the Holy Father's visit to UK has been indescribable. I am still not properly down to earth, if indeed I ever will be. On the eve of the Visit I received a letter about my original letter to the Pope, from Archbishop Piacenza at the Congregation for Clergy. The full text of the letter is here on the Oasis blog. I will post more about it here soon, but want all Spiritual Mothers, friends and followers to know that I mentioned you all in my letter to the Holy Father, so the Archbishop's reference to Spiritual Motherhood in his letter, apply to you as well as to me. His Dicastery knows about what we all strive to do and how many there are of us.

God bless

J

Crux fidelis

2010-09-14T16:31:00.000+02:00

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

2010-09-14T16:30:00.001+02:00

British ambassador says criticism of the pope's visit is not widespread

2010-09-09T17:48:00.000+02:00

British ambassador says criticism of the pope's visit is not widespread

Pope: “Sincere spirit of penance to combat clerical abuses”

2010-09-08T22:09:00.000+02:00

Pope: “Sincere spirit of penance to combat clerical abuses”

Pope Benedict on Hildegarde of Bingen (today's audience) coming next)

2010-09-08T22:06:00.001+02:00

The Pope speaks of his doubts in the message calling for WYD Madrid 2011

2010-09-03T20:58:00.000+02:00

Computer returned today: Something to be going on with from the Pope - coming next

2010-09-03T20:51:00.003+02:00

Benedict XVI to publish book in which he is interviewed by German journa...

2010-08-31T19:14:00.000+02:00

Saint Augustine's Day

2010-08-28T11:43:00.003+02:00

Have a holy and happy day everyone.

Barring emergencies no posts here until the computer has been 'treated' - early next week I hope.

Father Mark at Vultus Christi has a wonderful post for today entitled "I went astray and still I remembered Thee"

Lourdes Reopens After Bomb Scare

2010-08-16T17:49:00.000+02:00

Bomb scare in Lourdes, no-one hurt; no more posts here until next Monday evening;

2010-08-16T17:35:00.003+02:00

For report on bomb scare see the Oasis

Terrible computer problems which I hope will be fixed next Monday afternoon. No further posts here until after that.

Married priests in the first centuries practiced celibacy

2010-08-15T13:11:00.000+02:00

The Link between Our Lady and the Priesthood

2010-08-15T12:49:00.003+02:00

Our Holy Father catechised on this at his General Audience on August 12 last year.. The full text can be found at the Vatican website. Click on the image of Benedict XVI to reach the General Audience page and then scroll to correct date.

Have a happy and blessed Solemnity everyone.

Next post, a video in support of priestly celibacy, to follow almost immediately.

500th Anniversary - Papal Swiss Guards - 2 of 3

2010-08-08T10:48:00.003+02:00

After the Angelus, Pope Benedict thanks the assembled Swiss Guard and gives them his Apostolic blessing.

Vaticano - Italy

2010-08-07T21:31:00.003+02:00

Members of the new contingent take the solemn oath that should it be necessary they will lay down their lives in defence of the Pope.

Next video tomorrow monning: The newly sworn-in members of the Guard meet Benedict XVI with their parents and other close family members.

The Swiss Guard and Vocations: Part 3

2010-08-07T15:39:00.008+02:00

Fr. de Raemy gives some explanations and answers :

Does living in the Vatican strengthen or weaken a vocation?
Father answered with a smile:
" Of course, seeing so many priests lessens your interest in becoming a priest, but it may also inspire a young man to seek out his vocational path...A person who is already asking himself if he has a vocation is not frightened. On the contrary, sometimes it happens that a young man arrives here without deep faith, wishing just to make an experience of life, and he discovers something he did not expect....."

Even though the Guards accept the religious dimension, the retreats and the Sunday Mass, and of course the very serious oath they take, they do not all arrive in Rome with a strong faith.
Fr. de Raemy describes the mix:
"Each one is surprised by the other one. The convinced one is surprised to meet someone who is less convinced, and the less convinced is afraid of the one he finds too convinced."

And then on the subject of the annual Lenten Retreat:
"Some of the Guards would like to do it in a much deeper way. One of the recruits, a quite convinced young man who lived for two years in a community in Switzerland but now asks himself if he is not more fit for marriage, came here to have the time to decide, and told me that for him it was difficult to combine his desire to give space for prayer with group solidarity. Many in the group just wanted to meet and chat."

What does Fr de Raemy do of he notices that one of the Guards is thinking of the priesthood?
"It depends on the individual case. Some perhaps say nothing and consider it a secret to keep, and do not want to be influenced. Others may talk openly about it, but they do not always ask me for specific help. But most of all, they have many questions about the faith. I can tell you about one in particular. When I arrived he contacted me immediately and wanted to talk. He had a project for his professional formation after the service, and talked to me at least once a week. I realised that he truly was a true searcher for God, a monk, that he wanted to know why he was in the world, the meaning of the world, he wanted to find the purity of the relationship to God. A transparent person, I never met any other young man like him. I told him you are made for the monastery. He went for two months to a monastery in Switzerkand, and now he is a novice and he is happy."

Here is a link to an interview with a Swiss Guard which I found on the Net quite independently of the ITA article, acknowledged at the beginning of this series of posts. At the time of the article's going to press there were in the Guard: one candidate for the priesthood, plus one in process of discernment, and two others who are open to discussing a religious vocation. "It is a good percentage," says Fr de Raemy. "Compared to the difficult situation in Switzerland, this is the group which produces the most vocations."

Aside from telling me more about the Swiss Guard themselves, I valued this article because it shows, without that particular intention, how important and complex is the calling of Chaplain to these young men.

God bless the Swiss Guard and their chaplain. Our Lady of Good Counsel, pray for them.

(I hope that Videos of the Guard will follow in the next two posts.)

2 says

The Swiss Guard and Vocations Part 2

2010-08-06T11:42:00.006+02:00

Fr de Raemy:

Before his arrival in the Vatican in September 2006, Fr de Raemy had studied in Rome at the Angelicum and Gregorian Universites and had done pastoral work as a Parish Priest. He had of course also done his Swiss military service. In the Guard he holds the rank of colonel but his strong commitment to young people makes him, as chaplain to the Guards, sensituve to the problemsof the young men in his spiritual care. In some cases they have left Switzerland for the first time.

Swiss Catholicism:

Fr de Raemy is very honest on this subject and one senses the great care with which he chose his words: 'In Switzerland there are problems in the formation of priests, especially in German-speaking Switzerland..........for this reason, many study in other countries, and it is a pity because there is the risk that our dioceses lose their vocations................In Switzerland there is a stong tension between the traditionalists and those who are closer to the Protestant world and see the priest simply as an expert on theology. The parish priests are NOT chosen by the bishops but by a council of laymen, who do NOY have to be practising Catholics. (my caps.) Sone are faithful and loyal to Rome, others less. For this reason, when these young men come to Rome, they can learn the correct balance.'
(And one of our English Bishops has said that he feels emasculated by Summorum Pontificum!!!!)
Fr de Rsemy says that the best occasion to impart a little catechesis, and to understand the spirituality of the Guards, is during their first weeks in Rome. 'I propose to them to visit the tomb of St. Peter to understand why we are right here, and not 20 miles away.'

Spiritual and Pastoral activity of members of the Guard:

There is a retreat each Lent and an annual pilgrimage to Lourdes in May and the Guards have the opportunity to express religious commitment through various missionary and devotional activities. 'Each year they collect funds through sales and auctions for a specific project, and some of them go personally to bring the funds to the chosen missions. Others organise pilgrimagestogether with the chaplain to Italian sanctuaries........others attend nearby parishes or the youth centre of San Lorenzo a few yards from St. Peter's, of join Roman youth in Eucharistic Adoration in the church of Sant'Agnes in Piazza Novona on Thursday evenings.'

Tomorrow I'll devote a Part 3 to Fr de Raemy's answers to questions about individual attitudes to faith and vocation amongst the Guard.

The Swiss Guard and Vocations: Part I

2010-08-05T17:42:00.007+02:00

The information in this post (and Part II to follow) appeared in an aricle by Andrea Aambragetti in Inside the Vatican magazine ((December 2008)

The Pontifical Swiss Guard corps was 504 years old this year. New recruits are sworn in each year at a ceremony which takes place on May 6, commemorating the date in 1527, when twenty-one years after the foundation of the Guard, 147 Swiss soldiers died defending the Pope during an attack on Rome. Today the Corps numbers 100 young Swiss men , who are all Catholics, have done their military service and have no troubles with the law'.

'THERE ARE NOT MANY, JUST ONE OR TWO EACH YEAR, BUT THANKS TO THEM, THE PONTIFICAL SWISS GUARD HAS THE HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF VOCATIONS OF ANY GROUP IN ALL OF SWITZERLAND.' (my caps.)

In 2008 one of them was studying Theology at the Austrian Monastery of Heiligenkreutz, and when the Holy father visited the monastery in 2007, the young guard was allowed to wear his uniform outside the Vatican. When on duty in Rome he 'serves as a deacon in important celebrations in the Pontifical Parish of Sant'Anna in the Vatican'.

'The Pope himself, during the celebration of the Guard's fifth centenary, said that service in the Swiss Guard may be a chance for greater commitment to the Church for these young men.

The ITV article is based around an interview with the chaplain of the Guard, Alain de Raemy (more of whose background and ministry in Part II). But beyond the few guards who aspire to the priesthood or consecrated life, Fr. de Raemy speaks powerfully of the value of service in the Swiss Guard, particularly since often young Swiss people see only a negative image of the life of the Church: 'Here, we have a unique opportuniy to see the vitality of the Universal Church. Some say they are surprised to see so many people, and especially young people, at the Pope's audiences..............One of them who recently went back to Switzerland after three years, told me that he now has new inner strength to answer when people criticize the pope or the Vatican. He says he is now able to answer with courage and conviction.'

Fr. de Raemy sees the three year stint of Swiss Guard service as a vocation in itself and preached as follows during the 2007 ceremony for the oath of new recruits: 'To sacrifice your life does not only mean to die, but also to offer your time and energy day after day for the Vicar of Christ, for the Church: this is a true vocation!'

In Part II more about Fr de Raemy as promised, about religious vocations amongst the Guard and some interesting facts about Swiss Catholicism.

Celibate Vocation; Paedophilia a worldwide issue; priest found dead in Mexico

2010-07-31T14:53:00.005+02:00

Yesterday's link to Catholic Culture behaved badly so to reach these two interesting articles on renewal in celibacy and media treatment of the paedophile issue please use the Zenit link at the bottom of the bloglist sidebar here.

Father Z reports on the death and possible toruture of the priest in Mexico at WDTPRS.

Cardinal Newman Society delivers spiritual bouquet to pope

2010-07-30T21:45:00.000+02:00

Irish Priests' Reform movement in process of being launched

2010-07-30T16:47:00.006+02:00

Catholic Culture has the story and gives two further links to the Irish Press which indicate the complexion the movement is intended to take. The article from the Belfast Telegraph is particularly instructive.

By all means priests should have an outlet for their opinions but in the list of stated aims some very 'pointed' language is used. I'll leave it for readers to form their own opinion of what this micht lead to.

Fr. Blake's initiative: English and Welsh priests' open letter in support of Pope Benedict's visit to UK.

2010-07-27T21:20:00.006+02:00

Father Blake first posted about this on July 23 at his blog St Mary Magdalen During that first post Father suggests that perhaps it would be possible to set up something similar to the 'Confraternity of Catholic Clergy' which has been successfully operating in Australia for many years. Fr Tim Finigan has posted on the Hermeneutic of Continuity in support of Fr Blke's move and his gives some very useful links.

Fr. Blake has posted again today and when I last looked 20 priests had signed the letter. If you are a priest listed in the English/Welsh Catholic directory and have not yet seen Fr Blake's posts, please do go over there and consider signing.
If you are an English or Welsh member of the lay faithful I implore you to approach your own parish priest about this initiative. If he doesn't have the Internet, I'm sure responses would reach Fr Ray Blake by writing to him 'snail mail' at St Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. Brighton.

In the meantime, God bless and strengthen Fr. Blake and all the priests who have already signed the letter. May there be many, many more before the dawning of September 16.

In Christo pro Papa

Please pray for the Priests and Faithful of England and Wales.

2010-07-22T20:52:00.003+02:00

Up and down the two countries, Priests are having the painful task of allocating insufficient tickets for access to Papal Masses during the September visit. Many seem to be doing it by pulling names out of a hat at a gathering of their parishioners. In the circumstances, what else can they do? It seems that there are no guidelines as to how this ticlish matter is to be resolved in each parish in a uniform way. The priest has to make his own decision and find his own way. Batches of tickets have been sent to each diocese to distribute among their parishes. In one parish I know of 123 tickets are available; 133 people have signed up to say they want to go. So as not to prolong the agony, it seems that the priest pulled out ten names first, that is, those who would not receive a ticket. (I'm sure my informant will let me know if I've formed a wrong impression here.) The priest has assured the ten that he thinks in the end, they will be able to go, but the uncertainty and the waiting is far from pleasnat to contemplate.

It is constantly stated that there is no point in just turning up. You have to have a ticket, pre-pay at least £25.00 for the privilege, and travel in a Parish or Diocesan group, even if your Parish is in walking distance of the Papal venue.. It is now clear and has been admitted by the organisers, that Security is the priority that has produced this situation. I can understand that, but at the same time, the whole situation is galling (and I mean that in its proper sense). How terrible for a priest to have to enact such an artificial and restrictive separation of members of his flock. How sad and painful for him and them. How deeply troubling for us all.

Yes, security must be the main concern, but I find it absolutely impossible to agree with the official line being put out by 'the authorities', that this visit is going to make UK Catholics feel an increased confiedence that they are a free and accepted part of their society, if they have to be corraled, herded and protected in this way, all the time wondering about the very safety of their chief shepherd.

I beg you to pray for us.

In Christo pro Papa

Beginning to come round.....

2010-07-21T21:33:00.003+02:00

Last night I was able to post on my other blog, The Oasis' for the first time in nine days. I meant to post here too, but time ran out. The post I did manage on the Oasis demonstrates a new and terrifying concern over the Pope's visit to the UK in September. We have the American National Catholic Register to thank for opening our eyes to what may be going on in the build-up to that visit. There is now a new site 'Protect the Pope' and I urge everyone to follow it. (links on the Oasis). The site is responsible, not interested in stirring up fear, but only concerned with circulating accurate information about what Catholicism in England and Wales is up against.

"Protect the Holy Father, through Prayer, Truth, and the Law."

Signing off for a while, but Father Mark gives plenty to pray about

2010-07-10T21:25:00.003+02:00

I've decided to stop blogging at least until I get the results of yesterday's quadruple blood tests. The vertigo already mentioned, continues in spite of new medication and consequently I'm finding day to day chores difficult enough.

However, having read Father Mark's post today, about Priests who have come to hate their own Priesthood, (see Vultus Christi) I have more than enough to occupy me.

Tomorrow is St. Benedict's day. Have a happy and holy feast everyone. May St. Benedict intercede for all his sons and daughters, particularly for our dear Holy Father who bears his name, and for that dear Benedictine in Tulsa.

Will post again as soon as it seems right.

In Christo pro Papa

Papal Mass today at Sulmona

2010-07-04T09:01:00.003+02:00

This will be televised live at 10am French time on kto
EWTN at 8am UK time (3.30am US ET with encore at 12 noon)

For interesting background to this Papal visit see:
http://thoughtsfromoasisinfrenchcatholicism.blogspot.com/

(The doctor failed to visit as promised on Thursday and has not contacted me. Am still not at all well and will be ringing him tomorrow.)

Holy Mass tomorrow evening; doctor's visit in the morning

2010-06-30T20:47:00.003+02:00

Please see http://thoughtsfromoasisinfrenchcatholicism.blogspot.com/

Confession time

2010-06-27T22:31:00.003+02:00

This is to let you know that I've not been well for the last couple of weeks. I had hoped to avoid bothering you with it, but feel I should explain recent lack of postings. Basically I'm having dizzy spells and vertigo and as a result am having to walk with a stick. There has been a slight improvement over the last two days. Will post again as soon as I can. In the meantime, God bless all my readers. Please pray for me.

In Christo pro Papa

The Holy Father's Homily at Sunday's Conferral of Ordination

2010-06-22T14:04:00.003+02:00

For full text, please see here

Pope Benedict's teaching on priestly celibacy

2010-06-15T16:34:00.009+02:00

Sandro Magister has an article which gives full text of the Holy Father's answer to the question about celibacy that he was asked on Thursday evening. The article also traces Pope Benedict's teaching on the subject, going back to 2oo6. Here is the link.

Closure of the Year for Priests: Build-up in Rome

2010-06-10T14:11:00.009+02:00

10,000 priests from 91 countries have gathered in Rome to be with Pope Benedict when he closes the Year for Priests with a Mass from St. Peter's Square tomorrow at 10am (Italian/French time).

1. Yesterday morning kto tv began a joyful series of 'flash' news items which have included brief interviews with French speaking priests currently in Rome . There are over 700 of them, including 30 bishops. (Does anyone know how many priests from England, Wales and Scotland are there? I've just checked the E & W Conference site and there is nothing readily to be found about this three days of events. My apologies if it is there and I just haven't been able to ferret it out.)

Three features stand out in the interviews with the French priests: first their love for and gratitude to Pope Benedict, second their fraternal joy in being together in such large numbers, and third their commitment to a deep internal renewal of their priestly vows and sense of mission, individually and as a body.

Yesterday one of them spoke of an accidental meeting with another priest on the Roman metro and of how wonderful it was for them to chat to each other in French.

In the evening flash the Bishop of Pontoise described the 760-strong march of French Priests along the Appian Way before Vespers at St. John Lateran. The bishop said that during the march he had met a young priest from Provence who normally lives and works alone. The bishop then recounted the joy on that young priest's face at being with so many of his brothers.

This morning the interview was with a priest from Gabon. When asked why he had come to Rome, he said that he had responded to Pope Benedict's invitation as a cry from the heart. In the difficult times we have been going through, the Pope himself has need of comfort in his mission. "I have come to show the Pope how much I love him and how much I love the Church." He concluded by avowing that he wished to renew his own sense of mission, and that it will bear fruit in his own country.

And this afternoon a priest from Togo was asked why he had come. Referring to Pope Benedict, he said, "Because Papa called me." Had this been a year of interior renewal for him? "Yes." And what will remain for him now the year is ending? "Joy in being a priest."

As for us, over at 'Clerical Reform' our vocation is mentioned with gratitude; and at yesterday's General Audience the Holy Father invited the faithful throughout the world to participate with prayer in these closing events.

Have a holy vigil everyone.

In Christo pro Papa

2. Yesterday afternoon in the Paul VI Audience hall Cardinal Bertone addressed several thousand of the priests. For a report on this please see the Zenit report

The Litany of Loreto: Further thoughts

2010-06-07T14:29:00.003+02:00

First of all thanks to epsilon for his suggestions, and to several people who have written to me privately encouraging me not to give up hope. One of these echoed epsilon's suggestion that I mount a petition. I am doubtful of my own ability to do such a thing as my blogs are not sufficiently widely read, but will wait until the end of this week and the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, before reconsidering the matter.

Secondly, I omitted to mention in my last post that my PCED correspondent also said, "We do not know what initiative(s) the Holy Father may take in the closing of the Year for Priests." This encouraged me to continue praying that he may do something special in any case. We now know that in Fatima he consecrated all priests to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the spoken prayer with which he did it was very special indeed. (He even mentioned the many who are consecrated to spiritual motherhood of priests.) In a very important respect, what he did was much more than I had asked for in the letter that never reached him. On the other hand, having this added invocation in the Litany, would be a perpetual reminder of the Year of the Priest and of his consecration in Fatima, a reminder to us all to continue to pray to Our Blessed Mother for all our priests.

Finally a word about the Holy Father's continued promotion of modern communication. The Vatican has moved amazingly rapidly over the past year in response to his lead. However, they have tended to concentrate on outgoing information, and appear to have done little yet about streamlining RECEPTION of information and responding to it. If the response to my letter, and the explanation I received, are anything to go by, Secretariat officials are still operating an old-fashioned system, which does not cope at all satisfactorily with the increased amount of mail received by the Holy Father, and which has the effect of making the flock feel cut off from their shepherd who has inspired them in the first place. Perhaps the next twelve months will see them giving some attention to this side of the communication process. As for emails, those of us who have tried that system to contact the Holy Father, only do so now to register their support for him. There is absolutely no point in asking questions or making suggestions because you simply will not receive a reply.

As for the General Audience epsilon, I never miss it!!!! God bless and thanks again.

email from from my contact in Rome

2010-06-01T12:55:00.008+02:00

You may recall that in March I wrote to the Holy Father, humbly suggesting that perhaps a new invocation could be added to the Litany of Loreto, which would name Our Lady as Mother and Queen of priests. I received a reply signed by the Assessor at the Secretariat of State. His letter made no mention of my request and I felt that it was simply a standard letter, and strongly doubted that the idea had been presented to the Holy Father. Others were in accord with this feeeling and I was given two contacts to write to, one at Ecclesia Dei and the other at the Congregation for Clergy. The former has replied to me by email and I wish to share with you the burden of what he says. It is not good news I'm afraid, in the sense that it tends to confirm my own suspicions and those of several of you who have emailed me privately.

Based on what my contact tells me, here is a brief description of how the Holy Father's daily mountain of incoming mail is filtered by the Secretariat of State. In a case like mine, where a suggestion is being made, the letter will not get past the Assessor (No. 3 in the pecking order) unless there have been several thousand, if not millions of letters suggesting the same thing. If you do break through this barrier your letter goes to the Substitute (No. 2) and beyond that, to the Secretary of State himself (No. 1). I apologise to those of you who already know of this system. I repeat it here only because I know that it will be news to some of you. (All this being said, the Holy Father seems to know how much support he receives in his mail, and therefore without any proof at all, I think the system must divide letters into pro and anti, so I know you will not stop writing to tell him how much you pray for him, support him and love him.)

Of course there has to be a system of this kind. It would be ridiculously naive to imagine that the Holy Father sees every letter that is written to him. The problem is that the reply I received from the Assessor did not even mention my suggestion. So therefore I must assume that mine was the only letter of its kind. I am left utterly in the dark about whether that assumption is correct. Fortunately I know that prayer and penance is the only true and reliable recourse. Nevertheless I felt driven, as one of their resutlts, to write the letter, in which I said as much. I did what I felt I must do. It has come to nothing for the time being and I accept that with no difficulty at all and continue to pray all the while that this addition willl be made to the Litany.

My contact acknowledges that he is a mere official at the PCED and although he is himself of longstanding in that capacity, and sympathetic to my request, he is painfully honest that he cannot help me to further the cause, because he has absolutely no hope at all, in his position, of getting through to the Holy Father. He hopes that I may receive a more positive and authoritative response from Archbishop Piacenza at the Congregation for Clergy. (As yet I have heard nothing from the Congregation.) His reply to me was gentle, kind and painstaking. I have replied, letting him know of my gratitude and that he has made a friend for life. (We are more or less the same age.) And that I believe is the most important thing.

In Christo pro Papa

The Celibacy 'debate'

2010-05-29T21:11:00.006+02:00

Well, I'm not sure its a debate, more a question of the Pope saying one thing, and his former student Cardinal Schonborn saying another. As always Sandro Magister is informative and thorough. Please see here and click the button in sidebar for English translation. The link tells you the page can't be found. Click the 'Did you mean....' suggestion and the right page should come up.

Half of France's Diocesan Priests are 75 or over

2010-05-25T16:26:00.004+02:00

This information was published on Friday in the French daily Catholic newspaper "La Croix". It formed part of the paper's report on a recent statistical study.

There are 14,000 diocesan priests in France and the study found that 7,ooo of them have reached their 75th birthday and beyond, many of them being in advanced old age.

As for the ratio of priests to people, the national average has been worked out at one priest to every 5,200 inhabitants.

The situation in some urban dioceses is critical, for instance Bordeaux, Montpellier, and the suburbs of Paris, with for example at St. Denis, in the latter, one priest to 20,00 inhabitants.

Faced with this situation and the crisis of lack of vocations, the dioceses are calling upon non-incardinated, many of whom are not French; on Deacons; and on ordained members of religious orders. As an example at Pontoise which has 181 priests, there are 51 foreign priests (mostly Polish), 68 are from Religious Orders and only 62 are incardinated to Pontoise.

There does not seem to be any mention of the Traditional Fraternities in full communion with the Church, and which are flourishing in many parts of France, notably the FSSP (not to be confused with the SSPX). It would be disingenuous of me to give the impression that I don't know that the French Bishops' Conference seems largely against the idea of receiving any help from that quarter.

Please spare a prayer for France, the Church's "eldest daughter".

"Clerical Reform" and the rite of Ordination

2010-05-24T14:28:00.004+02:00

In case you haven't already found this, the priest who authors the Clerical Reform blog, is posting an intermittent series on the Rite of Ordination. He has reached Part V in his latest post and began the series on May 12. All Parts are easily found on his blog archive as they are so recent.

A plea for your prayers

2010-05-16T22:52:00.003+02:00

Spiritual Mothers and friends, please pray for the priests of England, Wales and Scotland, lands of Martyrs, in the four months that remain before our Holy Father's visit. And for him above all.

In Christo pro Papa

Pope Benedict Consecrates all priests to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

2010-05-13T14:55:00.003+02:00

Father Mark has the full text of the Holy Father's act of consecration, here at Vultus Christi.

Thank you Holy Father, and to Father Mark for making the text available so quickly.

Priestly news and a question about priestly duties

2010-05-08T12:58:00.004+02:00

My apologies for absence. Explanations would be complicated and time-consuming. Please forgive me.

In the run-up to the end of the Year for Priests, some time ago the Holy Father said he was 'eager' to devote some of his weekly General Audiences to the three marks of the priesthood, - Teaching, Sanctifying and Governing. He began with the first aspect on April 14th and continued this last Wednesday with the second. (Full texts available at the Holy See Site) The third will in likelihood be delayed at least until May 26th because of his visit to Portugal next week, and he will probably devote his Audience of May 19th to a report on this trip. He who hath ears to hear, let him hear!

Two futher items:
Zenit report on Fr Popieluszko: his priesthood and patriotism; and 3,000 priests make pilgrimage to Czestoch0wa

My Question:
I read somewhere recently that the requirement that all priests should offer Mass and recite the Breviary daily, had been abolished. Somehow I missed said abolition. When did it happen? Can anyone clarify?

Two important items today: one for your prayers and one for your consideration

2010-04-30T14:45:00.004+02:00

1. Priest killed in India. Fr Bombacha, 73 R.I.P

2. Priests not immune from temptation, preaches Fr dal Covolo in Rome homily

Year for Priests: Worldwide surge in priests wishing to be with Pope for closing ceremonies.

2010-04-29T20:34:00.015+02:00

On the subject of priests, this is the best piece of news to emerge over the past week. So numerous have been priestly applications that the Congregation for Clergy has been forced to extend its deadline for those who wish to be with the Holy Father in St. Peter's Square for the closing ceremony of this Sacerdotal Year.

"I know my own and my own know me." Yes indeed.

(Having trouble with the link to Catholic Culture.org, where I read about this. I'm afraid you'll just have to trust me until I can sort it.)

Spiritual Mothers of Priests

Apologies, explanations and future plans

Novena for the Church In Ireland begins today

Protect the Seal of Confession

Congregation for Clergy: The Priest, Minister of Divine Mercy

ZENIT - Georg Ratzinger Also Marks 60th Anniversary

News from Birmingham, England

Our dear HSD Fr Mark Kirby speaks this evening at Adoratio 2011 in Rome

Horse drawn carriages bring miniature Bavarian churches to the Vatican

Fr. Mark Daniel Kirby The Chant Café

ZENIT - 7 Priests for Ordinariate; a Parish in USA

Hopes for the US Ordinariate

Pope Benedict's prayer intention for June: Pray for priests

ZENIT - Prayer to Mark Pope's Priestly Anniversary

Priests and Alcohol

ZENIT - Priest Reflects on Old Liturgy in Church's Future

Pope's long-term plan for the Liturgy

Trend shows younger men becoming priests (In U.S.)

Home from Rome

Last post before departure for Rome

Rome update

Improperia Maiora - Popule meus

Next Post: Improperia from the Good Friday Liturgy

"Spiritual Mothers of Priests" going to Rome Blogmeet May 2nd

News of Father George Byers, Father of Mercy

Benedict XVI uses St. Alphonsus Liguori as example to inspire priests

At today's General Audience

Prefect promotes Adoration for Vocations and Holy Clergy

Full text of Pope's address to Seminarians; Cardinal Prefect writes to priests before Lent

Pontiff recommends mentors for young priests ...

Sister Briege McKenna and the Priesthood

Pope urges entire Church to pray for Vocations

Pope sets doves free for world peace

Recommended Reading today

Cardinal Piacenza: Priestly Celibacy Congress in Ars, France

The Holy Face, Manoppello - Paul Badde's new book

Alma redemptoris mater - Peter Philips (1561 - 1628) from Cantiones Sacr...

Cardinal Piacenza: Christmas Message for Priests

The Holy Father entrusts all priests to St. Joseph

Cardinal Piacenza affirms solidarity with the Pope in his care for priests

Twin brothers celebrate 100 years of priesthood

Adventus, POPULUS SION, Giovanni Vianini, Canto Gregoriano

Encourage Priests (new link)

Christmas tree arrives at St. Peter's Square

Pope: nascent life threatened by adults' selfishness

Advent Meditation

Advent hope and prayers

Prayer Request for a priest in crisis

Los jóvenes acogen a Benedicto XVI en la catedral de Barcelona

Five priests concelebrate Mass in Saint Romain

Video 'Priesthood, men with a mission' makes call to change the world

Tomorrow morning: a wonderful surprise

A bit of a grim week.

Not as good a week as last, but it could have been worse

The new Prefect.

Decisions and Regrets

Novena to Blessed John Henry Newman begins tomorrow

Fifth Annual Fast Day for Priests on Saturday October 23rd

Letter from Rome about the Litany of Loreto received on the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows

Crux fidelis

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

British ambassador says criticism of the pope's visit is not widespread

Pope: “Sincere spirit of penance to combat clerical abuses”

Pope Benedict on Hildegarde of Bingen (today's audience) coming next)

The Pope speaks of his doubts in the message calling for WYD Madrid 2011

Computer returned today: Something to be going on with from the Pope - coming next

Benedict XVI to publish book in which he is interviewed by German journa...

Saint Augustine's Day

Lourdes Reopens After Bomb Scare

Bomb scare in Lourdes, no-one hurt; no more posts here until next Monday evening;

Married priests in the first centuries practiced celibacy

The Link between Our Lady and the Priesthood

500th Anniversary - Papal Swiss Guards - 2 of 3

Vaticano - Italy

The Swiss Guard and Vocations: Part 3

The Swiss Guard and Vocations Part 2

The Swiss Guard and Vocations: Part I

Celibate Vocation; Paedophilia a worldwide issue; priest found dead in Mexico

Cardinal Newman Society delivers spiritual bouquet to pope

Irish Priests' Reform movement in process of being launched